Pros of assistive technologies
-Students are able to work at their own pace.
-Students are able to accomplish more individually.
-Students are included into the regular classroom.
By being included in the regular classroom it not only benefits the student with the disability, but
also the other students and even the teacher.
-Students are able to achieve academic standards.
-Students are given the opportunity to socialize with more students.
-Technology can help students improve organizational skills and also writing skills.
-Technology helps students reach a higher level of education.
-Students are able to accomplish more individually.
-Students are included into the regular classroom.
By being included in the regular classroom it not only benefits the student with the disability, but
also the other students and even the teacher.
-Students are able to achieve academic standards.
-Students are given the opportunity to socialize with more students.
-Technology can help students improve organizational skills and also writing skills.
-Technology helps students reach a higher level of education.
Cons of assistive technologies
-Majority of assistive technologies are very costly. Many technologies cost thousands of dollars and many school districts do not have the funds to provide these technologies.
-To be able to use the technologies properly, training has to take place which is very time consuming.
-Technology can never be fully relied on. As we all know technology always has its flaws, and if a students assistive device is not working properly, the student may not be able to complete his or her tasks.
-By having many different assistive technologies, some students may abuse the use of technology by using technologies they do not necessarily need.
-To be able to use the technologies properly, training has to take place which is very time consuming.
-Technology can never be fully relied on. As we all know technology always has its flaws, and if a students assistive device is not working properly, the student may not be able to complete his or her tasks.
-By having many different assistive technologies, some students may abuse the use of technology by using technologies they do not necessarily need.
Meet Trey
From Family Information Guide to Assistive Technology:
Trey, now 8-years-old, was born with Down syndrome and numerous other health problems. He hasn’t talked since he was born. Because Trey was unable to communicate his needs and wants he often became very frustrated and then acted out by yelling and throwing things. When Trey was 3 years old, his parents decided to have him evaluated by a communication specialist in their school district. The evaluation determined that Trey could benefit from having a communication device to help him express his needs and communicate with others, but she suggested a trial with a couple devices to find out which worked best for Trey and his family.
Lisa and Stephen, Trey’s parents, were unfamiliar with communication technology, but the school specialist helped them learn about the different devices that they would try with Trey at home and at school. For several weeks the family tried a simple voice output device with six messages, which led the parents and the specialist to realize Trey’s vocabulary would very quickly outgrow that particular device. In the end, they decided on a 32-message device with multiple recording levels. This product, called “Tech Speak,” became Trey’s first communication device. Soon Trey was able to activate buttons to form simple requests, such as “I want crackers.”
“Finding the right technology for Trey is an ongoing process and not always easy. I encourage parents to try out different devices with their child at home and school before settling on one device. It’s been invaluable for me to link up with a parent advocacy organization and support groups to learn about the technology available, but more importantly to learn advocacy skills that have helped me get the technology Trey needs.” -- Lisa, Trey’s mother
(http://www.fctd.info)
Through technology Trey and his family were given a miracle. Trey, a boy that was never able to speak was able to say basic commands from the use of technology. Not only did technology give Trey the opportunity to share his thoughts, it also helped him relax. Trey did not feel as frustrated when it came to expressing what was on his mind. Technology to Trey and his Family gave them so many opportunities they never thought they would have.
Trey, now 8-years-old, was born with Down syndrome and numerous other health problems. He hasn’t talked since he was born. Because Trey was unable to communicate his needs and wants he often became very frustrated and then acted out by yelling and throwing things. When Trey was 3 years old, his parents decided to have him evaluated by a communication specialist in their school district. The evaluation determined that Trey could benefit from having a communication device to help him express his needs and communicate with others, but she suggested a trial with a couple devices to find out which worked best for Trey and his family.
Lisa and Stephen, Trey’s parents, were unfamiliar with communication technology, but the school specialist helped them learn about the different devices that they would try with Trey at home and at school. For several weeks the family tried a simple voice output device with six messages, which led the parents and the specialist to realize Trey’s vocabulary would very quickly outgrow that particular device. In the end, they decided on a 32-message device with multiple recording levels. This product, called “Tech Speak,” became Trey’s first communication device. Soon Trey was able to activate buttons to form simple requests, such as “I want crackers.”
“Finding the right technology for Trey is an ongoing process and not always easy. I encourage parents to try out different devices with their child at home and school before settling on one device. It’s been invaluable for me to link up with a parent advocacy organization and support groups to learn about the technology available, but more importantly to learn advocacy skills that have helped me get the technology Trey needs.” -- Lisa, Trey’s mother
(http://www.fctd.info)
Through technology Trey and his family were given a miracle. Trey, a boy that was never able to speak was able to say basic commands from the use of technology. Not only did technology give Trey the opportunity to share his thoughts, it also helped him relax. Trey did not feel as frustrated when it came to expressing what was on his mind. Technology to Trey and his Family gave them so many opportunities they never thought they would have.