One of the many benefits of assistive technology is it does
not have to stop at the high school level for students. Students can obtain a college degree by using many of the AT devices I
mentioned in my previous posts. College students can use computer technology for writing
papers and reading course material, communication devices to communicate with
peers and professors, or different software and adaptations for keyboard typing,
voice output, etc. It is important that the AT is easy to use and easy to customize. Since
the college workload is hard enough, students do not need complicated technology
to make the environment more stressful. Since students are older in
college the AT should be age appropriate and not too child-like with animation
and colors. The student must choose the AT device they are most comfortable using
and will want to use to complete coursework. The device or technology must make
the end goals easier for the student to accomplish. It is important that the
user has a support person to approach if the AT device or software breaks or
malfunctions especially during a critical time like midterms or finals. It is
amazing that we have access to so much technology to make college a reachable
goal for so many students with disabilities who might not have given college a
chance before the use of assistive technology.
Reference:
Dell, A., & Newton, D. (2008). Assistive technology in the classroom:
Enhancing the school experiences of students with disabilities. Upper
Saddle River, N.J.: Pearson Merrill Prentice Hall.
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