Often times, the educational needs of
individuals with physical disabilities are no different than their nondisabled
peers. Instead, the issues exist
when the resources needed to deliver this education is inadequate, limited, or
unavailable. Assistive technology
has come a long way as far as the versatility in technology assisting such a
large population of persons with disabilities.
A significant development in assistive technology is the non-touch computer and affiliated software. This technology has opened the doors for the amount of communication between those with cerebral palsy, muscle dystrophy, or other disabilities that limit the mobility of hands or accuracy of fine motor skills. Although these advancements over the years have helped improve the education a person with disabilities can receive, there are still issues associated with assistive technology.
Technology in itself is expensive, and this relatively new assistive technology requires professional training and expertise for educators, students, and their families. The costs are high and the expertise and training with such technology can be limited, especially in the public school system.These factors play a large role in whether or not a disabled person can (or will) receive a quality education equivalent to their nondisabled peers.
After watching the movie, Freedom Machines and our in class discussion, I have pondered on the idea of whether technology will fully complete the education gap between disabled students and their nondisabled peers. The technology available now seems almost limitless, however is such assistive technology inclusive to every disability? Perhaps not yet. I sure hope there are advocates out there that are continually looking for ways to create new technology that may just help the minorities of disabilities!
A significant development in assistive technology is the non-touch computer and affiliated software. This technology has opened the doors for the amount of communication between those with cerebral palsy, muscle dystrophy, or other disabilities that limit the mobility of hands or accuracy of fine motor skills. Although these advancements over the years have helped improve the education a person with disabilities can receive, there are still issues associated with assistive technology.
Technology in itself is expensive, and this relatively new assistive technology requires professional training and expertise for educators, students, and their families. The costs are high and the expertise and training with such technology can be limited, especially in the public school system.These factors play a large role in whether or not a disabled person can (or will) receive a quality education equivalent to their nondisabled peers.
After watching the movie, Freedom Machines and our in class discussion, I have pondered on the idea of whether technology will fully complete the education gap between disabled students and their nondisabled peers. The technology available now seems almost limitless, however is such assistive technology inclusive to every disability? Perhaps not yet. I sure hope there are advocates out there that are continually looking for ways to create new technology that may just help the minorities of disabilities!
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