Assistive Technology is IMPORTANT!

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.