Giving life: Assistive Technologies

"Assistive technology makes it possible for students without full mobility to participate in class and school activities." (Curtis, 2005)

So What is assistive technology? 

In the article by Diane Curtis (2005) she discusses what exactly assistive technology can mean for a student who has a disability. She talks about the opportunities available to them and how it can change their life. Assistive technology has advanced at the same rate as technology something that many don't realise. Curtis (2005) sates "...what is known as assistive technology is opening the way for disabled students to do what their counterparts of years gone by could not even have imagined" 

Assistive technology has allowed students with disabilities the ability to speak, play an instrument, talk, type, write and so forth. For Susanna Sweeney-Martin assistive technology as she says has allowed her to ""Without a computer, I couldn't do my homework," she says. "Without my [wheel]chair, I couldn't get around. Without my cell phone, I couldn't call for help."" Assistive technology is changing the lives of those living with a disability, they are afford the same opportunities that other students have, assistive technology allows students to not only convey their feelings and ideas but also to interact with other students. 

The DO-IT Disabilities, Opportunities, Internetworking and Technology program advocates for students with disabilities at the University of Washington, working with students to use technology to help further their lives and education. Assistive technology can give a disabled students more freedom not only in the classroom but also for later on in life. With the use of assistive technology in classrooms teachers have the ability to test their students, students can work independently, research, write essays, even get creative using technology the possibilities are endless. 

This article on assistive technology is extremely important for all educators and students to understand. Not only do all disabled students deserve the right to an equal, equitable and socially just education they should also receive this. Assistive technology is just one way in which teachers can help achieve this. Educators need to realise that disabled students also have the ability to learn just not in the conventional ways alone. As a future educator whether I am teaching someone who has a strong disability or a smaller disability I know that technology is one way that I can connect my students to the world of education. Assistive technology not only helps disabled students to learn but also to help educators teach. 

Technology is growing and as is does so will assistive technology, opening up more opportunities and possibilities. 

If you are interested in learning more, the following video covers what the articles discusses and looks at the lives of disabled students and just how much assistive technology has improved their freedom and opportunities. Assistive Technology video


Diane, C. (2005). Disabled bodies, able minds: Giving voice, movement, and independence to the physically challenged. Edutopia, Retrieved from http://www.edutopia.org/assistive-technology-class-school-participation