Reflections of Assisstive Technologies

Assistive technologies have potential to open up opportunities for individuals with special needs. This includes enhancing social opportunities, expressing learning, communicating with teachers, peers, or others, and even working. Individuals without a device or without a proper device for them can often feel frustrated trying to do everyday tasks. This is where assistive technology tools make a significant impact in the life of a person and their family.

Through the various videos, I gained insight into different types of assistive technologies for various purposes. The first is the use of a communication device such as a Pathfinder or Dynavox. These two tools communicate for an individual and some models can be used through eye gazes. For Elle, this means that she can share with others what she wants or understands. This alleviates her from being left out. A tool for a vision impaired child, like Mason, is the use of a typewriter like device that will actually print in Braille what is typed and will speak what letters is being printed. This allows Mason to understand Braille and participate in assignments like his peers. One of the videos showed a man named Jared. He uses a Sip and Puff to control a program called Switch XS on his computer. This allows him to own his own web design company and communicate with others around the world.

There are other technology tools that we utilize on a more frequent basis, but we do not necessarily use them for assistive technology. One of these is the use of the iPad. This tool is very important to Jean because she is able to access all of her content, have it read aloud to her, and have everything she needs in one place. She uses her hearing aid boots to amplify sound in her classroom and on her iPad. Mason uses the iPad to see large font, and the iPad allows him to zoom in on letters and words. In addition to hardware, there are other software programs that serve as assistive technologies. One of these is called Read2Go which is an app that will highlight and read words in books or on the screen. Joseph uses this to help him stay focused. There is a variety of hardware and software available to assist individuals in their everyday activities whether it is educational or work related. For the individuals whose stories I watched, not only were their lives impacted, but their families were changed as well.