Assistive+Technology

"T he Act defines an assistive technology device as any item, piece of equipment, or product system, whether acquired commercially off the shelf, modified, or customized, that is used to increase, maintain, or improve functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities."- Tech Act of 1988, P.L. 100-407. __//Assistive Technology //__ CEP 452 gave me the opportunity to learn more about assistive technologies. Going into the Special Education field, I think it is very important to stay updated on what assistive technologies are available so that students with disabilities can get the best education possible. Prior to this course, I was in the dark about all the possible technology available to help assist students with disabilities. I have grown a large interest in surfing the internet about AT, which supports my goal of being the best teacher I can possibly be. I think it's important to stay informed and know what exists out there so that students with disabilities get the same quality education as students without disabilities. __//The Tech Act //__ In 1988 a legal document was released with the definition of assistive technology, what they are needed for and who would use them. It's purpose was to increase the awareness of these technologies and make them more available. In 1994 and 1998 President Bill Clinton signed a new, amended version of the act. These modifications made emphasize the original document, keeping the same definition of Assistive Technology. __//Text Telephones //__ I discovered a very useful Assistive technology, text telephones, for those who are deaf impaired. Text telephones allow the conversation to be typed as a text so that the hearing impaired can converse with people via telephone. The person who is deaf impaired would type on the keyboard what they want to say and a operator would read it aloud for the other person to hear. The person on the other then would speak and the text telephone device would display what they said on the screen as text. These types of assistive technologies are also used for those who can hear but cannot speak. There are many different types of text telephones with different options such as cell phone compatible, bigger/smaller text screens, etc. These devices are wonderful for those who cannot hear.