Pros+and+Cons+of+Assistive+and+Adaptive+Technology+II

In order to be an effective teacher, you must open your mind to learning more about assistive technology and to incorporating it into your classroom. In your role of an educator, part of your responsibility is to create an inclusive environment. By having and using technology that reflects the population you are serving, you are creating an environment that is conducive to the learning children with disabilities whose educational possibilities are expanded due tot he incorporation of AT equipment. The evolution of assistive technology also referred to as adaptive technology has greatly increased the pace at which and depth to which students with disabilities learn. It is also made it possible for many students to learn within an inclusive learning environment. Before the development of various assistive devices, students were often limited to specific schools “designed” for students with disabilities, or limited to specific areas of a school building, and they were lacking the necessary supports needed at a higher education level resulting in lack of preparedness for the world. Through the used of assistive devices, many users are able to have greater control over their own lives. AT can aid teachers in behavior managements because it can help to enhance to level of communication between students with disability and their teachers, other students, in addition to other people they may encounter.
 * Opinionated Statement:**
 * Brief Summary: **

What are your views on assistive technology?  ·  Reduce dependence on family members/support staff  ·  Have greater control over their own lives;  ·  and in their communities;  ·  interact to a greater extent with non-disabled individuals;  ·  Increased self-motivation  ·  Increased independence  ·  Integrated and required participation  ·  Accountability  ·  Expanded learning and life experiences  ·  New opportunities for interactions and communication  ·  Assistive technology (AT) promotes greater independence people with disabilities by enabling them to perform tasks that they were formerly unable to accomplish, or had great difficulty accomplishing  ·  school age children were able to remain in a regular classroom  ·  Reduce dependence on family members/support staff  ·  Reduce their use of school-related services
 * Probing Question:**
 * Pros:**
 * participate in and contribute more fully to activities in their home, school, work environments,


 * Cons: **
 * Costly
 * Training is required
 * Lack space efficiency
 * Not universally accessible
 * Not everyone owns AT equipment
 * Does not become part of a student's special education plan unless parents are knowledgeable about technology and know what to do to ensure that assistive technology becomes an integral part of their child's program