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Autism Assistive Technology Research Paper

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The Latest Trend in Autism Assistive Technology: LAMP
The trend I am reviewing is the use of LAMP technology in helping with the education of non-verbal students, specifically those with full cognitive abilities but suffering from autism. LAMP stands for Language Acquisition through Moto Planning. It is one of the latest devices known as “assistive technology” that is designed to help those with special needs communicate and learn. The goal of LAMP is to give individuals who are nonverbal or have limited speech abilities a method of independently and freely expressing themselves without having to use sign language or an interpreter. The LAMP system can be used an individual computer device or as an application on an IPad. Think of …show more content…

In January of 1928, the American Foundation for the Blind distributed radios to help blind students who could not regularly afford such luxuries. In 1935, the first audio books were made for the phonograph to help the visually impaired students. In 1948, the first transistor hearing aids were developed by Bell Laboratories. This device was strapped to a young student’s chest like a reverse backpack but would eventually lead to the more modern miniature hearing aids. In the 1950’s, electric wheelchairs were introduced, allowing students with little use of their body to move around freely. In 1968, Japan developed the first practical text to speech device, allowing non-verbal people to have a voice finally. As computer technology advanced in the late 1970’s, a device known as the Adaptive Firmware Card was introduced that essentially allowed you to use a computer with just a small switch. This was an important device for allow those with limited use of their hands or body to be able to use a computer. In the early 1980’s, computers began being used in classrooms, which allowed differently abled individuals an alternative way to learn. The 1990’s introduced easier to use computer operating systems, improved text-to-voice devices, and direct FM hearing aid transmissions. Today there are thousands of learning applications that can be installed on smart phones or modern tablet …show more content…

Back then, lawmakers and educators probably did not fully understand the potential that technology would one day have in a classroom, especially on those children who were non-verbal or disabled. Government decisions since then now require the consideration of assistive technology in the development of all individualized educational programs (IEP) for children with disabilities. In 1982, the U.S. Office of Technology Assessment (OTA) published the report: “Technology and Handicapped People”. This report concluded there was a positive impact from assistive technology for those with limitations and the technology can reduce their handicaps in the classroom setting. In 1987, assistive technology was included in the Amendments to the Developmental Disabilities Act. The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 further defined assistive technology as being within the framework of civil rights. Federal policies and programs are going to have to consider these new technologies that are coming every day. The goal of much of this new technology is to provide equal access to education for all children. Certainly as technology advances, so too will the cost to schools and educators to keep up with the latest

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