Course Reflection

     The first thing that comes to my mind when I think about writing a reflection is that I have learned so much about the special needs of students and ways to accommodate for their differences and difficulties - whether visible as in CP or invisible as in some LDs. There is a lot that can be done to accommodate for exceptionalities when looked at with a  new perspective and in a creative manner. However, there is also much more to be said about this course.

     As I had taken EDUC 5163, I was already exposed to apps with the iPod and iPad but this course shared even more information on Assistive Apps. I especially liked the handout that was emailed "A List of Apps for Social and Autism Spectrum Disorders" by Jessica Chase, an SLP. I showed this to my friend who has an ASD child and she loved it: I printed out a copy for her. I think my new favorite app is the QR Code Reader. So much information can be embedded in a code and I know the students would love using this app to find out what the code really means. Very motivating.

     One of my favorite classes was the low-tech modifications to everyday items. It really taught me to look at everyday low cost items in a new light. I especially liked the fact that there are ways around spending a fortune on "Educational Products" by big companies (who I think overcharge way beyond the cost of materials, production and a reasonable profit knowing that government - school boards - are paying for it) as in the example of creating an angled table support by using a binder and shelf grippy sponge as opposed to spending over a hundred dollars for similar adaptive tech equipment from a company. I also really enjoyed watching the videos on switches and how they can literally change a person's life by letting students at school and at home participate in activities like everyone else.

      I agree with what one person said on the last day of class about AT in the classroom. Because children can avoid some AT usage due to fear of looking 'less-than' in the eyes of their peers, AT should be used by all students in school to some degree so that the AT does not look like a compensation for a "deficiency" that would make a student self-conscious and stand out compared to their peers.

     One thing is for sure, in taking this course, I have been inspired to pursue a teaching position with children who need the benefit of augmentative and assistive technology (AAT). - a Learning Centre classroom or  a Resource teaching position. I already followed the differentiation model in the classroom, as I believe most teachers do, but now I believe I have a new skill-set as a result of taking this course that I can apply to any teaching position. The access to participation is key to reaching learning potential and I am glad that technology has developed - low tech. through to high tech. - that allows the possibility that more children can be successful in school than ever before. I have been motivated to search the internet to look for videos that showcase the many tools and AT that is available. Youtube is great for this - not only for showing the AT itself but for showing it being used by others with success.

     My final thought is that I think at least one school inservice day per school year should be devoted to educating school staff about  AT and how it could possibly be used with one of their current or future students in the school. Perhaps the discussion would end up being about finances and the school or school board not having the money to purchase AT or train staff but I think most schools have a pretty good group of parents with the PTSA. Parents can be very innovative and resourceful when it comes to raising money for a good cause.

I'll conclude my reflection with a few videos that I found interesting that show some adaptions available for accessability to independent computer usage.

 Tracker Pro a computer input device that takes the place of a mouse for people with disabilities. The text reads: "TrackerPro tracks a small dot that you can place on your forehead, glasses or the rim of a hat; it is dedicated assistive technology designed exclusively for people with limited use of their hands."




No Hands Mouse which uses the feet to control the movement of the cursor on the computer screen. http://www.footmouse.com/  Although the video doesn't show the model sitting correctly in the chair, it does show the ease of use of the adaptive foot pedal.





Alternative Mice for those persons who do not function well with the standard design. The man demonstrating is from  the Enable Ireland AT training service.