ed422 Journal entry #4 9/20

Journal #4
Edu422
Taken from Edutopia.org
Assistive Technology: Enabling Dreams
By Diane Curtis

Because of the advancements we have made in technology, students with special needs now have many new and innovative options available to them. Through the use of computers, children now have alternative ways of communicating.
Oakland California, has created a special school for children with a range of disabilities. The students are enrolled in a program known as TACLE. Their goal is to design whatever device is needed to help disabled students reach their potential. The students use unique computers designed with pictures to help the students communicate. A student Adrian wears a headband that senses his eyebrow movements, to move a cursor on the monitor that shows what he is trying to express. The computer then verbalizes what the student is trying to convey.
Assistive technology is exciting for all those involved with learning disabilities. Over the last few years, they have made great strides in the technology involved in creating these devices.
For students like Lukas, what seemed impossible has become probable. Lukas wanted to play a musical instrument. No problem. Except he has extremely limited use of his arms. An instrument was adapted that included a joystick that electronically instructs the valves of the instrument to open and close. Now Lukas is part of the school band.

1.Do you think that adaptations should be made for students with disabilities?
Yes. Students gain many benefits by being included in all activities. Playing sports, or a musical instrument allows the student to excel at things they thought they were incapable of. This not only boosts their self-esteem, but helps create a well rounded citizen.

2.Should we continue to explore new ways to accommodate students with special needs?
Absolutely. Every child should be given whatever tools are needed to help them succeed in life. Many students today lead normal lives because of the improvements made in technology. Students that were unable to speak, can now be heard through a voice in their computer. I think that technology will change the lives of even more students with disabilities, as they discover new and more innovative ways to tackle the obstacles many students face.