Class Three Assistive Technologies

This was another very important and thought-provoking topic. Often times it is easy for those of us without disabilities to take for granted not only all the things we can do without assistance but also, how challenging day-to-day life can be for people with disabilities; From climbing a flight of stairs, to listening to a lecture and taking notes, the list is virtually endless. We concentrated on those AT's that were more high-tech as they were mostly computer-based and dealt with hardware and software modifications that would allow learners with various disabilities to interface with their computers and facilitate learning and communication. But, it is important to remember that high-tech AT's are not always the most desirable, efficient and cost-effective means to integrate learners with disabilities into the classroom. Some low-tech strategies such as thoughtful arrangement of your classroom, clear, unambiguous instructions and pencils that are larger and easier to grasp are just some ways, through low-tech AT devices, we can make our classrooms more accommodating to all students.