Open Eyes

          Before watching “Assistive-Technology: Enabling Dreams”, I did not realize how advanced technology is for students that are disabled. I was amazed at how assistive technology helped the students to participate in various activities at home and school. Without the help of technology, the students would not be able to communicate what they are thinking, move about independently, and do most activities that that were demonstrated. More and more students with special needs are becoming independent individuals that are able to live out their dreams because of assistive technology.

          For myself, lesson planning is a difficult process and accommodating students with special needs is even more challenging. No matter how challenging or specific the revisions to a lesson plan are for a special needs child, it is still extremely necessary. I firmly believe that every child is capable of learning and I want to be the person that helps them through that process whether they have special needs or not. As an aspiring teacher, I plan to help students work though their disabilities by advocating on their behalf if they need assistive technology, continuing to learn about different disabilities and ways to accommodate them in the classroom, and I plan to be flexible with things like lesson plans, activities, and attendance. Although a special needs child may have a disability, they are still a child and it is still the duty of a teacher to teach them all they can learn especially with the opportunities that assistive technology provide.

          Each child is unique and the accommodation will be just as unique as the child receiving it. If a child is confined to a wheelchair, they would need space to move around in and activities that accommodate the fact that they cannot run or walk, fit into a standard desk, and so on. I would accommodate this child by providing him or her with an adjustable desk that is close to the door, let this student roll across the finish line rather than run or walk across it, and assign the student a partner that will help in getting supplies and passing in assignments. If a child is deaf or hard of hearing, I will accommodate this student by making sure to frequently write the directions and assignments, ensure all videos are enclosed with captions, repeat questions or comments when speaking, and speak clearly while facing the class when carrying out a lesson. Accommodating special needs children is important in a classroom to ensure that every child has the opportunity to learn.

          Overall, “Assistive-Technology: Enabling Dreams”, has opened my eyes to the opportunities that special needs children have. Assistive technology has made an impact on the lives of many students live out their dreams and be independent. It has shown me that children can accomplish any task with the correct guidance and tools. I cannot wait to be a classroom teacher and experience the reward that comes from witnessing children succeed.