Final Reflection - End of Course

Here we are at the end of Assistive Technology: Access to Learning and Leisure, EDUC 5173 and I feel like I have filled my toolbox with so many valuable tools. I look forward to sharing the many valuable things I have learned in this course with my colleagues. One major takeaway from this course is how important it is for us to advocate for our students, and to help them have their voice be heard. Therefore, the above quote from Malala Yousafzai resonates with me deeply. With that being said, I feel like everything from this course was invaluable, but I will highlight my main takeaways. 

Do Not Underestimate One’s Abilities - Inspiring TED Talks

During this course, we watched some inspiring TED Talks and other videos of how AT has positively impacted individuals’ lives, including videos that we watched during our home study days. From Chris Klein’s Seeing Unique Abilities to Martin Pistorius' How My Mind Came Back to Life, the one that really resonated with me was Glenda Watson-Hyatt’s Listen, Acknowledge, Include. In this powerful video, she introduced use to three simple strategies to use as a communication partner:

1. Be patient

2. Speak directly with the person

3. Verify you heard the message correctly

These strategies are ingrained in my mind, and I will be sure to always use these when speaking with someone with communication difficulties. Another powerful message from her video is to always ask the question: How will people with communication disabilities be included? I am more mindful when creating presentations or designing lessons that I will make sure I am inclusive in my design. Most recently, at a professional development session, Glenda’s question came to mind. We had a zoom presentation and the presenter did not include closed captioning in her presentation. Although I do not have difficulty with my hearing, I found that there were times when she was speaking so fast, that I would have liked to have had captioning to follow along. 

Accessibility Apps At Our Fingertips

I was unaware of the plethora of available Tier 1 settings that are easily accessible for us to use for free through devices. Accessibility is built into all our devices these days such as VoiceOver and VoiceOver+Braille on iPhones and iPads, to Chromebook accessibility options such as ChromeVox screen reader for those who are blind.   

For more accessibility options on devices, click the links below:  

Apple Accessibility: https://www.apple.com/ca/accessibility/   Google Accessibility: https://www.google.com/accessibility/products-features/  Samsung Accessibility: https://www.samsung.com/ca/accessibility/overview/  Sony Accessibility: https://www.sony.net/SonyInfo/accessibility/  LG Accessibility: https://www.lg.com/us/accessibility/mobile/how 

Communication Partners, Effective Communication - Model, Model, Model!

The video from One Kid’s Place on Aided Language was absolutely eye-opening and powerful. We learned how long it would take an AAC user to learn a language if they were not using it the recommended 20 times per hour. If an AAC does not use it this much, it would take the user 84 years to learn a language. This is a powerful message that must be shared with all secondary AAC device users.   

To relay a message and have effective communication we need a communication partner, a common language and joint attention. To be a successful communication partner, we must learn how to model language, make comments rather than questions, pause and wait, provide prompts, be consistent when responding, and accept all forms of communication. Modelling is one of the most important things when being a communication partner. Although this may slow down our own communication, it will help us to learn this new picture-based language. If we want an AAC user to speak with pictures, we must speak with pictures.

Accessible Technology and Assistive Technology

Another important take-away from this course was the difference between accessible technology and assistive technology. Accessible technology is a technology that has built-in features and is available for a wide range of people. In the Multi-Tier System of Supports (MTSS) framework, accessible technology is used at Tier 1. Examples of this would be the accessibility features we have within our devices such as smartphones, tablets, and laptops. Assistive Technology is a technology (software or hardware) that enhances the performance of an individual with a disability and is designed to perform a specific task. With MTSS, assistive technology is used at tiers 2 and 3 and requires an assistive technology referral. An example of assistive technology would be an Augmentative and Alternative Communication device such as Proloquo2Go. 

SETT Framework by Dr. Joy Zabala

We learned the importance of matching the student to the correct AT. When looking at possible assistive technology for a student, we need to consider the SETT Framework. S: Student - skill set, needs E: Environment - where they will be using it. Secondary users: parents, TAs, teachers T: Task - What are we asking the student to do?   T: Tools - Easy to use, teach, set-up

Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and Universal Design for Playgrounds

I will never look at a playground the same again after this course! We talked about the importance of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) in the classroom and Universal Design when designing playgrounds.   

In the classroom, some ways we can support UDL are by digitizing work and making it accessible on a mobile device, using closed captioning when showing videos or presentations, or using Voice-Over for visually impaired or low-vision learners. The goal is for all students to have access to learning and have multiple ways to represent their learning. The UDL guidelines are as follows

1. Multiple Means of Engagement 

2. Multiple Means of Representation

3. Multiple Means Of Action & Expression

We performed a playground audit through the Universal Design lens. My group’s playground did not pass our audit. When looking at my own school’s playground, although it is a beautiful playground, it is not accessible. Much to our dismay, many playgrounds do not pass the universal design principles. The seven principles of inclusive play are:

1. Be Fair: Create Equitable Opportunities

2. Be Included: Access Flexibility 

3. Be Smart: Simple and Intuitive Design

4. Be Independent: Individual Exploration

5. Be Safe: Safety Standards and Comfort Areas

6. Be Active: Accommodate Diverse Needs

7. Be Comfortable: Space for Movement and Gathering

I came into this course feeling intimidated by my lack of knowledge of assistive technology but now I am feeling motivated and inspired. I am thankful for this course and the valuable tools I am leaving with that will make me a better educator. Thank-you to Barbara Welsford for this meaningful and practical course and thank-you to my peers for all of the wealth of knowledge you brought to our sessions. Best of luck to all!