The Robot Changing School For Students With Disabilities | Mach | NBC News

Summary

This video highlights the story of Ma, a young girl with spinal muscular atrophy, and her educational journey with the help of innovative technology. Despite her physical limitations, Ma excels cognitively, testing in the 96th percentile. Using Double Robotics technology, she connects with her classmates through an iPad on a mobile device, enabling her to participate fully in school activities. The video explores how technology bridges gaps for children with disabilities, creating new possibilities for social interaction, education, and future careers, while fostering inclusivity and reshaping societal views on disability.

Takeaways

• 😀 The perception of people with physical impairments often involves cognitive assumptions, which can be a challenge for individuals with conditions like spinal muscular atrophy (SMA).
• 😀 Ma, who has spinal muscular atrophy, scores in the 96th percentile for cognitive ability, demonstrating her intelligence despite her physical limitations.
• 😀 Ma retains some mobility in her right hand and arm, which helps her participate in schoolwork with the aid of technology.
• 😀 Finding appropriate schooling for children with complex needs is difficult, as general education classrooms are often not equipped to accommodate them.
• 😀 Ma was initially on home instruction, but her peer Mave, a typical child, desired more social interaction and friends from a typical school setting.
• 😀 The use of Double Robotics technology, which integrates an iPad with a mobile robot, allowed Ma to attend school remotely, participating fully in classroom activities from home.
• 😀 Ma's use of the Double Robotics device enabled her to stay connected with her classmates and engage in school activities, even on days she couldn't physically attend.
• 😀 Initially, students were fascinated by the new technology, but over time, it became just another part of the classroom, showing how inclusive technology can become seamlessly integrated.
• 😀 Technology, such as Double Robotics, has broad applications for students with various needs, including those who are recovering from surgeries or dealing with illnesses, disabilities, or compromised immune systems.
• 😀 The potential of technology to level the playing field for people with disabilities is vast, opening up opportunities for education, work, and social interaction that were previously inaccessible.
• 😀 Technological advancements have the ability to change societal perceptions of people with disabilities, making assistive tools like iPads more universally accepted and viewed as tools for empowerment rather than symbols of limitation.

Q & A

What cognitive abilities does Ma have despite her physical impairment?

Ma has spinal muscular atrophy, which affects her muscles, but her cognitive abilities are well above average. She scored within the 96th percentile on her cognitive testing, indicating she is well above average cognitively.

How does Ma use technology to aid her education?

Ma uses a mobile device equipped with an iPad, known as Double Robotics, to attend school virtually. This technology allows her to attend classes, interact with students, and participate in activities without physically being present.

What challenges did Ma face in the school system?

Due to her physical impairment, it was difficult for Ma to be placed in a typical classroom because the infrastructure wasn't designed to accommodate her needs. She was initially on home instruction.

How did the introduction of Double Robotics technology impact Ma’s schooling?

The technology allowed Ma to participate fully in her classes. Even when she couldn't be physically present, she could log in through the device and engage in all school activities like morning meetings and classroom lessons.

What was the initial reaction of other students to Ma's presence through the technology?

Initially, the other students were excited about the technology, but over time, they simply accepted it as part of the background and no longer saw it as something unusual.

What are some potential uses of the Double Robotics technology for other students?

This technology can benefit students who need to miss school due to illness, surgery, or compromised immune systems. It could also help students with cancer or other conditions that prevent them from attending school physically.

How has technology impacted people with disabilities in terms of career and social interaction?

Technology has enabled people with disabilities to interact socially and perform jobs they previously couldn't. It has leveled the playing field, allowing them to participate in educational and professional environments.

What role does technology play in changing the perception of people with disabilities?

Technology, like Double Robotics, helps shift how people perceive those with disabilities. The presence of devices like iPads is normalized, making it less about the disability and more about the individual’s participation in society.

What are Ma's career aspirations despite her physical limitations?

Ma has expressed interest in pursuing a career in fashion or the arts, such as dance. Even though these careers are often physical, her parents encourage her to follow her dreams, focusing on how to adapt and make it possible.

How do Ma’s parents view her potential despite her condition?

Ma's parents believe she is not limited by her condition. They emphasize that her potential is bound only by imagination, and they support her in exploring various career paths, despite the physical challenges she faces.