Reflections of Assistive Technology

   It is amazing to see how technology is helping students with disabilities.  Ranging from helping blind, deaf or other physical disabilities and even learning disabilities, technology is helping disabled students learn in ways never thought possible.  As I was watching videos on assistive technology I focused on older students that may possibly be in my class so I could explore ways that I may at some point actually use.
   My thoughts went first to a student I formerly had.  Ty was and is struggling with Muscular Dystrophy.  As I have watch Ty grow up through elementary school using braces to help him walk to being confined to a wheelchair as he entered high school my heart broke for him.  Ty's illness has gotten to the point where he is home schooled at this point.  Before he left our campus we were looking into ways to help Ty complete assignments.  He is a bright young man but became very frustrated as his ability to write deteriorated.  I was reminded of his struggles as I watched a video that marketed Dragon, a software that can type as someone speaks.  This was a product we were looking into buying for Ty just before his parents decided to keep him at home due to multiple surgeries we would be facing.  I had fallen in love with this program as it would allow Ty or any student with a disability that kept them from being able to communicate in writing but had the ability to communicate orally. Two technologies I learned about from other videos helped a student with dyslexia.  I could also see it helping other students with reading comprehension disabilities.  They are both types of reading apps.  One is called "Read 2 Go" and the other is "Learning Ally."  Both applications read aloud as the listener reads along.  The Read 2 Go app has many current publications downloads the visual as well as audio so the reader can follow along.  The Learning Ally app contains many textbooks and some current best sellers.  This is audio only but the student can follow along in their hard copy text book.  Both apps require a doctors order that states disability proof and recommendation.
   It is encouraging to see the progression of technology that helps students who before may have been left behind or confined to a special education classroom setting.  Technology that allows students to be in the regular classroom and allows them to learn with their peers is not only fascinating but welcomed.  So, bring it on.  Let's let all students have a way to be successful!