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Assistive Technology: Making the Impossible Possible

Often times, we choose to overlook the struggles others face and focus more on the things that happen directly to us. But for once, let’s imagine a world that hampered our inner abilities, one that didn’t allow us to reach our full potential and one that made us feel isolated and alone.  Now take that visual picture and realize that that’s the harsh realities hundreds of thousands of people with disabilities face on a daily basis. It isn’t an easy thing to live with or cope with but with the saving grace of assistive technology it makes the impossible possible.

            In the article written by Mr. Neal Starkman, a freelance writer, originally published on January 1^st, 2007 in The Journal states that “Assistive technologies are helping students who don’t respond to conventional means of instruction.” It by no way means that assistive technology is only available to students; in fact the article goes on to state that one particular device, the New Standard Keyboard, was designed out of frustration with the old system of looking at the keyboard as one composes. The creator Mr. John Parkinson invented it in an effort to make typing easier for everyone. In essence, to make the difficult easy for the lazy people like him but his reach far surpassed his wildest dreams. It has helped students with learning disabilities, such as dyslexia, find their independence and continue pursuing higher education as well help those who suffer from brain injuries and memory problems. 

            Although the article talks about several particular devices, their uses, and success stories, this by no way means this is all that is out there. In fact, there are a wide range of assistive technologies available.  In today’s world, there are several types such as hardware, software and systems for students to can’t by through the normal mode of instruction. However, despite the different types, their uses and the impacts it has on the lives of these individuals who use them is priceless. It is indeed world no one wishes to go through but for these individuals it’s just merely a way of life. Assistive technology helps close the gap between the two worlds and enables individuals with disabilities to live as normal and productive life as possible!

Starkman, Neal "Assistive Technology: Making the Impossible Possible" <http:thejournal.com/Articles/2007/01/01/Assistive-Technology--Making-the-Imposible-Possible.aspx>

Assistive Technology At Its Best

Because assistive technology is constantly growing in today’s society, those with special needs will not feel left out anymore. It amazes me how so much is available now than ever before for students, teachers and other individuals who have a disability. Since having a variety of technologies, it has helped open the doors for those with disabilities who are unable to demonstrate their ability to learn. Assistive technology has played a big role in the lives of those who have struggled with learning like their peers. They have, in fact, become dependents on such machinery to get them as far as those without a disability.

One particular assistive technology that I would like to elaborate more on is the ‘SuperTalker Progressive Communicator.’ It is a recorded speech communication device that can meet a range of developing communication needs and allows for multiple levels of recorded messages. It also has a choice of keyboard layouts and comes with a set of key guards. This device actually helped a six year old boy with Autism break his communication barrier by eliminating all the stress he was getting from pulling all the social interaction pieces together. In addition, the Super Talker allowed him to communicate and make choices in a way that was safe and predictable for him. This is just one device, out of countless devices, that has been a huge success in making learning for those with a disability less challenging and more enjoyable

Moving on, children with disabilities are very prevalent today more so than in the past. Or at least they are recognized as actual human beings with a disability and not just retards. They are more welcomed in our society now and not secluded like they once were. Therefore, it is important to remember that no matter who or what kind of child is out there; we must always accommodate their needs, especially because there is a vast number of assistive technologies available.

In sum, being able to offer children with special needs the same kind of materials that are being offered to those without a disability in a way they will be able to learn, is very delightful. I am extremely glad to see that people are continuing to push for what needs to be done in order to accommodate every kind of person, especially those in the education field. Lastly, the short video I watched about the six year old boy with Autism, that I mentioned earlier, is just one out of several inspiring successful stories because of the development of Assistive Technology.