I recently watched three videos about assistive technologies that really changed my perspective about how technology can influence people with disabilities.
The first video was about a girl named Elle. Elle was born with cerebral palsy. Because of this disability, she had to navigate using a wheelchair and had difficulty communicating. With help from her parents and the school district, Elle was able to try different technologies that specifically helped people with her type of impairment. These technologies convert a person's eye motions to text, allowing someone to communicate when they otherwise could not. After trying a few different models, Elle found success with the DynaVox and is still using it to communicate. Because of the DynaVox, Elle has a much higher quality of life and is able to express herself effectively.
The second video was about a young boy named Mason. Mason has a visual impairment that makes it difficult for him to see and therefore interact in school. Mason has access to a few different technologies that allow him to overcome his disability. Mason uses a Mountbatton Brailler, an iPad, and his classroom's smart board. The Mountbatten Brailler tells Mason what letter he is typing as he uses it to write in braille. The iPad and smart board have extra large fonts which allow Mason to see them more easily. Because of this, Mason can use these technologies to participate in vocabulary exercises like the rest of his class.
The third video was about a boy named Lucas. Lucas was born with amyoplasia arthrogryposis multiplex congenita, a condition that makes his limbs nearly useless. However, despite his disability, Lucas has accomplished quite a bit. Lucas plays in jazz band and orchestra, and is the captain of the chess team he started. In order for him to play an instrument, Lucas uses a modified horn that makes use of a joystick to mechanically control the horn's valves. Lucas plans to attend college on a music scholarship and pursue a degree in the same field. Clearly, Lucas' modified instrument has allowed him to far surpass the obstacles presented by his disability.
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