Assistive Technologyand the Law

In the reading on what it means for AT devices seems very vague. I feel like it doesn't give clear information what type of assistive technology one can use. AT can run from a simple homemade device to a computer device. I think teachers have a hard time knowing the difference. Unless it is about money then you know which one can be used. In my past I made AT devices for students because I was a one-one-aide to them. I knew my student better then anyone. It used to get me mad when the special education teacher would step in and try to tell me to do something with the student. The teacher never had any real time with students because there was about eight students in the class. Who were all highly autistic with different sensory issues.  Most mornings we were just trying to get the students to feel comfortable at school. Some had issues with noise, touching certain things, eating, violent behavior, screaming, and even a change in schedule.


The teachers aides are the ones who came up with AT devices for the students. We made pictures and put them in order on a board. We had recorded voices on a four button control board. We did a lot and even got beat-up sometimes by the student. No pun intended, just reality. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w9mhONOVxLg this is a short video on AT


http://www.cbsnews.com/news/ny-blind-high-school-teacher-sees-students-like-no-other-educator/ This a teacher who is blind and teaches in Farmingdale, NY. What an inspiration to all educators. AT hasn't been around long enough but this teacher has adapted to all the changes and is one of the best.

Tech and Sensory Impairments

Having any kind of impairment can be frustrating and sometimes a disadvantage. But with today's technologies we can give people a helpful hand. I wear contacts that has always been an issue for me. I can't see like some of my friends who have a 20/20 vision. If I didn't have my contacts or glasses on I would be lost. I can see colors but it is very blurry for me and I would get a headache.


I have the new Windows 8 on my computer and have seen lot of the suggestions on the site already. I love the fact I have touch screen on my laptop/ I have a few suggestions is that it seems overly sensitive. I get frustrated at times because if I am doing something the screen will disappear from my page without me touching it.  The magnifier on Windows 8 is a great resource  and could be useful in the classroom for students who need to see things up closer.  In the classrooms today they have the old magnifiers for students use. Not up to date technology.


http://www.sense.org.uk/content/press-release-new-booklet-%E2%80%93-multi-sensory-impaired-children-hospital This a news report from the U.K. I thought it would be nice to read how a different country helps people who have impairments.




http://www.playworks.net/special-needs-toys.html This a website where you can buy special toys for sensory play. I thought this would be great to share because sometimes we have students who need a little extra in the classroom.


I believe it is important to understand that people are just people. We all have something that puts us at a disadvantage but we can overcome it. I am grateful to the experiences I have with students with disabilities. Reading about all the new advances in technology can only help students who really need it. But we shouldn't take away from the human experience either.

Exceptional Students

The first article I read was "Creating a Virtual Learning Environment for Gifted and Talented Learners". Creating a virtual classroom for students who are beyond their peers is a great idea. Students would get more out of their learning if they have challenges. Informational Technology needs to be utilized in a way that students get the most out of learning. I like the idea of the virtual thematic unit for the virtual learning environment.using multicultural in students learning can only benefit them. I feel this article has many websites that any teacher can use. I know getting technology involved in a classroom is daunting to some teachers all that is really needed is someone with experience to help them.

I feel like all we do is categorize students and really don't take the time for real person. Students who are both gifted and learning disabled puts them into two categories that they probably don't want to deal with. But how can the student be challenged and engaged in their learning is the real question. As an educator we should be working to common goal of enabling the student to strive for their needs. It can only help them if we show them. 

   
 
http://www.learnnc.org/lp/editions/every-learner/6776 Inclusion in the 21st-century classroom: Differentiating with technology By Bobby Hobgood, Ed.D. and Lauren Ormsby

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3qznrGDwSD0 Special Populations in Gifted Education

http://www.denverpost.com/ci_22141470/scant-attention-paid-gifted-and-special-needs-students Are gifted and special-needs students being left behind? By Lisa Wirthman

http://www.ncld.org/types-learning-disabilities/adhd-related-issues/giftedness/giftedness-learning-disabilities 

Giftedness and Learning Disabilities By Sheldon H. Horowitz, Ed

I put up two youtube videos and two articles on the topic at hand.

Use and Benifits of Pecs

I watched and listened to: A Clear Picture: The Use and Benefits of Pecs by Lori Frost M.D.  This webcast was informative and useful for people who might be just learning that his/her child has autism. It shows that pecs communication is of value to children who have autism. They are able to express in away that they never could before. I also believe this would be good for incoming teachers who don't know how to help parents. Not every special education teacher has the ability to interact with a child who doesn't speak. I'm not trying to be judgmental about special education teachers it is just reality.

I have to say I am glad I have the experience and knowledge. Listening to this audio is somewhat monotone I think it should have an engaging voice that would keep someone interested. The webcast has many different examples from school and home life. Teaching autistic children is step-by-step process that takes time and a lot of practice.

Most students can learn by modeling but when a child has autism it is safe to say,  they learn in phases and it takes both school and home to work together. Pecs is a greats system in the mind of a child who doesn't have the words.

Pecs is alternative to communicate. Just pictures is not a real form to pecs this would be consider as a myth. If you want to use pecs for your child talk to your school because they can get the program,  Improving the communication can help you and your child. Parents need the information in a way they can understand. I would recommend this webcast to teachers and parents.

Teachers should use this webcast for parents or even for trainings. We need to support the special education teachers and all people who are involved in helping students. We have to come together and be one.

Misunderstood Minds

I had the wonderful opportunity to experience Misunderstood Minds in my undergrad for a class on students with disabilities. So this would be my second time doing this exercise. I find all of it very difficult to do and concentration was not even a factor. My son who has ADHD all ways told me he never understood writing and reading. I knew when he as younger he needed the help in those two areas. But unfortunately his elementary school told me nothing is wrong with his learning.  He never got the true help he deserved.

When he was 13 years old a doctor diagnosed him ADHD. We were happy we knew why he was bouncing around and never could sit still.  He was always called a trouble maker and just didn't want to learn. That was not the case at all. He just had more energy then he could control at one sitting. I understanding the video that many kids can just have the personality but doesn't mean they have that diagnoses. My son was good at all the hands on learning but when it came to writing or any reading he had no interest to learn it or even try to. I tell you when you have to fight with a school who you thought looked out for their students and did nothing. My son was left behind and moved on because he was good at the other subjects.

I see students today in the classroom who have the same ADHD as my son. Who have tools and resources to help them through out the day. But since I found out my son was 13 years old diagnosed with it we had no help for him. My son is a smart boy and can learn, he never ever studies for a test and an pass. He may not be a great writer but he has gotten by his other talents. Today he takes Adderall for his ADHD. But being 17 and deciding when to take it is on him He is not consentient as he should be with the medication. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DaEyuicY_NM

Technology

Students with disabilities have a wider range of freedom in speaking. Having all the advances could either hinder or help them with thought process. I believe teachers need to be aware of the technology but they also need to learn the technology. 

The two articles I just read have a lot of information that can be overwhelming for a teacher. I think when you see the product and what they can do is more helpful then reading about it. In my past experiences I have had the opportunity to use and interact with students who use such advices in the classroom. Teachers sometimes get the advices but don't really know how to use them correctly.

Special education is always trying to improve a students function in the classroom. I understand giving a voice to students who don't have one is beneficial in a way in understanding their needs. Giving all students the advantage in learning is going to help students in the long run.

Sometimes technology is not always used in a suitable way for students. Crash courses for teachers is downfall for students learning. If we improve teachers knowledge of all the available devices then we will see students learning for themselves. Collaboration is what teachers should do. We should make learning enjoyable for all our students.