ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY: Opening Doors to Communication
Our primary goal is to leverage technology to assist individuals with communication. We’ve learned that many of our students are capable of much more than they can express. And so we strive to equip our students with tools that will help them to communicate in order to achieve their highest potential.
One student, whose verbal abilities are highly limited, had spent years working on basic skills such as counting and writing in large block letters. At the time, the goal of merely writing his name seemed appropriate. The ability to listen to a lesson or learn complex concepts just seemed out of reach. Eventually, he was introduced to a voice-output communication system that allowed his typing to be voiced electronically. As he used this technology, his social engagement increased dramatically, and he began to approach peer situations rather than keeping a distance. In addition, this student quickly began to express his desire to do the same schoolwork his middle school–aged peers were doing. Over a short period of time his teacher was amazed as the student began to excel in mathematics. The teacher asked him, “How do you know this? I’ve been your teacher for years, and I know I didn’t teach you any of it.” He simply answered, “I was listening.”
Individuals who have difficulty with verbal communication, attention, or organization due to autism, learning differences, or other developmental differences often greatly benefit from the use of technology.
Assistive Technology (AT) includes any item, piece of equipment, or product system, whether acquired commercially or off-the-shelf, modified or customized, that is used to increase, maintain, or improve functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities.
As high-tech options such as computers, PDAs, tablets, and various other Web-enabled mobile devices have become increasingly affordable for many famlies, we are focusing on innovating effective uses of these tools for our students. While low-to mid-tech options such as picture communication systems or battery-operated devices continue to be useful, the growing number of
high- tech devices offer opportunities that benefit individuals in numerous ways.