The article I just read really enhanced my understanding of what disabled students can accomplish with the new assistive technology being introduced daily.
The article gave examples of students who had to use their eyebrows with a headband to communicate with their computer which would then verbalize what the student was trying to say. Another student who had cerebral palsy could make movements with her cheek that the computer was able to read and then verbalize what she wanted.
Another student who had limited use of both his hands and legs, could not participate in sports but finally found that he was able to participate in the band with the special accommodations made for him by a nearby music store owner. This young man would not give up and when these accommodations were made for him he is now able to participate fully by the use of a joystick that punches the buttons on his tuba-like instrument.
As I hope to go on to earn my credential in special education, and currently volunteer at an alternative school for students with behavioral and emotional problems, learning that these types of assistive technology are becoming more and more accessible to our schools, I was quite pleased with the information I obtained from this article. I wholeheartedly recommend that anyone who hopes to work with the physically, psychologically or learning disabled in the future should read this article and remember that it is possible if you want something bad enough.
Curtis, D.Disabled Bodies, Able Minds: Giving Voice, Movement and Independence to the Physically Challenged. Retrieved at http://www.edutopia.org/assistive-technology-class-school-participation
Hi Claudia,
ReplyDeleteAfter reading your post, I was amazed to see that there was a headband that could be used by disabled students so that they could communicate with their computers. I thing this is a great thing for them because it allows these students the opportunity to say what is on their mind. As a future teacher, I feel that it is very important to include these type of technologies ti better assist our students.
Yes, I was amazed, also and know that as a special education teacher I will work hard with my school district to see that these types of things are made available. With the No Child Left Behind Act being so important in today's schools, it is even more important that all teachers become aware of the many types of accessible materials that are available to students these days, no matter what their disability may be.
DeleteI find it fascinating how advanced technology has come. Although I'm not a huge fan of technology and I think some things should be left as is; I think it is great that technology is used in a very positive way. In cases such as these, where we have disabled students who wish they could do more with their life and these kind of technology is allowing them too has helped many of them with building some type of independence. I agree and also hope that future teachers who wish to help the disabled are introduced to articles such as this one so they have better alternatives to offer their students.
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