Assistive Technolgy.... Giving Voice to the Non-Verbal Student

I walked into one of our autism classrooms on Monday and was amazed and astonished at what I saw…

A non-verbal 3^rd grade student, Tony,  was communicating his wants and needs!

“I want snack.”

“I want goldfish.”

“I need bathroom”

He was communicating through the use of a dynamic display communication device, in this case it was the use of a communication app through his IPAD.   Tony was able to choose a category to create a sentence based on his basic wants and needs.  He was able to tell me exactly what he needed to be able to continue with his day.  I decided to talk with his teacher, Ms. Brodie, to learn a little more about what else his device could do.  This device has changed Tony’s entire world.  With the implementation of this form of assistive technology, Tony has gone from a frustrated student who couldn’t make his needs known, to a student who is thriving in school both academically and behaviorally.  He is now not only able to communicate his needs and wants, but he is also able to participate in academic tasks. 

His teacher was kind enough to give me a demonstration of how he was achieving academically.  She would show Tony a basic picture using a flashcard, Tony would find the word on his screen and press it to produce sound.  Each time he located the correct vocabulary word, his face would light up and he would clap his hands and ask for a hug (with the help of his device).  When asked to complete a math task using a similar strategy the results were the same.  I have known this student since kindergarten and to see his face light up with excitement and joy brought tears to my eyes. 

This is what technology in education is all about, supporting student learning in non-traditional ways.  The International Society for Technology in Education standards highlight the importance of an administrator creating digital citizens by allowing access to the appropriate digital tools to meet the learning needs of all students.  In this case, Tony’s needs are being met through the use of the IPAD as a communication device.   Marianne Dove writes about the many advances in assistive technology in her article entitled Advancements in Assistive Technology and AT Laws for the Disabled.  In her article Dove states “it is imperative to provide assistive technologies so that all persons can participate fully in education, employment and daily living.”  In Tony’s case, the assistive technology (IPAD) has begun to open a new world to him.  By being able to communicate his needs, wants and thoughts, he has begun to develop a role in society.  For so many years, we have sat by and assumed he had nothing to say or thoughts to share, but the reality is he had lots to share, just didn’t have the ability or technology to share them. 

Assistive technology is not only an option for students with disabilities, but it is a right that is mandated by law.  While the Assistance Technology Act of 1998 does not state that the technology needs to be electronic, that is the way many are beginning to view it.  IDEA, the core legislative program which governs special education, requires that a student’s need for AT be considered as part of the development of a student’s IEP.  PBS parents list a variety of AT devices that can be used to help students with a variety of disabilities achieve a well-rounded education.

Tony is lucky to be in a school district that has the funding and ability to allow for the use of technology to help him communicate his wants and needs, as well achieve academically.  I will be curious to follow up with him in a few years to see just how far he has come.  

Not sure about what Assistive  Technology is... check out the video below to get an overview...