Blog 14- Assistive Technology

Assistive Technology is widely used throughout the Special Education field. In my Special Education class I'm taking we talk about assistive technology in general, but not really about the wide range of the Technology. I have been exposed to several forms of assistive technology since both my mom and I, work at Cape May County Special Services School. However, we never really talk about the various forms of the technology in my class. 
This article by Lisa Nelson talks about 25 different assistive technology options for children with disabilities. Assistive technology is introduced to a student to help them complete their daily activities and assignments to the best of their abilities.
 One form of Assistive technology that I found interesting was the idea of using videotaped social skills with autistic children. Showing children the pre-recorded social skill action gives the child a visual of the action before they preform the action. This eases the autistic child into the social interaction without overwhelming them. Autistic children also learn very visually and do not enjoy social interaction. This helps make the child more comfortable and more likely to learn the social interaction. I also discovered the use of digital pens. The pens can be designed in different ways to aide the student the the writing process. It can translate audio recordings and handwriting. It can enable  the student to become more comfortable with writing and practice their handwriting. 
There were so many forms of assistive technology that I was unaware of. However, they can really help students with disabilities progress in their learning. I am hoping to possible see some of the technologies introduced to my school district. Many of my students would benefit from some of these technologies. 

http://theinnovativeeducator.blogspot.com/2011/09/25-incredible-assistive-technologies.html