Mary Barbarino

ISTC 301

Assistive Technology is any piece of equipment, item, software, or

product that is used to increase, maintain, or improve, the functional
capabilities of individuals with disabilities. The opportunities for Assistive
Technology are endless; on the National Center of Assistive Technology
website I found a ton of products for those who need Assistive Technology,
but from watching the Edutopia video on YouTube, I noticed that Assistive
Technology can be built for a particular persons disability. The U.S
Department of Education, Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative
Services website states the Department of Education made a commitment to
ensure the accessibility of its programs and activities to individuals with
disabilities. The Assistive Technology Program provides assistive technology
solutions to disabled employees at the U.S. Department of Education (ED)
and also ensures that the agencys electronic and information systems are
accessible to employees and members of the public with disabilities. It is
extremely important that the law enforces people who have a disability are
supplied with the resources they need, and are not discriminated against
because they are disabled. Kathy Schrocks Guide to Everything page
impressed me, she has an abundance of information, resources, and links to
aid integration of technology into the classroom. Katy Schrocks Guide to
Everything page will help me as a teacher to satisfy my students diverse
learning styles. The rise and expansion of technology has opened countless
doors for teachers and students. By integrating technology in the classroom
and in our everyday lives, we are expanding the ability to learn and

Mary Barbarino

ISTC 301

understand. For those with disabilities, Assistive Technology essentially

promises their education. For example, in the Edutopia video, a boy with a
disability could not use his muscles efficiently and desired to play an
instrument; however, a joystick was created for him so he could play, he
mentions that he plans on going to school for music. Another example in
Edutopia of how technology can provide for students with diverse learning
needs was the little girl who could not speak, she used a computer/tablet to
communicate and declare her answers to the questions in the classroom.
This is just one example of how Assistive Technology provides for students
with diverse learning needs. I have never had a personal experience with a
student or other person who used a form of technology; but during this
assignment I was able to research, learn, and explore how prevalent assistive
technology is. By providing students assistive technology we are expanding
their ability to learn and understand, I found that people cannot function
without assistive technology. The effects that Assistive Technology has on a
person is remarkable, it is clear that Assistive Technology enables dreams.

Mary Barbarino

ISTC 301

Sources:
http://www.atia.org/i4a/pages/index.cfm?pageid=3859
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zZ5CkpgVQJ4&feature=related
http://www.assistivetech.net/
http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/osers/osep/index.html
http://www.schrockguide.net