Online Reading 2

When we see a youngster scooting through the mall using a ball to power his wheelchair, we think of the value of assistive technology. It is really pretty amazing that we have so many things we can do, because of microchips. Some children may come to school with artificial limbs, an insulin pump, a voice synthesizer. We have gone from the notion of a Six Million Dollar Man as science fiction to amazing changes in our ability to improve the human condition with technology.

Congress recognized the importance of supporting youth with disabilities by passing PL 100-407 in 1988. Now referred to as the "Tech Act", it helps to fund assistive technology assessments, assistance in the selection and fitting of appropriate devices, training in helping student as they are using devices and adapting to the nuances and specifics of devices, including coaching, fabrication of devices that are not available commercially and evaluating the effectiveness of technology. Click here to learn more about the Americans with Disabilities Act ADA

At the same time, it is important to note that Assistive Technology belongs to all of us. Last week we moved. I needed to help my daughter figure out where her clothes were in the new house. I took out the catalogue, cut out pieces of clothing and pasted them to the drawers. Immediately she could go to the right place and get dressed. She could also put her clothes away. This is also an assistive device.

We are trying to help my son get ready to date. We decided he could use a few social graces. When he chews with his mouth open, I put my finger on my lips. When he takes a huge bite, I puff out my cheeks and when he leans his elbows on the table, I fold my arms. So far it is working very well. I think his next date will be impressed!

Many people equate the term technology with advances in computers or advanced hardware.

The Commission on Instructional Technology states: Instructional technology is a systemic way of designing, carrying out, and evaluating the total process of learning and teaching in terms of specific objectives, based on research in human learning and communication, and employing a combination of human and nonhuman resources to bring about more effective instruction.

Check some of the following links to learn more about assistive technology and prepare a personal definition of assistive technology. If this is interesting to you, why not make a folder for information on assistive technology and copy some of the links into it. Remember, this is not for the professor, but for your own fascination and information. ---- and if you have not yet caught the excitement of doing things for yourself and your future as an educator, consider the power of that - working for yourself, for your future, for your own curiosity -- seeing the course as a beacon instead of a box.
The Archimedes Project	Abledata site
Computer assistance for disabilities	Alliance for Technology Assistance
Apple site	University of Waterloo resource library
Ability site for supporting needs	Alternatively Speaking
Community based rehabilitation - UN	ADA - US Justice Department Homepage

Write out a definition of assistive technology, according to your book: Print it out and keep it for your notebook.