AT in Transition Planning
It is the right for every individual to reach for success, despite their ability.
Chapter 14 of the text Assistive Technology in the Classroom Enhancing the School Experiences of Students with Disabilities by Amy G. Dell supports this notion. The components of this section discuss and highlight the importance of implementing transitions carefully when leading students to new opportunities. Functions of AT are made and provided for individuals to function more independently. Whether these individuals move on in life to schooling such as college, working in workplaces as well as interacting in their homes and communities - AT can support them always.
AT a Reasonable Accommodation for Students with Disabilities in
COLLEGE
The number of students with disabilities attending college has increased significantly in the past decade and fortunately, AT offers solutions to the obstacles they face in meeting college's academic demands.
Having experienced four years of college, I recognize that it is all about being organized and managing your time carefully! Most importantly, it is about finding yourself and doing what you like to do. In order for individuals with disabilities to do these things their AT which they "pack" to go to college with them must follow a certain criteria:
1. AT must be easy to use and easy to customize
2. The tool must be age appropriate
3. The tool should match the individual's personal preference
4. The device must match the specific task to be met and be suitable for
the learning environment
the learning environment
5. Installation of the AT device should be easily accessible by the student
6. Training and ongoing technical support must be provided to students and
staff
staff
Besides AT in College, Reasonable Accommodations are expected by the College to Provide. These Accommodations can be Technology-Based or Non-technology Accommodations.
Table 14.1(Dell p 329)
Newton, Deborah A., and Jerry G. Petroff. "Chapter 14 - "Implementation of Assistive Technology in Transition Planning." Assistive Technology in the Classroom Enhancing the School Experiences of Students with Disabilities. By Amy G. Dell. 2nd ed. N.p.: Pearson, 2012. 324-347. Print.
I hope this post serves as a good resource for you. It is so important to encourage the students we teach regularly to reach for success. Resources like AT, special education services and accommodations are comforting to help them achieve in all tasks they desire in life! Coming in contact with all of this information and resources has made me more excited to be an educator to these dynamic students.
I hope it encourages you too!
I really like the 6 criterias you need for college when using AT. I think it is really helpful for someone who did not read the text. I like how you talked about your own experience in college and being organized. I believe that is one of the biggest ideas you need to figure out early on. College could be overwhelming if you don't manage your time correctly.
ReplyDeleteThank you for posting the list of AT criteria teachers, parents and students need to consider when preparing students with disabilities to go to college.
ReplyDeleteI was really surprised about the amount of AT available to college students with disabilities. I was also surprised that the college is able to decide what is available to the student. But nonetheless, students with disabilities still are able to access services for their needs which is empowering!
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