For many with a disability, everyday tasks can be harder and accessing the things they want or need can be a challenge. Assistive Technology devices aid people with disabilities to enhance their functional independence and levels the playing field. For many, being able to communicate with others in a way that is productive and appropriate is a big step.
For my project I am looking at iPads to enhance my students' communication with apps that are made to encourage and facilitate communication for those with speech disorders and who are non-verbal. However, Assistive Technology can be anything from a simple pencil grip to a high-powered computer. Currently in my classroom, we have one such device which is shared among 14 of my students. This is not ideal. Having this technology available to more of my students will help them gain more communication strategies and become more social with their peers, both disabled and not.
With the iPads, students would not only be able to access apps that help them communicate, but also those that can help them understand concepts, and as with others, to access leisure activities.
iPads are very reinforcing for students, and they want to use them and so will perform learning tasks more readily with them and to gain access to them. Eventually, showing how these devices can help my students, we can bring 21st Century learning and technology to ALL students.
About my class
For many with a disability, everyday tasks can be harder and accessing the things they want or need can be a challenge. Assistive Technology devices aid people with disabilities to enhance their functional independence and levels the playing field. For many, being able to communicate with others in a way that is productive and appropriate is a big step.
For my project I am looking at iPads to enhance my students' communication with apps that are made to encourage and facilitate communication for those with speech disorders and who are non-verbal. However, Assistive Technology can be anything from a simple pencil grip to a high-powered computer. Currently in my classroom, we have one such device which is shared among 14 of my students. This is not ideal. Having this technology available to more of my students will help them gain more communication strategies and become more social with their peers, both disabled and not.
With the iPads, students would not only be able to access apps that help them communicate, but also those that can help them understand concepts, and as with others, to access leisure activities.
iPads are very reinforcing for students, and they want to use them and so will perform learning tasks more readily with them and to gain access to them. Eventually, showing how these devices can help my students, we can bring 21st Century learning and technology to ALL students.
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