"Enabling Minds" with Assistive Technology

I suppose we could view some types of technology; even in their simplest forms, as “assistive technology”. Our lives are filled with technological gadgets that assist us day in and out. So much so that the average person could probably live without many of them but would choose not. We enjoy the conveniences that technology provides for us and the speed with which they help us get things done on a daily basis. As a matter of fact for the most part, we use technology to assist us get things done quicker so that we can move on to the next item on our busy schedules.

The term “assistive technology” is actually defined by one website as: “technology used by individuals with disabilities in order to perform functions that might otherwise be difficult or impossible.” The short video we watched is a testament of the “miracles” possible with assistive technology in the lives of exceptional people with disabilities. The video’s title: “Enabling Minds” is definitely the perfect title because that is exactly what assistive technology is to exceptional individuals. Enabling their minds to accomplish what their bodies are otherwise unable to do. I was truly inspired. For these individuals technology is not a luxury but a necessity. Assistive technology for them does not simply mean a “faster” way to accomplish a task, but rather the only means with which a task may be accomplished. That is technology at its best. Because of these technological advances exceptional people may have a chance to do things they would never have been able to do. It enables them despite obstacles that may be in their way. Assistive technology enables them to live their lives to the fullest extent. How have we used technology in our own lives? What excuse have I got for not accomplishing more in my life? The people in this video prove there are no mountains high enough to keep them from living a full life.

This video has opened my eyes to the term “exceptional” student. It is all too easy to discount the intelligence of a student because of his dis”ability” not realizing that there is so much more that they may be capable of doing given the right type of assistive technology that may improve their chances of success in school. As future teachers we must keep ourselves informed about assistive technology that may be available for the students in our classrooms.