I read an introduction article on Assistive Technology and Early Childhood. This article discusses the purposes in which assistive technology serves for a child in pre-school or earlier. I personally enjoyed this quote, “the goal of assistive technology with young children is to enhance their ability to actively participate in their own life.” (pg. 11). Not only is it used to educational purposes, but also to allow a child to have control over their own lives. Some examples of ways that technology is used include turning things on, offering alternate play positions, child play, holding things steady, and controlling objects. These are all things that I feel we take for granted so often, and to hear/see that a child does not have control over these things naturally is upsetting, yet eye opening.
There are also devices for physical, sensory, or speech/language impairments that assist with the more daily living end of the spectrum. Some devices include positioning equipment for standing independently, communication devices for speaking and writing, remote controls for enviornment issues (appliances, electronics, etc.) and self-care devices to assist with daily living skills. It truly amazes me that there is technology out there, and still growing, that allows such limited people to do so much. Just from my small bank of experiences, I have seen a high school kid with muscular distraphy participate in public high school setting with ease due to assistive technology and accomodations. He is accomodated 5 minutes before the period ends to beat the kids in the hall because of his wheelchair size. He uses special pens that assist with his grip and expressive language. He has a 1:1 aid that compensates for his slow, limited movements, things such as getting his folder from his bookbag. It may take him 4 minutes to do that, but with a monitor, 30 seconds. It truly is wonderful that people with such severe disabilities have the opportunity to enhance their lives through technology and a strong support system.
