My Journey Will Never End

Although my semester is quickly coming to an end, my journey of assistive technology will never end. Technology and UDL are two influential aspects of education that are constantly evolving special education in a positive way. Throughout my journey I have learned a plethora of knowledge, especially on UDL and augmentative communication, which I will be able to carry into my future classroom settings. I feel confident to utilize technology during my lesson plans and classroom instruction because of my research and exploration throughout this semester. In the beginning of my blog, I struggled to keep the posts short, never wanting to leave out any piece of information. However, as I grew as a student, and a professional, I realized what was important, and what was excessive. For example, in a beginning post, I went over board with the explanation of UDL. As I conclude my last blog post, I am proud of myself in the aspects of a student, a growing professional, and as an individual for all of my hard work and dedication throughout this memorable semester. I am extremely grateful to have been given this opportunity. 

Apps Providing Visual Supports for Individuals with Severe Disabilities

Assistive technology that includes visual supports provides assistance in many ways. Discussed earlier, I mentioned some ways that visual supports and assistive technology can help any student with disabilities. This can include visual daily routines and “to-do” lists. A great thing about technology constantly evolving, is that it continues to become more accessible. Through applications on your iPhone, iTouch, and iPad, there are several resources, which provide visual supports. The application that I find most useful when discussing visual supports is the iPrompt. I particularly like this application because it provides many options, while allowing authentic picture choices.

Assistive Technology and Independence in All Settings

It is typical for individuals with disabilities, or multiple disabilities, to struggle when referring to self-management and organization. Within home and school environments, assistive technology has the ability to minimize these difficult tasks. Specific assistive technology devices are determined for each individual, carrying different purposes and settings for each type of equipment. Assistive technology, which incorporates visual pictures or prompts, can aide in the improvement of self-management and organizational skills. For example, this can include a “to-do” list, or a daily schedule routine, which provides pictures and words. As a teacher, I have found success in the use of picture schedules to keep a strong and positive classroom management transition technique.

Making it Work!

 I found this website as I was searching for resources which connect school to home when referring to the use of Assistive Technology. This particular website provides seven different steps to implementing AT within different environments and settings. All seven steps are available for download through a PDF format. Each step is clear and concise, giving explanation in explicit detail. What I favored most about this web-based resource was that can be easily comprehended by an individual who does not have an educational, or assistive technology, background. Compared to other websites I have come across, I appreciated the organized format of the website layout.

Assistive Technology Implementation

While conducting research based upon UDL and AT, I have found many helpful resources along the way. One resource that I find to be particularly helpful is the Texas Assistive Technology Network website. Within the technology-based network, there are many resources that are offered to the target audience. As stated in previous blog posts, it is important for family members who are working closely with the assistive technology device become familiar with the equipment. On the Texas Assistive Technology Network website, there are training modules which can be conducted. Along with being informative, I also appreciate the clear and concise layout and inviting format.

Augmentative Communication Meeting Communication Demands at Home and School.

As previously discussed, it is important to implement augmentative communication in all environments. However, not everyone in the home community may be familiar with the device and how it is operated. In order to maximize the use of AT communication devices in all environments, it is important to take a look at the individual’s cultural background, as well as interest and developmental level. Some strategies that support ease to incorporating the device in home settings is to practice using the device within school wide activities, or planned field trips within the community. In my experiences, I have found it helpful to program the device with prompted frequently asked questions, or statements.