How Assistive Technology Supports Students With Disabilities

Summary

This heartwarming story follows Alex, a student at SOAR in Denver, as he overcomes the challenges of a learning disability with the support of assistive technology. His journey, marked by struggles with self-expression and isolation, takes a transformative turn when he begins using word-to-speech typing. With this tool, Alex grows from barely writing sentences to excelling in his essays. His mother, Charlotte, and his teachers, Danielle and Andra, emphasize the power of technology in unlocking potential and giving students the tools they need to succeed. Alex’s story is a testament to how accommodations can change lives, inspiring him to help others facing similar obstacles.

Takeaways

• 😀 Charlotte Wilder is deeply emotional about her son, Alex, who has struggled with a learning disability since first grade.
• 😀 Alex, who attends SOAR in Far Northeast Denver, once believed he wasn’t good enough due to his learning challenges.
• 😀 His struggles included difficulty expressing his thoughts and fears of being held back in school.
• 😀 A special education teacher identified that Alex needed assistive technology to better express himself.
• 😀 Assistive technology, including word-to-speech typing, helped Alex go from struggling to write sentences to excelling in essay writing.
• 😀 Assistive technology unlocked Alex’s potential, allowing him to demonstrate what he truly knows.
• 😀 Andra Parks, a special education teacher, believes in the power of technology to reveal the abilities of students with severe disabilities.
• 😀 Andra emphasizes the importance of not assuming limitations for students with disabilities and allowing them to showcase their capabilities.
• 😀 Technology allows students with severe disabilities to communicate and demonstrate their knowledge in ways previously thought impossible.
• 😀 Danielle, a special education teacher, highlights the importance of accommodations, including assistive technology, in providing all children with equal access to education.
• 😀 Alex, inspired by his progress, wants to help others like him who have learning disabilities and have been held back in school.

Q & A

What specific challenge did Alex face in his education before he received assistive technology?

Alex struggled with expressing his thoughts due to a learning disability. He couldn’t put his ideas into words, which made it difficult for him to participate in class and complete assignments.

How did assistive technology help Alex improve academically?

Assistive technology, specifically word-to-speech typing, enabled Alex to express his ideas more clearly and efficiently. This allowed him to progress from barely being able to write a few sentences to becoming one of the top essay writers in his class.

How did Alex feel about his struggles before the assistive technology was introduced?

Alex felt mentally inadequate, believing he wasn't good enough, and was afraid he might be held back again due to his struggles with writing and expressing himself.

What role did his special education teacher, Danielle, play in Alex's development?

Danielle identified that Alex needed a different way to express his thoughts. She suggested the use of assistive technology, which helped unlock Alex's potential and allowed him to demonstrate his true abilities.

What is the broader lesson Andra Parks, a special education teacher, emphasizes regarding students with disabilities?

Andra stresses the importance of not assuming what students with disabilities can or cannot do. She highlights that, with the right tools and support, these students can show their true capabilities and defy expectations.

How did Andra's perspective change regarding a particular student’s abilities?

Andra was surprised to discover that a student who had been thought to be unable to speak or write could actually express herself effectively using technology. This revealed the student’s true potential, challenging assumptions about her abilities.

Why is assistive technology considered important in education, according to Danielle?

Danielle emphasizes that assistive technology is crucial because it provides all children, including those with learning disabilities, access to a free and appropriate education, allowing them to demonstrate their knowledge and capabilities.

What is Alex’s aspiration for the future, as mentioned in the script?

Alex hopes to help others who, like him, have learning disabilities and have been held back in their education. He wants to use his experience to support and inspire others facing similar challenges.

What emotional response does Charlotte, Alex’s mother, express when talking about his progress?

Charlotte feels deeply emotional and proud of Alex’s progress. She is overwhelmed by how much he has blossomed and transformed, highlighting how much he has grown over the school year.

What is the main theme or message of the script?

The main theme of the script is that with the right support, such as assistive technology, students with learning disabilities can overcome challenges, reach their potential, and defy expectations, ultimately showcasing their true capabilities.