Introduction to Assistive Technology for Young Learners: Video 1

Summary

This video, part of a series by PACER Simon Technology Center, introduces assistive technology for young learners, focusing on its impact from birth to age five. It clarifies misconceptions, emphasizing that AT has no prerequisites and can significantly enhance children's development. The script features Mason, a visually impaired child, demonstrating how AT like the Mountbatten Brailler, iPads, and smartboards helps him participate in daily activities, highlighting the technology's role in empowering children to reach their full potential.

Takeaways

• 🌟 Assistive technology (AT) is specialized tech that enables learners of all ages to perform tasks they might not be able to do otherwise.
• 👶 Introducing AT to young learners can be powerful, aiding their participation in daily routines and activities across various settings.
• 📚 The workshop aims to educate educators and families on AT, focusing on children from birth to five years old.
• 🔍 The script covers the continuum and categories of AT, urging the audience to try different technologies and understand research findings.
• 🏫 AT was first defined in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act of 1990, with updates in 2004 to clarify school systems' responsibilities.
• 👶👧 AT for infants and toddlers must be linked to developmental needs, not just educational benefits, according to the Office of Special Education Programs.
• 🧠 Developmental domains to consider for children include physical, social/emotional, language, cognitive, and adaptive areas.
• 🏠 Participation in everyday routines is crucial for a child's development, offering both planned and unplanned learning opportunities.
• 🚀 AT for infants and toddlers is dynamic, changing as children grow, and is designed to support their development.
• 🌱 The purpose of AT is to create opportunities for children to communicate and participate, potentially accelerating their growth and skill-building.
• 👦 The story of Mason illustrates how AT can be integrated into a child's life to enhance learning, self-esteem, and active participation in family and community activities.

Q & A

What is the purpose of the video series by Erin Nelson?

The purpose of the video series is to provide an introduction to assistive technology for young learners, helping educators and families learn about and use assistive technology to support children from birth to five years old in their development, learning, and growth.

What is assistive technology according to the video?

Assistive technology is a broad category of specialized technology designed to help learners of all ages perform tasks they might not be able to do without it. For young learners, it can be particularly powerful in enabling them to participate in daily routines and activities.

What is the significance of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act of 1990 in relation to assistive technology?

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act of 1990 was the first federal law to define assistive technology, establishing a legal framework for its use in educational settings.

How did the definition of assistive technology evolve after 2004?

In 2004, with the passage of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act, the definition of an assistive technology device was expanded to include clarification regarding the school system's responsibility for surgically implanted technologies like cochlear implants.

What does the Office of Special Education Programs clarify about AT use for infants and toddlers?

The Office of Special Education Programs clarifies that assistive technology for children from birth to three years old must be linked to developmental needs rather than educational benefits.

What are the five developmental domains mentioned in the video?

The five developmental domains are physical, social/emotional, language, cognitive, and adaptive.

Why is participation important in a child's development according to the video?

Participation is critical to a child's development because it provides both planned and unplanned learning opportunities within everyday routines, allowing the child to practice functional skills and reach their full potential.

How does assistive technology support the development of infants and toddlers differently from older students and adults?

Assistive technology for infants and toddlers is used to support their development, with a dynamic use of AT as children grow and change, whereas for older students and adults, AT may focus more on enhancing existing skills or compensating for specific limitations.

What are some examples of assistive technology used by Mason, the young learner featured in the video?

Mason uses a Mountbatten Brailler for writing activities, an iPad for educational games and spelling due to its larger letters and better contrast, and a smartboard for interactive learning experiences.

What are some common misconceptions about assistive technology mentioned in the video?

Two common misconceptions are that there are prerequisites to using assistive technology and that using it can hinder a child's development. The video clarifies that all children can benefit from AT without needing specific pre-existing skills, and research shows that AT can significantly enhance a child's development.

How does the video suggest that assistive technology can impact a child's academic and social skills?

The video suggests that assistive technology can help children build new academic, social, and emotional skills at a faster and more effective rate than without the use of AT.