Assistive Technology And Supporting Learners: Article Analysis

A Review: Assistive Technology and Supporting Learners This article begins with a story of a boy with cerebral palsy, named Andrew, and how assistive technology has helped him accomplish many goals in his life, such as checking email, writing school articles, and participating in the assignments for his English class. Without various assistive technologies he would not be able to function at the level he depicts within the story. Some of the assistive technologies that he used are a head enabler to turn on the computer, a power wheelchair, a universally designed computer desk, word prediction software, and an electronic file copy of a book for class. The article then states that many teachers do not have the knowledge about the assistive technologies needed to fully support children in meeting their goals and participating to their full ability. Without the skills of competent teachers and professionals providing the assistive technology and training to use it, Andrew would not have been able to access the curriculum as well as he did, and that is a crucial aspect of providing an appropriate education. If Andrew did not have access to AT, he probably would have been sitting in a wheelchair listening to his teacher and peers throughout the class, instead of actively engaging within the class. That thought shows how important it is to be aware of all the assistive technologies that are
The assistive technology must fit the instructional arrangement and the student's specific needs. The article highlights the importance of noticing that all students are different, and what helps and supports one student may hinder or not provide enough support for another. The article also states that the assistive technology should increase or maintain the student's