Helpful Hardware for the Physically Challenged Essay

1.Name at least three items that could be considered AT and describe how those devices could support a student with a disability in the classroom.

An assistive technology device can be an item, software system, or piece of equipment used to increase, improve, or maintain the functional capabilities of a student with disabilities. It can help a person with a disability complete tasks they need to perform on a daily basis. Assistive technology services serve to directly assist students with disabilities in the selection or use of an assistive technology device. For some students with disabilities, assistive technology is important because they would not be able to benefit form their educational program. Assistive technology is a part of the Individualized Education Plan for each student. The educational team for the student must ask if there is a device that will improve their functional capabilities. If the educational team discovers that the child could benefit from a device that fits that description, the school district is required to provide the service along with training to use the device (Lewis, 1998).

This technology includes voice amplifiers, wheelchair software, and other computing software to assist learning for those with a disabilities. The technology used is high tech especially in the wheelchair software. If the system was to fail it could lead to potential distress or harm of the individual in the wheelchair. In addition, staff must be properly trained so they are capable of carrying out the software

In addition to these components windows is compatible with numerous other programs and hardware components that are designed to enhance the lives of those who are blind or visually impaired. More recently Microsoft has also included Braille output devises and other hardware components in their product lines.

With new technology comes new ways to let disabilied people use more items. An example is, voice recognition screen readers can help peole who are blind. For instance, eye-tracking programs can make using computers simple for people who can´t move their hands.

In this artifact, I researched for alternative technological tool(see Assistive technology.doc) for students with disabilities to represent how technology could be a great assistance for them. This assignment represents how technology could be used by all students no matter what they need. Therefore, in this assignment, I looked for tools and ways to implement access to technology resources for students who have neuromuscular difficulties, and/or difficulties of counting with her finger to show that there are varieties of technological tool for all the needs.

In the Overview of Assistive Technology and Implementation Video by Margina Busby, she gives a lecture on what assistive technology is and how it can be used in the classroom. I learned that assistive technology is “any item, piece of equipment or product system, whether acquired commercially off the shelf, modified, or customized that is used to increase, maintain, or improve capabilities of individuals with disabilities.” Some examples of assisted technology are calculators, pencil grips, pocket dictionaries, communication systems (with or without voice output), adapted textbooks, and modified utensils. It is interesting to see all of the different forms of assistive technology that can be used in the classroom. I am currently taking a class

It’s the 21st century and the world is experiencing an all time high in innovations in technology. These innovations in technology have helped the world break many communication barriers. Cellular phones make it easy to call anyone around the world with the press of a few buttons. Webcams and computers are used to help one video chat and send emails all in the matter of a few minuets. Due to these innovations many people with disabilities find it easier to communicate as well. This new technology has led to a greater acceptance and inclusion of people with disabilities in society. For example, deaf people can use Facetime to call each other and sign through there. There also have been many applications developed for our hand held devices to

Living and learning with assistive technologies (AT) for disabled people is allowing them to lead virtually normal lives. Assistive technology in action videos I have recently watched introduced me to 3 people who are being assisted by this cutting edge technology.

Individuals with sight problems can adjust color and brightness to assist them in viewing programs. Children with hearing problems can adjust volume controls and replace noise commands with visual commands. For example, if a child clicks on a program that is unable to open, they can program the computer to respond with a verbal message informing them of the inaccessible program, as opposed to the usual noise response. “Laptop computers can provide high-tech tools for note taking because of their mobility”(Barfield, 2003, p. 1). Customized computers also offer many different options for individuals depending on their needs. Touch screens, and touch pads enable an individual to use a computer by simply touching a screen or pad with his/her finger. “This often allows students who have fine motor problems, inaccurate keyboard skills, or problems with spelling to complete programs without frustration (Olson, 2000, p. 344). Voice activated computers allow students to use a microphone to enter information into the computer. Positions of buttons and switches can also be changed to accommodate an individuals certain needs. Other parts of the computer can also be altered to aid an individual with special needs. For example, individuals with limited motor control often use a key guard. “A keyguard is a keyboard overlay with holes positioned over each key. This assists in stabilization of finger, hand, or stick movement (Ray, 1995, p.

This week Dawn has learned that just because someone has an impairment or disability does not necessarily mean that they are handicap. For instance, a blind person can live a very normal life and use their other senses such as touch, hearing and smell to navigate their way around any particular obstacle. However, due to their blindness, it would be impossible to operate a motor vehicle. Such as in the video “Ben the Blind Boy” that Dawn wrote about in previous weeks.

of those with disabilities by allowing them opportunities they may not have had otherwise. It has

In today’s lab, we looked at the proper use, maneuverability, and basic components of wheelchairs. I have never been exposed to wheelchair directly before entering this program. I have indirectly seen lifts and elevators for wheelchair users in the past. In this reflection, I am going to take the skills and facts I learned in the lecture and lab today and attempt to apply it to questions regarding measuring, safety, and personal challenges I faced as a wheelchair user.

The Dynavox as well as the other communication devices have aided in providing disabled people with communication tools used in everyday situations.

In today’s world’s population there are about 285 million people who are blind or visually impaired and this number is increasing rapidly, so it is crucial to create new devices to make their lives easier. Since 1921, the most common mobility aid for blind people has been the white cane and it was recognized as a tool to also alert people that the individual using it was visually impaired (Philip strong, 2009). However, white canes can only detect obstacles at ground level and anything within 1m of the user which is a big downside of this tool and is the reason why there are researches on designing more efficient mobility aids for the visually impaired. The main aim of designing practical tools for the blind, is to enable them to move