Reflections of Assistive Technologies

       In the videos, many assistive technologies were presented. These technologies assist people with disabilities and help them lead a more normal life. These technologies help them participate in daily activities like normal children. The wheelchair, is an assistive technology that assist people who can not walk. The wheelchair is electronic and allows the disabled person to move quickly around school and home. A voice activated computer was also demonstrated. The voice activated computer allows students who can not write to complete homework and classwork assignments by speaking the answer into a microphone and the computer then translates the audio to text. In the videos, these technologies helped a young college student be able to participate at the college level with her peers.
      The video also referenced assistive technologies at the preschool level. In the preschool classroom of non-verbal students, the students used a technology that was a press to talk technology. The device is loaded with prerecorded phrases, pictures, etc. The students communicate with the teacher by pushing the correct button on the keyboard. This technology helped students who were unable to communicate actually respond in a classroom setting and carry on a conversation with a teacher and friends. There was one little boy, who was unable to use his hands, but was able to move his eyebrows as a response mechanism. The device he used responded to his eyebrow movements. These devices have changed the lives of these young children by providing them with the opportunity to communicate with others around them.
       Another type of technology that was discussed was a musical instrument that was redesigned to be connected to a joystick. This joystick allowed the band player, who could not work his limbs normally, to be able to use the joystick to push the valves down on the horn and play the instrument successfully. Having this technology, allowed this student to play in the marching band and concert band successfully. It provided him with an opportunity to be a part of something that he wouldn't have been able to be a part of without the skills of other people. Finally, the video discussed the use of the Super Talker. The Super Talker is a device for non-verbal students that allows them to push buttons on a device to communicate with others. This device helped Josh, a non-verbal student, communicate in his preschool classroom. Josh also used the Bookworm in his classroom. The Bookworm allowed his teacher to attach any book to it and record audio of her reading the book. Josh could then push the button and here her reading the words. This device helped Josh eventually begin working on reading and tracking print on his own. He was demonstrating early reading literacy skills and he was beginning to talk and read the book himself.
       All of these technologies have greatly improved the lives of many children who are living with disabilities. It allows them to communicate and interact with others. These technologies help them feel normal, despite their physical capabilities. Assistive technologies are continuing to make an impact on the lives of disabled children and adults.