Assistive Technology

“For people without disabilities, technology makes things easier. For people with disabilities, technology makes things possible (Assistive technology and AEM, n.d.). I thought this quote from Mary Pat Radabaugh, former Director of International Business Machines National Support Center for Persons with Disabilities, was perfect for this topic on assistive technology because it sums up the importance of technology in the empowerment of people with disabilities. The internet has become one of the greatest tool of all time for enhancing student learning. Technology is a beautiful thing and it has evolved in tremendous ways since it was first introduced. It breaks down barriers and brings mind together. The internet has become one of the greatest tool of all time for enhancing student learning.

According to the video, "How Assistive Technology Enables Dreams," narrator Kris Welch mentioned that technology gave students a platform to be creative, and allowed for quick and easy research. However, for Susanna Martini, a disabled student at the University of Washington, technology did much more for her; it was "a lifeline", something she heavily depended on to provide a means of escape from a difficult situation (The George Lucas Educational Foundation, 2005). Martini was affected by cerebral palsy. "Cerebral" meaning "of the brain" and "palsy" meaning "lack of muscle control" (Imms & Dodd, 2010). The physical disability affected the movement and posture in the human body. The message from the video was very empowering because it informs people of how technology could really help a person's life and this is something that more people need to be aware of.

Unfortunately, Martini mentioned how in high school she was not given the proper technology to help her with her education and when she went to college, nothing changed. Martini was not given the proper technology to allow her to complete assignments or aide her in getting around the campus until her mother made them, which is very disappointing to her how the schools she has attended would not immediately offer assistive technology to their disabled students.

According to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), a federal law that requires schools to serve the educational needs of eligible students with disabilities, "schools must find and evaluate students suspected of having disabilities at no cost to parents", although, "not every child with learning and attention issues qualifies under IDEA" (Lee, 2017). By utilizing assistive technology in the classroom, teachers and the school grant disabled students an opportunity to interact and participate in classroom discussions/activities. It allows students with special needs to feel included. No student should be left behind.

As future educators, it is crucial that our lesson plans are suited for both, abled and disabled students. Students with special needs have a hard time comprehending instruction. So, it would be good for teachers to break down, or structure the lessons, into manageable tasks that will aide in their success. Teachers have to find the balance in making sure that all their students are receiving equal amount of help and attention. I believe that teacher efficacy plays a big role in a child's educational experience. When a teacher revises their lesson plans to include students with special needs, their teacher efficacy, the belief in what their students are cable of, shines bright. When students feel the care and nurture from their teacher, their motivation to excel and learn will show, and their engagement will grow.

Moreover, in high school, I had the opportunity to observe firsthand the impact of assistive technology in a person's daily routine. Surprisingly, this technology played a pivotal role in her life. Her name was Maria, a girl who was born blind, yet was able to attend, and excel in her education. Interestingly, she always carried a portable technological device with her. The laptop was not the typical Macbook Pro or HP laptop. It resembled a typewriter, incorporated with a tablet. I was fascinated with this technology because I have not seen anything like this before.

Furthermore, the laptop was an assistive technology; specifically, it was used to increase, maintain, or improve the functional capabilities of her disability. Some common assistive technology include wheelchairs, scooters, walkers, canes, crutches, prosthetic devices, and orthotic devices for people with physical disabilities that affect movement to enhance their mobility. However, Maria did not let her disability be her downfall. Instead, she was able to work around her disability. With the help of technology, Maria graduated high school with her class.

Ultimately, I have always wondered what she was going to do after high school. Recently, during my passing time in college, I saw her in our campus library and it warmed my heart seeing the example she was setting for disabled students. Typically, most people have this stereotypical image that disabled students are not capable of working in the real-world or seeking post-secondary education. Maria proved that anything is possible.

Overall, technology has profoundly impacted education. Technology allows users to think of the best and efficient ways to perform tasks. With assistive technology, it gives users hope and another chance, especially with disabled students. Disabled students often have a hard time doing tasks that are easy for most people, which discourages them and prevents them from trying new things. However, with this type of technology, students are able to reach their full potential, especially in education, with the curriculum being easily accessible. Assistive technology enables students to become independent, boosts engagement and nurtures self-confidence.

References:

Assistive technology and AEM. (n.d.) In National center on accessible educational materials. 

Retrieved from http://aem.cast.org/navigating/assistive-

technology.html#.WgHK10yB3Vo

Imms, C. & Dodd, K. (2010). Chapter 2: What is cerebral palsy?. Physiotherapy and
             Occupational Therapy for People with Cerebral Palsy: A Problem Based Approach to 

             Assessment and Management, pp. 7-30. London: Mac Keith Press.

Lee, A. (2017). Individuals with disabilities education act (IDEA): What you need to know.

Understood. Retrieved from https://www.understood.org/en/school-learning/your-childs-

rights/basics-about-childs-rights/individuals-with-disabilities-education-act-idea-what-you-

need-to-know

The George Lucas Educational Foundation. (2005, February 02). Assistive Technology:

Enabling Dreams [Video File]. Retrieved from https://www.edutopia.org/assistive-

technology-enabling-dreams-video