Assistive Technology

                Assistive technology, if I had been asked what that was a year ago, I’d probably just say that its something we use to help us in everyday life. Seeing assistive technology  in the classroom and using it have deepened my understanding for its use. I’ve only seen a handful of students who had to use an assistive electronic device in all of their classes in my teaching these past two year. It was a surprise to me and I thought it was very interesting to see the interactions when the devices were utilized. We’ve come so far in this world using technology in so many ways and it’s a blessing to see that those who need a little extra help can go a long way when using technology.

When I began to watch a video about assistive technology, it reminded me of a book I had read a few years ago. It was about a girl that was basically confined to a wheelchair and couldn’t speak or do anything without help. Although she was unable to verbally say everything that was going on in her mind, she was very intelligent and picked up on new concepts quite easily. As she began school and was introduced to an assistive device she showed just how smart she was through her computer that would speak for her. It really is amazing to think of how much of an impact these devices can have on those that need them. As a teacher, wanting to be able to prepare our students to be independent and work on their own while making their own choices is the main goal. The National Institute of Health brings up how appropriate assistive technology provided to students who need them will enable them to become more independent and be able to access information better.

I had one student that was hard of hearing and required a hearing aid for her classes. At first I had no idea I had to speak into a microphone that I would attach to my shirt during every lesson for her to really hear me well, plus she sat right in of me in class and she never mentioned that she had an assistive tool that I needed to use in class. It wasn’t until I was called in for a workshop on how to use these hearing devices and some other tips to help with her hearing. I had to remind myself that I needed to repeat instructions from time to time, and when I used the microphone it made things easier because the message would be relayed straight to the hearing aid she was wearing.   

            Being able to give each student in the classroom the opportunity to learn to their best abilities is one of any teachers’ main goals. This also includes incorporating using different methods and tools to do so as well as for those who may need the extra help that they can get. When it comes to using these assistive devices, I have come across the term Universal Design for Learning (UDL) which is essential using the principle of equity for all students. UDL’s essentially provide ways of representation, action and expression and engagement for all student. “The goal of UDL is to present school subjects so that all learners can access the information, and to give learners different ways to demonstrate their knowledge.” (Morin,A. 2014) This should be an added philosophy to any educator to ensure that their students get what they need to succeed.  

National Institute of Health. (2012) How does rehabilitative & assistive technology benefit people with disabilities? Retrieved June 10, 2016, from https://www.nihd.nih.gov/health/topics/rehabtech/conditioninfo/pages/help.aspx

Morin, A. (2014) Universal Design for Learning: What It Is and How It Works. Retrieved June 10, 2016, from https://www.understood.org/en/school-learning/assistive-technology/assistive-technologies-basics/universal-design-for-learning-what-it-is-and-how-it-works

Technonlogy Assessment - Enabling Dreams
http://www.edutopia.org/assistive-technology-enabling-dreams-video