Blog Assignment #12

When I graduate, I plan on teaching Special Education. We had a Special Education assignment which discussed how technology helps special needs students. I have to say, this was my favorite. But unfortunately, we only had that one assignment. This was slightly disappointing because I am going to be receiving a certificate to teach it, but I’m not familiar with ANY of the technology or devices special needs students use.

So, on that note, the assignment I am choosing to create is to find one device/technology for each of the following types of students:
A) visually impaired
B) hearing impaired
C) physically disabled
Once you have found one device/technology that helps each type of student, write a summary about it that explains how it works and how it helps the student in the classroom. Provide a picture of the device found.

Here is my example:

Visually Impaired

Screen magnification software is used by people with visual disabilities to access information on a computer screen. The software enlarges the information on the screen by pre-determined incremental factor. magnification software has the flexibility to magnify the full screen, parts of the screen or provide a magnifying glass view of the area around the cursor or pointer. These programs often allow for inverted colors, enhanced pointer viewing, and tracking options.

Hearing Impaired

Text Telephones (TTYs) are the telephones that deaf people use to communicate with others on the telephone. These look like small typewriters and come with an LCD screen and a cradle for the telephone. In order for a deaf person to call on the TTY, the person on the other end must also have a TTY. There is a national relay system that the deaf person on the TTY can use to call anyone who does not have a TTY. This helps students by keeping in touch with classmates and teachers.

Physically Disabled

Switches are a common solution for users with mobility disabilities, such as muscular dystrophy, multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, spinal cord injuries, and head injuries, who need to use computers or other electronic devices, but have difficulty with the physical interface. To allow easier manipulation than a standard keyboard or joystick, a specially-designed switch may be composed of a single button, merely a few buttons, a sensory plate, or another of the whole host of adaptive switches available; it may also be touch-free, relying instead on motion sensors, brain activation, or a sip-and-puff mechanism. Aside from simplifying user interfaces, switches can also be used as developmental aids, teaching children (or adults) how to interact with their external environment.

Creating this assignment actually taught me a lot about special needs devices. I’ve realized that special needs students used certain devices, but their devices need technology for them to work efficiently. Even though I only got a brief lesson through my assignment, it makes me excited for when I get to learn more.