After reading and watching the accompanying video Disabled Bodies, Able Minds: Giving Voice, Movement,
and Independence to the Physically Challenged, I just think how incredible it must have
been for Adrian to be able to wear
a headband that can sense the movement on his eyebrows, which triggers the
computer cursor to move to a row or column on the monitor that illustrates what
he's trying to express. The computer then utters the words Adrian has chosen,
something that must have been so incredibly frustrating for him! Now he has a
way to communicate! Niara moves her cheek to communicate using the computer!
We’ve come so far! I love how the goal of their district and their teachers is
to “design whatever plan is necessary to allow the students to achieve their
potential.” This truly means, what ever works for them. I love how they really
are willing to include all students with disabilities, and they encourage them
to explore their potential, “see what works,” and find a way to be fully
included! It’s true the assistive technology does Enable Dreams! “it is a life line… a major foundation of [their]
lives.” It was incredible watching Susanna “talk” her answers, and she can
write papers, and even call for help! I really agree that the earlier you
introduce the technology to the child the better they are at it and then you work
on academics. I loved watching all the children in this video use their
devices! It really shows that the device was catered to them and their mode of
communication. Lukas is amazing at playing his musical instrument that was
adapted for him! Watching individuals who have lost their arms play instruments
is incredible. It enabled Lucas to use a joy stick to assist him in playing the
notes on his horn; outstanding! Assistive technology helps these individuals
LIVE!
While reading the Dr. Keller and Dr. Pawelski transcript, I
love the points that Dr. Keller makes, he has redefined the way I think of
disabilities. He put it very well, that we need to really think of the ways
people think about disabilities; there are fifteen or eighteen different paradigms to describe disability. I love
the point that was made, that special education and the medical field is
reactive instead of proactive. We need a shift of mind, which I think is slowly
happening, to be proactive and develop with the use of UDL. It’s so
interesting, to look at it all from a business perspective, it’s all about
money, and how much people are willing to “invest.” I like how Dr. Pawelski
gears the conversation in the “jargon” or technology: assistive or adaptive. I
love how Dr. Keller puts it, “assistive technology, this technology is going to
somehow make you more whole, fix you, make you more complete. Whereas, adaptive
technology… I’m going to adapt the technology so that it works for this
specific person. I'm going to change the technology not the person.” I think
this is the most important idea I took away, because it sums up the purpose of
IDEA and IEPs, that no two individuals, even with the same disability, are in
fact the same. We need to look at the person and how the technology, and
whatever else, affects them. It really also put into perspective the idea of
technology and how adaptive it can be if it takes months to learn how to use
something “helpful.” It concerns me…
The first thing
that grabbed my attention while watching this video, is that students are
excluded if they have a disability, they are not fully included. Rich was not
allowed to attend gym, he had to go have physical therapy. At his new school he
is able to be apart of all types of sports; from his wheelchair! Excluding Rich
is appalling! It upsets me the most because I think in many cases its just
easier to exclude these students than taking the time to fully understand their
needs and make sure the proper adaptations are made so they can be fully
included. Any participation makes a difference. It’s so upsetting to hear that
students were excluded from field trips and their parents weren’t even
consulted with, they just automatically assumed the student would not be able
to participate. Again, no adaptations were being made! Even partial
participation makes a difference! I love how its pointed out, that you need to
focus on what the student CAN do and not what they CAN’T do! Any little
feeling of inclusion, makes a difference! Low tech is better than high tech and
small things like giving a student a switch to set off ribbons during a reading
makes a difference! It’s also important to take into consideration the
classroom configuration and making it accessible to students in wheelchairs.
However, it’s unfortunate that school designers don’t always take into
consideration these adaptations; maybe it’s to much for them. I love the
academic programs that were demonstrated for students who cannot write or type;
they are activated by scanning, and have audio feedback. As educators we affect
success! In the end I loved the conversation with the girl who drives with a
V-grip and her feet, to start the car and change the radio, amazing!!
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