Assistive technologies are devices or software to aid people in everyday living and learning, however not all assistive technologies are high tech. An example of assistive technology is being able to speak into a device that turns the spoken words into written text. For some people, this type of software may be a convenience, but to others who encounter various issues in their daily lives this is a tremendous help. Assistive technologies help boost deficits while encouraging strengths. However, it cannot fix inadequate teaching or attention deficits.
Assistive technologies do not cure disabilities, but they aid in learning. Sometimes students need accommodations in order to learn in the best way s/he can. Assistive technologies are accommodations made for students who learn in different ways. There are four main types of accommodations: Presentation, Response, Setting, Timing and Scheduling. Examples of each type:
- Presentation - listening to an audiobook instead of reading text
- Response - speaking an answer instead of writing it
- Setting - studying in a separate room with fewer distractions
- Timing and Scheduling - allowing extra time to complete assignments
Assistive technologies appear within the examples above. Audiobooks are played on a machine so that the student(s) can hear aloud. S/he may even listen on headphones to make the sound clearer and it may help the student(s) to remain more focused with fewer distractions. Student(s) may also use a timer to remain on track with certain assignments. These accommodations enable student(s) to learn the same material as others, but in a different way. Accommodations must be written in a legal document with the school district. Concerned parents may contact the teacher to further pursue the need for accommodations and assistive technologies.
Assistive Technology: An Overview
There are different levels of assistive technologies to accommodate the varying levels of learning. The low level may be something as simple as a laptop stand. Some students need some medium accommodations that might include alternative mice or keyboards whereas other students may need higher level of technology where specialist training may be necessary. Overall it is necessary to find what fits with individual needs. The bottom line is that it takes expertise and persistence to find what will work depending upon individual circumstances. The computer era has allowed people at all levels to have a greater amount of educational opportunities.
Along with the many benefits that assistive technologies provide, there are also setbacks or negatives to assistive technologies. For example, technology changes so rapidly that new and improved products become available so quickly. With that being said, student(s) need to be reevaluated periodically, just as the technology being used needs to be reevaluated to determine its effectiveness. Another negative is that technologies can be very expensive and cost prohibitive. Another downfall may be that the person who needs the assistive technologies may be against using it if it emphasizes the disability too much.
MY THOUGHTS
Assistive technologies give people tremendous opportunities through many levels. Whether a student is in need of something simple, such as a highlighter, or something more involved, such as an app for web reading, there are accommodations to meet all levels of ability.
I am a member of a book club. Last night at the beginning of book club, a friend happened to walk past and said that she would like to join the club, but she cannot do anything until she gets new glasses. She told us that she had not been to an eye doctor for over seven years and she already had poor eyesight. Suggestions we gave her off the bat were large print books, audiobooks, or magnifier. She said that she already uses a magnifier at her work. There are a couple bits of advice from this story:
1. Assistive technologies are available.
2. Do not wait seven years to see an eye doctor, especially when you have glasses already.
Although I do not need assistive technologies, I see the whole idea of any technology that can help a wonderful idea. Assistive technologies can enable learning to take place where it may not have without it. It can provide people with dependence and a brighter social outlook since technology is a large part of today's society. If an assistive technology seems out of range to obtain, I believe that if someone wants something badly enough, there is a way to get it. Of course, there has to be enough reason and evidence of need to pursue the technology.
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