I really didn't know what this course on Assistive Technology, access to literacy would involve before our first class, but I was very impressed with the information presented involving AT. First, finding out about what AT is and is not - not IT (information technology) was the first order of business. The definition of Assistive Technology was discussed as being an umbrella term that includes assistive, adaptive and rehabilitative devices for people with disabilities. Also included in the definition is the process of selecting and locating AT with the goal being promotion of greater independance to accomplish tasks.
Additionally, when searching for definitions of AT, another article broke AT into catagories of low tech (low cost-easy to maintain), mid tech (moderate cost) and high tech (high cost-and most effort to maintain) which referenced the use of no batteries, or electronics such as dry-erase boards, math manipulatives and highlight tape for low tech; batteries or simple electronics as in a calculator, tape recorder or overhead projector as mid-tech and video cameras, complex voice output devices and computers as high tech. I'm not sure that the correctness of this definition would be shared by everyone but one thing was for sure - a search of information involving AT yielded a plethora of results.
I would say what I enjoyed most about the class was the video showing the case studies; the child before AT, the assessment process and the child with the adaptations in place. It was clear to see that AT is invaluable to quality of life and the opportunity to access and experience the world. I am looking forward to learning more about AT in the coming classes.
