Reflections of Assistive Technologies

I can admit that i have never paid that much attention to how it is that the students with disabilities learn. This video really opened my eyes and I was able to see the challenges that these students would have with out these technologies. Some of the technologies that were used in these classrooms were unbelievable to me. I thought that it was amazing that the teachers and others spend this much time making it possible for these students to be successful. Many years ago people with disabilities were never expected to do very much, "They need to practice these independent skills so they can move on to college and careers (video #1, around min 3)."

Some of the technologies that are available to the older students include voice recognized typing, as well as on screen keyboards. Many students are able to use a regular keyboard but having the possibility to use the voice typing is nice for those who can not type normally. Some of the more recognized technologies that these students use are wheel chairs and cell phones to assist with everyday activities. One student in high school is able to use a specially built joystick device making him able to play an instrument that he would not be able to fully play with out this device.

Some of the devices for the younger students include the Ablenet super talker and Ablenet book worm. These two devices were able to change a young boys life and set him on the path to success. With out these devices he may have never begun to feel confident enough to start talking, and especially start reading. The Ablenet super talker is similar to other devices, they have pictures that help the student make thoughts and communicate what they are try to say easily, or what they cant say at all. The Ablenet book work has helped this young boy so much that he is now able to read book with out the help of the book worm. One of the other devices that helped a young man greatly was one that consisted of columns and rows that responded to his only body movement, an eyebrow twitch. This boy is now able to communicate, which is something many thought would never happen.