Implications of Assistive Technology
Assistive technology is important for many students in the special education
program. Some use it as a tool to communicate their needs, while others use it to help
them do everyday activities. It is imperative that we understand why some children need
these extra aids, and how it can help them achieve their IEP/IFSP goals. Our goal is to
create a least restrictive environment for the student, and the assistive technology will
hopefully serve to help with our modifications and accommodations we have already set
for our students. We must first glance at the reasons technology could be necessary, and
examine the products out there to determine the best fit for the student. Finding the right
fit can be difficult; we have to look at whether it’s affordable, age appropriate, and easy
for students to use independently. These are defining factors that can make or break the
product for the student. There are products out there that are fantastic, but are extremely
expensive. Others may by affordable, but either not age appropriate for the student or not
easy for student to use independently. We are striving to have our students become
independent learners, but if the assistive technology doesn’t allow for that it isn’t always
worth the money or effort if there is something better out there. After finding a product
that is ‘just right’ for the student, all parties involved in the IEP/IFSP process need to
learn how to use the technology, and need to be apart of the initial introduction of the
product to the student. It is important that the parents and teachers involved understand
how it works, so that they can use it themselves and determine if it is helping the student.