How Do Teachers and Students Benefit from Assistive
Technology?
A lot of students
with physical, sensory or cognitive disabilities face barriers to learning
every day. Those with motor disabilities may not be able to hold a pencil to write answers
on a test, or lack the adroitness to use the compass for a math lesson. And
they may not also be able to decipher words in printed text.
Teachers of
students with learning difficulties have been working to provide alternative
ways for their students to learn in different ways. Technologies have been developed with far
reaching impact on the learning capability of the students in special
education. Computers have become an essential literacy and enabling tool in all
levels of society. When Assistive Technology is integrated into the classroom,
students are given multiple means to complete their work, and focus on
achieving academic standards.
Any device
and program of Assistive technology is
an indispensable tool that assists students with disabilities to accomplish things
more quickly, easily and independently. It can be elaborate and expensive, or it
can also be simple and with low-cost. Assistive technology services are also available
for support in the use of assistive technology devices, such as:
- · assistive technology evaluations,
- · equipment maintenance,
- · technical assistance,
- · demonstration or training.
In any
special education schools, Assistive Technology
is able to provide accommodations, modifications or adaptations made to the learning
environment, curriculum, instruction, or assessment practices. With inclusive
schools becoming the norm, the creative design of the curriculum may depend on the
Assistive Technology in place.
The
flexibility of an Assistive
Tool enables a
student with poor vision to use or see enlarged texts. If a student has motor
difficulties, he can overcome it by allowing him to use enlarged and simplified
computer keyboard. Even non-verbal students can be made “callers” for a game of
“Red Light/Green Light” by using a talking switch. There may be a case when a
student can comprehend history at the upper grade level, but can read only at
the lower grade level, he can be made to read a textbook with the help of a
computer that scans and reads texts. Assistive
Technology allows teachers to address students’ strengths as well as their
weaknesses by helping the teachers easily organize and build educational tools
and materials.
Assistive
Technology can support the students’ participation in their learning
experiences in the least restrictive environment. This is especially true for
students with disabilities that interfere with their communication, learning,
social relationships and interactions, or active participation. Assistive
Technology can therefore be considered the lifeline that increases a special
education student’s opportunities for learning, social interactions, and
meaningful employment.
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