I truly enjoyed reading the blog posted by Curtis, D. titled, “Disabled Bodies, Able Minds: Giving Voice, Movement and Independence to the Physically Challenged.” Curtis, D. speaks out in favor of Assistive Technology for disabled students. Assistive Technology is the means by which disabled students can get a voice through the use of computers or technological devices adapted specifically for an individual. One such case is the case of Adrian, a young boy who now communicates through a device that can use the movement from his eyebrow to move the technological device specifically made for him. It allows him to communicate. It also took three years for them to find an area on his body that had movement. The technological devices that can help individuals that have cerebral palsy also have been developed. There is evidence that students can communicate, and that they show an ability to learn. In other words, the sooner in their life that they begin to use devices that can help in the learning process, the better it is for them.
One of the obstacles that is faced today is the determination that has to be made regarding what type of device is necessary for the student. DOIT helps students get the technology that they need. DOIT stands for Disabilities, Opportunities, Internetworking, and Technology. (Curtis, D.) DOIT is providing the support that disabled students need so that they can be fully functioning in terms of gaining independence. With regard to school the ultimate goal is that disabled students can have access to resources such as, computer, cell phones, and wheel chairs. This ability to have a computer, be it speech activated, as in the case of one student who is a college sophomore, allows her to do her homework. It also allows her to do term papers and use resources like the internet. The purpose of making the student more independent allows the student to feel that his or her contribution counts. The ultimate goal of any student is to ultimately be a thriving member of society. We can expect no less from anyone who has a disability. The support that should be given to them should be such that they can flourish and also achieve that goal.
Curtis, D. Disabled Bodies, Able Minds: Giving Voice, Movement, and Independence to the Physically Challenged. http://www.edutopia.org/assistive-technology-class-school-participation
Retrieved on October 21, 2011
Virginia:
ReplyDeleteTrough your blog I was able to understand the meaning and purpose of DOIT. I had never thought of the technology disabled students would be using to help them thrive in education. But most importantly I had not thought of the technology that will be helping them in society. I connected to the part in your blog when you talked about disabled students wanting independence. I could not imagine going through life needing to depend on others physically to excel mentally. Having a physical obstacle should not stop these students from thriving in school independently. Technology is great in a way that it has helped these students do so. Your blog has helped me to think about not only the everyday typical students that I will have as a teacher but also the students that could be in my class with a disability.
Virginia,
ReplyDeleteYour explanation and interpretation of DOIT was interesting, as well as thought provoking. Technology can be harnessed in many ways to help productivity; as a means of increasing computing power, in time management, and in the examples you gave to help overcome physical disabilities. This line of thought lead me to reflect on the NETS for both students and teachers. While each of these standards are important for everyone, each person may find a unique need for them based on a physical condition or the career field/classroom they are in.
An example of how a standard could be unique could be the case of the second NETS-S focused on communication and collaboration. For some students this may be communicating in the manner we are on this blog. But, for other students typing may overcome a speech obstacle. Technology provides a medium to provide equitable education for all students. Can you think of another example of how technology could practicably be used to overcome a disability?