Assistive Technolgy, an enabler

Enabling Dreams

Every student that enters a classroom has a right to an education. Despite how difficult in may be it is the teacher’s responsibility to ensure that each student is included in the learning process. With assistive technology, students with disabilities will now be able to participate in a regular classroom far better than they were able to several years before.

It is amazing how much we have progressed with assistive technology. Students who do not have the full use of limbs are now capable of writing essays and playing instruments. Students who have difficulty in walking can now move from one place to the next with ease. Watching the video has opened my eyes to how much these students are grateful for this kind of technology.

When a teacher plans a lesson, it is very important to consider the students that are involved. If a student has a disability and is using assistive technology, the teacher must plan a lesson that will allow the student to participate with the use of the AT. The teacher should never plan a lesson that leaves the student out. Things to consider when planning a lesson:

1) Will the student be able to participate with or without the AT?
2) Will an alternative activity be possible for the student with a disability if the whole-class activity does not permit him to participate?

If there is no way a student can participate in the lesson with the use of the AT then the lesson must be modified.

Assistive technology allows the student to overcome their disability and gives a much needed self-esteem boost. It levels the playing field with students in the regular classroom and allows the student with a disability to reach their full potential. They are no longer confined by their disabilities but now have dreams to fulfill. Now it is up to the teacher to help those dreams become a reality.