Enabling Dreams

            I felt that after viewing this film it is inspiring to see that when given chances people with disabilities could do incredible things. This video showed exactly what these students with limitations could do with assistive technology. With the help of assistive technology many of them graduate from high school, enter and complete college, and most importantly go on and live full and successful lives. If they were never afforded these assistive devices their dreams would have never reached fruition. So implementation of assistive technology at an early age has become valuable in the lives of many children with disabilities and as mentioned in the video it is an important step towards the right direction.

            The importance of assistive technology for students with disabilities is vital in their everyday lives. Chmiliar (2007) states “assistive technology can offer students with disabilities access to the regular education curriculum and tools for adults throughout the lifespan”. Just like in the video the students interviewed spoke of the importance of assistive technology in reaching some of their learning goals. It is important then to recognize that other students with disabilities who require the aid of these devices will benefit from them in the classroom. So in that regard educators must be educated, committed, and prepared in assisting and using these different devices for student who require them.

There are many ways in which to utilize and accommodate for assistive technology inside the classroom. One such example is to have designated areas in the class for those who use wheelchairs. These areas should be located near the doors and also clear of obstacles that may inhibit the movement of the devices that these students use. As stated by Coleman (2011) there are issues and possible solutions in the successful implementation of assistive technology so we must consider assessment, training, timely and consistent implementation of the devices, its psychosocial, cultural, environmental factors, motivation, and effort required by all educators to make it happen.

            From my personal experience of having a nephew who needs assistive technology to help him with school, I have come to strongly feel with the importance of its implementations in schools. From what I have also seen in the video it benefits many students with disabilities and not just a few. It not only benefits them with live at the moment but throughout their entire life. We as a population should embrace the importance of assistive technology in the lives of these people, just as we all hope for success in our very own lives.

Reference:

Chmiliar, Linda. (2007). Perspectives on Assistive Technology: What Teachers, Health Professionals, and Speech and Language Pathologists Have to Say. Retrieved June 2014 from; http://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ812642.pdf

Coleman, Mari B. (2011). Successful Implementation of Assistive Technology to Promote Access to Curriculum and Instruction for Students with Physical Disabilities. Retrieved June 2014 from; http://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ955444.pdf