BLOG C- Assistive Technology

Universal design and assistive technology is a great concept and tool that all teachers should have access to, and should use within their classrooms. By using these new technologies teachers are able to adapt to student’s different needs. Not only are these technologies beneficial for teachers in their integration of all students, but it allows for students with disabilities and challenges to feel as though they are apart of a classroom without having to leave. These new technologies also aren’t just for students will special needs. Teachers can incorporate these tools into their classroom for all students to use.
When speaking of universal design one may ask what that concept is or means. Universal design is a concept or tool even that allows for teachers to accommodate to all students learning differences within their classrooms. Universal design consists of new technological materials and tools that allow for teachers to help students with disabilities learn more efficiently and successfully. The tools that these teachers use are sometimes modified activities or tools that students who do not have disabilities use. For example traditional students are able to use a keyboard on a computer. Sometime some students are unable to use the normal keyboards. So an example of an assistive technology would be a larger keyboard with larger keys that would be plugged into the computer for that particular student to use. By using this tool the student will be able to participate in typing tasks like the rest of the students.
Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act states that when Federal agencies create or post information electronically or using technology that all people will be able to access this information. This means that people with disabilities will have access to these programs or information just as easy as people without disabilities. In looking up this act I found that in the United States, the “Department of Education now requires that states that are funded by the Assistive Technology Act State Grant program (a grant program that supports consumer-driven state projects to improve access to assistive technology devices and services) to comply with section 508.” (http://searchcio.techtarget.com/sDefinition/0,,sid182_gci914785,00.html)
In looking at all the different specific technologies that would help make my classroom more inclusive, I had trouble finding just a few that would help; there are so many that I would love to use. I was very interested in the Start To Finish Books. This is a great way for students who may not be at the same reading level as their peers. Through using this software and kit, students are able to have a copy of the story that looks like a normal chapter book on the outside but inside is presented as an easier chapter book. Also the activities on the software allow for students to be interactive and engaged into what they are reading about. It is just a different route to take when getting students interested into reading and getting involved with the books that they are reading.
Another tool that I thought was great was all the different math manipulatives. Math manipulatives aren’t just a tool that could be used for students with disabilities. These different tools would work on a traditional student who was having trouble visualizing a particular math concept. By using math manipulatives students are able to have a hands on visualization of what they are learning about. Some students need that extra something (such as the tools) to help grasp a concept. They could be used for all your students. For some students, the tools would be that extra something whereas for other students the manipulatives may just be a fun extra aspect to that particular math concept.
Another idea that I really liked was the idea of using the LOMAC system. With access to a LOMAC machine students who may have mobility issues with their arms would be able to participate in a typing activity that other students would be engaging in. With this machine, by using the laser, the particular student(s) are able to type right along side their peers. It allows them to feel as though they are apart of their class and not have to sit out because they are unable to use their hands.
Lastly one other tool that is really simple that could be used for all students would be to use mini recorders or tape recorders so that students can remember what their tasks are. The student would be able to record assignments that he/she had so that they would be able to replay it back at a later time to see what they had. It would help students who were not so great at organization skills. Instead of writing down assignments on a piece of paper and risk losing or throwing away that piece of paper the student would have their mini recorder. Yes I understand there is a chance of losing that as well; however, there is a larger chance of the student losing a piece of paper. This concept could be used at first and then later on after the student had gotten the routine down of recording their assignments the teacher could encourage them to start practicing recording their assignments in a planner. I got this idea from the website http://www.ldac-taac.ca/InDepth/tech_examples-e.asp The website is the homepage for The Learning Disabilities Association of Canada.
I think the whole concept of assistive technologies is great! There is soo many resources out there for teachers to use. I really had no clue to half of the stuff that is out there. With it being so accessible I do not see why all teachers do not take full advantage of it. Just from my experience, I believe that allowing students to use these tools allows for a more positive learning experience for the students as well as the teachers!