Assistive Technology

 A few people in my group have been posting about assistive technology for students with special needs. I am thinking about going back to school to become certified for Special Education, so I thought this would be a good topic to research. Using a website that Domine provides in her book, I found an article on this subject. The article I found is Assistive Technology 2.0: Special Tech . which documents a conversation by professionals on the subject.  The article defines assistive technology, "includes assistive, adaptive, and rehabilitation devices for people with disabilities". 

These gadgets can help increase student learning and communication for everyone in the classroom, not just for students who have a disability. Another benefit to assistive technology is that it can also help increase independence for special needs children. With time, the use of assistive technology has been increasing. There are some drawbacks for the use of this technology, like being costly (not all districts can afford these gadgets). However, there are less expensive options like using GoogleDocs or a less expensive tablet. According to Special Education professional, “It is important that those students who will benefit from the technology have it available to them and those students who will be distracted are taught using more traditional means”. Assistive technology may not be ideal for all students with a disability. However, it can help some students with not only educational goals, but life skills as well.