Class # 5 - Assistive Technology - Past, Present & Future

The concept of Universal Design for Learning is a POWERFUL concept....but often not complicated!

Mobile Technology has so greatly impacted individuals with Disabilities. We have come so far in the supports that we can offer to individuals that make so much possible for them. We have such a diversity of learners - as we saw when Barbara introduced us to Tyler, Mary, Ryan, Sam, Bailey, Bill, Susan Jane, and Matt in Class 5 - and when we think about how to make information accessible to these students, the traditional Assistive Technology tools were extensive, often complicated and usually a burden for both he users and their teachers and support staff and they were often not able to utilize the technology independently....

...however...mobile technology is so much better because by being designed SIMPLER it enhances the ability and independence of the individual DRAMATICALLY!!..PLUS kids WANT to use it!

The iPad is effective, portable, affordable, highly functional, accessible, and inclusive....and very effective at assisting students in achieving 21st century outcomes.

Students with disabilities need to become as independent as possible and ensure that they are aware of the technologies that are necessary to their success so that they are able to exhibit Self-Advocacy skills. We all must focus on what students can do and support them in learning how to use these strengths to access information and communicate their knowledge through the assisitve tech that is the "best fit".

• To find out more about the Ipad accessibility offerings, you can visit:Accessibility Tricks & Tips for the iPad
• Also, click the following link to see many slideshare presentations on Using the iPad as Assistive Technology
• Here is a great AT Blog written by a student! What's on my iPad? Assistive Apps I Use as a Dyslexic Student

Also, please watch the video below for a student's perspective on Assisitve Technology...The Assistive Technology in Action Series by the Family Center for Technology & Disability (FCTD) and PACER Center is a series found on YouTube that introduces us to students along with their families and support teams and how Assistive Technology works for for them....the segment below introduces us to one of these fantastic kids, ELLE!

Assistive Technology needs to be constantly and consistently monitored, assessed for effectiveness and its "fit" to the Students, Environment & Task. We must be aware that EVERYTHING CHANGES and is affected by time...students' skill sets change, their needs may change, their teachers change (from year to year, day to day and even class to class), the curriculum changes, the environment changes (transitioning to middle school then high school), their self awareness changes, their physical self changes, strengths & challenges change...EVERYTHING!