Assistive technology! I am going to tell you the truth. This truth will shock you. In fact, after reading this, please call someone that can assist you in your utter shock. Here it goes.
Dr. Cyrus gave us a link to a video clip on assistive technology. So what, right? Well. I thought the same thing too. I thought that the video would be dry and boring. In fact I opened a new tab and armed it with the myspace webpage. I was ready to comment on all the friends that I have neglected. I press play on the video and it begins. The first few seconds reminded me so vividly of the famous anchor, Dianne Sawyer. I decided to give in just a little more. I DID.
A young woman by the name of Susanna speaks about her disability and how assistive technology works for her. She has a case of cerebral palsy (I may be wrong) and relies heavily on computers and a wheelchair in order to move on in her normal activities each day. Listening to her story had me focused on what technology can do for not only those without disabilities but those with certain limitations. She has a computer that is voice activated since her disability hinders her aptitude of handwriting or typing. She announces things into the computer and the technology is able to transpose her voice into the system. Wonderful! This type of equipment can help Susanna achieve her dreams in becoming a news anchor and studying disabilities.
If anything else kept me focused it was the young man who played the horn. From what it looked like it appeared as if the fellow had a disability with his hands and arms. It seemed as if they were almost too weak to hold grip. He was also in a wheelchair. The young man simply wanted to be in an orchestra. Of course with his disability, he was unable to perform normally as the other students. His instructor in middle school recalls a time when he wanted to join the school band but there were no forms of assistance to him. The young man tried and worked hard to find means to play as any ordinary student would. Fortunately there was a repair shop that helped him with this. Today he plays for his college band as a fulltime member of the orchestra. Because of assistive technology to help him with the air valves within the instrument, he is now a fully functional band member.
I can honestly say that technology is truly for everyone. Those with disabilities rely on them with their lives. Technology has helped them live life as any typical citizen. This beyond any doubt is the pinnacle of computers and our lives; it helps shape who we are. Because of this advancement those with limitations can function normally and still be computer savvy. When I finished watching the clip I decided to write a short comment. Wait a minute! Wait! I was supposed to give comments to my friends on myspace! Wow. Dr. Cyrus, I got to hand it to you. The video clip was way beyond my expectation and I am glad that I have watched it. I am definitely going to show it to my students some time this year!
