Assistive Technology.Understood.org defines ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY as:
any device, software, or equipment that helps people work around their challenges. |
Examples of Assistive TechnologyText to verbal language Software that will read the text on a screen out loud for those who may be visually impaired or have a learning disability. Display accommodations Increase contrast or remove colors all together to display only in black and white. This can be helpful to those with color blindness or light sensitivity. Magnifier Magnifies text and images on your screen to make them appear bigger for those that have visual impairments. "Facetime" Many of you have probably used "Facetime", but this can actually be considered a type of assistive technology. Those who are deaf or hearing impaired can use it to communicate via sign language or reading lips. Voice Control Type or even navigate/operate your computer with voice commands rather than using a keyboard, mouse or touchscreen. These are just some examples of assistive technology and how they can improve the quality of life for some people. For a more through list of assistive technologies, as well as, accessibility accessories that are available please click below 👇 Microsoft Users Apple Users Take a Closer Look at Speech Recognition Technology and the Classroom HERE. |
Take a Survey!
Please take a minute to answer the following questions. This will help to answer questions such as: Are educators aware these technologies exist, will they benefit from them and what may be the most beneficial to you and your students. Thanks!
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What are my findings so far?
How Familiar are educators with assistive technologies?
A vast majority of educators I've polled are not even aware this technology exists!
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What technologies are already being used by those who have been polled?
Although many not be familiar with the term "assistive technology" many are already using it in their classrooms.
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What technologies would educators like to see used in their classrooms in the near future?
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**It is important to note that I teach medical courses in a higher education setting. Most of the responses so far, have been posted from my colleagues. Unfortunately, they are probably not an accurate representation of most educators. Due to the nature of the medical programs that we teach, there are strict guidelines in place prior to acceptance into the program including but not limited to: the ability to "distinguish audible sounds", "have full use of both hands, wrists and shoulders", "adequately view sonograms, including color distinctions", and "work standing on his/her feet 80 percent of the time".
For a more inclusive look at results from educators of a more general population, please check out the results of a survey preformed by QIAT-PS here.
For a more inclusive look at results from educators of a more general population, please check out the results of a survey preformed by QIAT-PS here.
Solutions:
Everyone should have equal and adequate access to education. I think the first obstacle we are up against is simply the lack of awareness around assistive technologies. Spreading awareness is the first step to help bridge the gap between those with and without the help of these innovations. Perhaps it would be beneficial to develop a program that informs educators of what assistive technologies are available and how to go about using them.
Next, we need to make sure the technology is available for our students. Some of the software is downloadable free of charge or is included within the operating system, but some require purchase or purchase of accessories such as an eye tracking device. Pricing and getting it cleared within the budget is needed to properly put these technologies into play at your facility. We also need to have a program in place to help the students use the technology and help with troubleshooting. Thankfully, these technologies already exist, we just need to spread the word and put them to good use!
Next, we need to make sure the technology is available for our students. Some of the software is downloadable free of charge or is included within the operating system, but some require purchase or purchase of accessories such as an eye tracking device. Pricing and getting it cleared within the budget is needed to properly put these technologies into play at your facility. We also need to have a program in place to help the students use the technology and help with troubleshooting. Thankfully, these technologies already exist, we just need to spread the word and put them to good use!
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ResourcesAccessibility. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.apple.com/accessibility/
Accessibility Technology & Tools. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.microsoft.com/enable/products/windows7/ Quality Indicators for Assistive Technology. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://qiat-ps.org/ Rowan College. (n.d.). Selective Admissions. Retrieved from https://www.rcsj.edu/gc/SelectiveAdmissions Team, U. (2019, December 24). Assistive Technology for Learning: What You Need to Know. Retrieved from https://www.understood.org/en/school-learning/assistive-technology/assistive-technologies-basics/assistive-technology-what-it-is-and-how-it-works |