Assistive Technology Reflection

My initial understanding of assistive technologies was based on teaching in a co-taught setting for seven
years. I have always tried to learn how to use assistive technologies, so that I can support students when
they have technical or instructional difficulties. After this week’s readings, I realize that I may have been
providing too much support for students with assistive technology needs. Students need to be able to
use assistive technology with as little support as possible, because students will need to advocate and
support themselves once they are removed from the classroom setting.

My first though was schools are legally required to meet the assistive technology needs of student with
individual education plans. After this week’s reading, I have a better understanding of what is
considered an assistive technologies. I did not realize that providing an elevator for a student who
struggles with walking is considered an assistive technology. At the same time, I did not realize that a
pencil gripper is considered an assistive technology. The wide range of assistive technology
requirements makes it very challenging for schools to meet all of the technology requirements for
students with special needs.

When looking at my original thoughts, I did a good job of understanding the role of the school and
teacher when it comes to implementing assistive technology based on a student’s IEP. Unfortunately, I
did not understand how to find assistive technologies for students and how to work with my school or
county technology instructors. I have always tried to follow the rules of the student IEP even if the
student complained about their assistive technology. After this week’s reading, I realized I should do
better job of asking school and county technology personal about all of the assistive technology services
available that may support a student’s educational needs . Maybe the current assistive technology a
student is using no longer support the students’ needs or maybe there is a new technology available for
the learner.

My question about assistive technology is specific to my school district. I would like to know why the
counties list of available assistive technologies seem to be so secretive.

Reference

The IRIS Center (2011). Assistive Technology: An overview. Retrieved from

https://iris.peabody.vanderbilt.edu/module/at/