It has been estimated that 54 million people or 20.6 percent of all Americans have some level of disability (standards.gov). Assistive technology helps make life easier for people with disabilities. Assistive technology (AT) can be defined as any item, piece of equipment, or product system, whether acquired commercially off the shelf, modified, or customized, that is used to increase, maintain, or improve the functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities (standards.gov). Assistive technology is not only something that runs by a computer but it can also be something concrete like rails or low, custom furniture.
A few examples include:
A few examples include:
- Toilets and showers equipped with grab bars for persons who may fall easily or require supports
- A computer that can be programmed to talk for individuals who cannot speak
- Wheelchairs, both manual and power, for individuals who cannot walk due to paralysis or weakness in their legs
- Hearing aids and other amplification devices for individuals with hearing loss
- Large screen computers for individuals with visual problems
- Devices that operate lamps, radios and other appliances through a remote control switching device, that might be attached to a person's wheelchair (standards.gov)
I will incorporate awarness of AT in my teaching by keeping up on the latest devices and services; reading articles, visiting webinars, communicating with the resource teacher in my school and other staff, and possibly going to a conference. I will keep a record of resources for families as well. As I teacher I want to provide the best practice, experience, and environment for my students and part of the solution is to learn about the different resources out there. I think it's a good idea to learn about your students before the school year begins and see if there are any devices or services that any of the students will be using, this way you are prepared to help them.
References:
Resources:
http://atlaak.org/ Assistive Technology of Alaska. It provides webinars and other information about AT.
http://www.abledata.com/abledata.cfm?pageid=19327&ksectionid=19327 tells about the different products out there and where to find them for different types of disabilities
I really enjoyed reading your blog. I thought you did a great job of really showing what assistive technology is and what it can really do to affect these peoples lives not only in education but also how they live and function. The implants are a wonderful tool of assistive technology. Without them these children would never hear anything.
ReplyDeleteI just learned about cochlear implants a couple of years ago, and I just find them amazing! There are so many new technologies coming out to help people with real problems. :)
ReplyDeleteI like that you mentioned that AT doesn't need to be anything super high-tech; it can be as simple as rails or low furniture. I remember having to make a discussion board post on "universal design" in EDSE 482. I like that concept because it makes it so that many people with physical disabilities are not "singled out" in our society; by installing handrails or ramps or making the furniture accommodate ALL people, everyone can benefit, not just those who "obviously" need assistance.
ReplyDeleteYou made another good point in that it is a good idea to know something about our students' needs before school starts so we are prepared to help them. Not only does that help you to feel more comfortable, but I think it helps the student and the student's parents feel more comfortable as well.
I agree that having an open house is to meet students and their family prior to the school year is important to understanding how a teacher can better adapt their classroom to meet the needs of students. I think it would be a lot less stressful for everyone to know what to expect in the upcoming year. I like that you point out that schools are required to have assistive technology to students that need it. It is good to point out that meeting the needs of students is not only the responsibility of a teacher, but involves everyone’s help to give students the best chance of being successful in the classroom.
ReplyDeleteI liked how you talked about how assistive technology is useful in everyday life and in an educational setting. I think that as a teacher it is important to stay on top of new developments in this area to be able to allow all students a great learning experience. I think your idea about learning about the students before the school year is important. This will allow you as a teacher to set up the room to accommodate all students before they arrive.
ReplyDeleteMarina I really enjoyed that you shared that 20.6 million people have some sort of disablity, it shows how important it really is to have these assistive technologies. I don't think people realize how much assistive technology relates to eductaction, but imagine how hard it would be to read if you had hearing impairments? I remember a student with hearing aid in my elementary school, the teacher talked in a microphone that went directly to the student, this technology was vital to his learning. Great review and information about assisitive technology.
ReplyDeleteReally interesting statistics! I also likes how you mentioned a wide variety of what may be considered AT. I think that it is important that a child's disability may have nothing to do with their learning, but how they get around the classroom. Which is why it is so important to make sure that you pay attention to each student so you make sure that you are meeting their needs to learn.
ReplyDelete