Technology to the Rescue

After reading the three articles and viewing the video, my definition of assistive technology not necessary changed, but expanded. Having been in the high-tech industry for over 18 years, I have experienced the constant advances and improvements in technology, both hardware and software. I knew that there are tools and software programs available for students with learning disabilities and/or physical handicaps. However, I was amazed how advance some of these technology tools have become. I was impressed by the ingenious design of these tools and programs, particularly the creativeness and the thought process it took for an individual or group of individuals to devise. I was most impress by the student, Lukas, whose motivation and drive was to play the horn. His dream was able to become a reality because of a simple technology device of the joystick that helped him press the keys on the instrument.

In addition, the articles and video made me realized how “normal” individuals can take for granted the every day technology tools designed to be used for a particular purpose, when in fact many of these tools with some tweaking or some simple redesigning to accommodate the individual’s handicap, can be used in other ways. The joystick was one example. Another example is the keyboard where over-sized keys replaced the normal keys and the sound of the letter was added when the key was pressed. It was enlightening to read how this mechanism helped those students who were frustrated with learning how to read using the traditional way.

I believe further advances in technology helping special needs individuals to lead even more of a “normal” life can and will continue. However, as the video mentioned, I believe more awareness as well as more planning using assistive technology needs to be incorporated in our schools. Providing workshops and educational seminars on these amazing trinkets, in the long run, can only benefit our teachers. The more our students have access and are able to use assistive technology tools, the more independent they can become. Nevertheless, there is always the question: How does a school fund and budget for these tools and workshops? With a little investigation and research, ideas including grants, fundraisers, or even private donations by corporations or individuals can be achieved.