The Pros And Cons Of Assistive Technology

Special writing aids help visually impaired people write in straight lines, while Braille and large-print and audio-cassette books help them read and write.

It is necessary for teachers and IEP committees to consider assistive technology for students with disabilities because AT offers many different benefits to students. AT can be used to assist students with communication deficits, assist students in completing assigned daily tasks, as well as assisting students in accessing materials and navigating the classroom. Assistive technology allows students to meet their goals academically and it allows students to access and

Many places now have adapted well for those with disabilities and have for example opened up corridors and made slops for those using physical aids such as sticks, frames and wheelchairs enabling those with disabilities able to join in with social events with others.

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).

The former US President Bill Clinton said, “New information and communications technologies can improve the quality of life for people with disabilities, but only if such technologies are designed from the beginning, so that everyone can use them.” Discussing disabilities in general will take longer than one day. I am going to talk about physical disabilities .As the Longman dictionary defines physical disability is a limitation of a person 's physical functioning, mobility, dexterity and stamina. The issue of disability is not just a matter that concerns disabled people. It has been the problem for ages in the American history and if it is not controlled it can cause big fight. When someone is disabled, it does not mean that he or she cannot be educated. According to the Washington Post, education is the breath of life, without it man cannot survive. Education is free in America, which means everyone can obtain an equal education. One would ask if colleges have gone too far to accommodate students with disabilities. Colleges have not gone far enough to support the disabled.

Braille – This is helpful for blind people to be able to read and understand what they may need to read or even to communicate to people if they are also blind. There are lots of items that come in braille now.

There are communication access real-time translation or CART this provides another form of communication. “This is when words are spoken, a CART provider, or translator, types them on the computer for a deaf or hearing-impaired person to read” (Dunlap, 2011). There are also assistive listening devices, which are technology aids, the deaf and hard of hearing in many ways. “Assistive listening devices or ALD’s help people hear better in cases of background noise or bad acoustics” (Dunlap, 2011).

A practitioner with an individual with a disability in their care could engage assistive technology to help the child carry out tasks that may otherwise be difficult. This will also benefit the child’s social development as they will feel included in being able to carry out similar tasks as their peers. Keeping a direct link with intervention such as SLC therapists, social workers and physiotherapists can be a key aspect of meeting children’s needs when necessary to do so; alongside this providing security and stable relationships for children to reply on and understanding changes in behaviour. These are important adaptations when referring to children with behavioural issues, disability or children going through emotional

Assistive technology positively affects parenting and family members. They help disabled children feel more acknowledge and free to do things they couldn't do. I love how technology was made to help parents who have special need children. This helps them know that their is help and their will always be a way. Even if the way might be difficult, there is a way. Never give up. There are opportunities in this world. Dreams do come true. Even if its a special or unique way to do something in life, it will happen.

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.

ICBVI or Idaho commission for the blind and visually impaired has many amazing services for adults, seniors, and youth to help make day to day activities easier. ICBVI has some (high tech/low tech) assistive technology to loan and sell to help with reading or using technology. Assistive technology helps people with visual impairments accomplish what they need to do in an alternative way like adding text to speech so when you are typing something it will say it back to you, or it could just be a magnifier that zooms in on the screen. I came to ICBVI for some bioptics and they are great I went to Dr. Hanson and got an eye exam then a couple weeks later I got my bioptics so I can drive. There are other programs like SWEP (Summer Work Experience

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.

Therefore, “physical and cognitive limitations are no longer impenetrable roadblocks to the development of communication” (Kuder, 2008, p.355). The notion that of assistive technology hinders students’ speech and language development is unfounded since “there is evidence that individuals who may use ACC devices and systems can increase their production of spoken language” (Kuder, 2008, p.355). If the assistive technology is used appropriately students can actively participate in school activities and meet state standards. For example, students can meet the Florida state standard LAFS.K12.SL.2: Presentation of Knowledge and Ideas by participating in class presentations involving oral or written forms of communication with the aid of the text-to-speech and word/ phrase prediction tools offered by the assistive technology Tobii M Series. Moreover, its benefits for speech and language impaired persons in a classroom setting are extensive as “a new-found ability to communicate often significantly improves a person’s overall prognosis and may prevent serious problems in the areas of behavior, learning, reading, and social development” (Downey & Hurtig, 2003, p.466). Outcomes vary since the users’ “attitude, atmosphere, and apt situation play a big in the role of any communication” (Sangeetha, 2012, p. 336). Undeniably, assistive technology is indispensable and needed, especially in an inclusive community where disabled persons are mainstreamed into general education

The use of technology in educating children with special needs has widely grown in the past few decades. Individuals with special needs are unique and all have different areas in which they need assistance. Due to the advancements in assistive technology, computer programs, software, and other technology tools, it has become much easier for people to find useful and easier ways to become educated. Because of this, “technology has changed the way people with disabilities live, work, and learn.” (Winzer,98)