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Reflections of Assisitive Technology

Assistive technologies can open up many doors for students and individuals with special needs.  It can allow them to communicate their needs, have social interactions with peers and family members, and even give them the opportunity to be able to work.  These are things that a lot of us take for granted, but for individuals that cannot speak or walk this helps them lead a somewhat normal life.  Assistive technologies have a tremendous impact on these individuals and their families.  

The videos had three individuals that all needed some type of assistive technology.  Jared was born with cerebral palsy and has to use a sip and puff to communicate and control his computer. The sip and puff is a device that he uses to access his computer and communicate with not only family but also people around the world. It uses a software program called Switch XS, which allows him to do anything on his computer. With this device, Jared is able to run his own business. The next person was Mason, a six-year-old boy, that is visually impaired.  He uses a Mountbatten for writing activities.  It tells him what he types and produces his work in braille.  This allows him to read and do regular activities in the classroom.  He also uses the Smartboard because it makes things large enough so that he can see them.  The last person in the video was Elle, she was born with cerebral palsy and is unable to speak.  She uses a Dynavox to help her communicate with her teachers, peers, and family.  It uses eye gazes when she looks at a picture using a head mouse it speaks for her.  This helps her to maintain communication with her peers, so she does not feel left out. 

Assistive technology tools do not have to necessarily be a Dynavox or Mountbatten, they can also be something as simple as an iPad or Smartboard.  Mason uses both the Smartboard and iPad to learn. Alexis is another student that uses a program called Imagine Learn to help her with her disability.  The teacher can pull up charts and it tells her exactly what the student needs help with. There are many different types of assistive technologies that can be used to help students or individuals with everyday tasks such as reading, writing, and communicating. 

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