Today’s society
thrives on the benefits of all types of technology. Technology is a tool that
can be used for communication, mobility, and even save lives. Assistive
technology is essential in aiding students with disabilities. It is through the
use of assistive technology that students are able to make their days more
manageable. According to Education
Journal, this type of technology and its service is referred to as:
The term assistive technology
service means any service that directly assists an individual with a disability
in the selection, acquisition or use of an assistive technology device. The
term assistive technology device means any item piece of equipment of product
system, whether acquired commercially, off the shelf, modified or customized
that is used to increase, maintain or improve functional capabilities of
individuals with disabilities
Assistive
technology should be used in all schools. The service assistive technology
provides students with disabilities is truly remarkable. Students who cannot
walk, speak, or have proper motor control function are able to perform in
school with the help of these amazing tools. A study done on Reading Comprehension
for students with learning disabilities that was published in the Assistive Technology Outcomes and Benefits journal
states:
A multi-year study on
assistive technology for postsecondary students with learning disabilities was
conducted...Higgins and Raskind examined the use of optical character
recognition and speech synthesis and their compensatory value in addressing reading
comprehension difficulties…The findings demonstrated an increase in performance
for the students with the lowest silent reading scores. That is, the students
with the lowest silent reading scores improved most with the use of the
technology support.” (Floyd 50)
With the help of assistive
technology these students were able to not only increase their performance in
reading comprehension, their self-confidence was boosted as well. Assistive
technology gave these children a chance to improve the skills they already had
and perfect them over a period of time.
As an educator, I have to be
constantly aware of my students with disabilities. I must always include them
in every activity we do in class and treat them as I would any other student.
First, I would modify my lessons plans to meet their needs and provide whatever
accommodations necessary to make that student comfortable. Second, during
lessons and activities I would make sure that whatever physical activities we
do, that student is able to partake in as well. In theatre, we are always on
our feet, moving around on stage and acting. Whatever assistance that student
may need, whether it be a ramp or assistive speaking tool to participate, I would
make sure it would all be available prior to class time.
Dyal, A., Carpenter, L., &
Wright, J. V. (2009). Assistive Technology: What Every School Leader Should
Know. Education, 129(3), 556-560.
Floyd, K. K., & Judge, S. L. (2012). The Efficacy of Assistive
Technology on Reading Comprehension for Postsecondary Students with Learning
Disabilities. Assistive Technology Outcomes And Benefits, 8(1),
48-64.
Hi:
ReplyDeleteNicely written
-j-