Reflection...

This journey through learning about assistive technology has given me a lot of knowledge to better assist my current and future students. Assistive technology is a great way to give students a better chance at achieving their goals using any device from low-tech to high-tech. Low-tech devices can mean something as simple as a a pencil grip to a slant board, with high-tech being something similar to a touch tablet or voice recognition software. The study and exploration of assistive technology has taught me about the wide range of materials that are classified as assistive technology devices. I have also learned about the many steps that go into the selection process of an AT device. When selecting an AT device you have to take into consideration the school and environment, students age, abilities, parent involvement, and the amount of training available for the device. An important aspect of incorporating AT is to make sure that the child and family receive proper and adequate training on the device being utilized. I have also learned about how important it is to incorporate Universal Design into your lessons. Universal Design is a way to design lessons so that all students may benefit. Using a variety of approaches and materials can help achieve this goal. I learned about so many resources that are available to us as teachers to help ensure we are using all the aspects of UDL (multiple means of representation, multiple means of action & expression, and multiple means of engagement). I was even able to go back a revise one of my own lesson plans to include more UDL features, which was a great learning experience! Assistive technology is an important piece of each child’s puzzle and I am glad that I was able to learn about this aspect of special education. I look forward to enhancing the lives of many students using the knowledge I have gained throughout this journey. I will continue to build my knowledge base in the area of assistive technology as well as other areas.

Important of Transition Planning for College in High School

In order to access and use technology tools effectively in college, students with disabilities must be adequately prepared in high school. Access to technology that leads to greater success in high school and postsecondary environments has the potential to improve career outcomes for students with disabilities. Transition planning is especially important in high school for special education students who wish to go on to college. Transition planning in PA is required to begin by the students 14^th birthday, therefore transitioning is extremely important. Also, it is imperative that the students’ parents be involved in this process as well. We need to know what the parent’s expectations and visions are for the student. It is also helpful to have this discussion earlier to attempt to avoid any surprise complications in the future.

Effective planning is key!!

Assistive Technology as a Reasonable Accommodation for Students with Disabilities in College

Assistive Technology as a Reasonable Accommodation for Students with Disabilities in College 

Under Section 504 and the ADA, colleges must provide, at no cost to the student, reasonable accommodations to make their programs accessible to students with disabilities.

For example: 

- scheduling a class in a first-floor classroom to accommodate a student who uses a wheelchair

- providing sign language interpreters for a student who is deaf

- arranging for extended time on tests for a student who has learning disabilities

- use of portable note taker

- use of handheld spell checker

- books in alternative formats

- video relay system

- screen magnification applications

 

Handheld Spell Checker

Book Magnification

Sign Language Interpreter