Enabling Dreams

Assistive Technology: Enabling Dreams

“Technology is a lifeline for the disabled students in today’s classroom.” That’s what I heard and understood from the video “Enabling Dreams.” Students who have disabilities have continued to lag behind other non-disabled students. Some student’s with handicap problems need to use technology. Being able to progress in their education and move on with a career after college is not that possible without technology that is available in today’s world. The video stated that all assistive technology that helps the student’s who can’t move their limbs or talk has progressed at the same rate as computers, cell phones and other equipment have. These tools for learning have kept up with this highly developed technology.
For one girl named Suzanna who referees soccer matches the assistive technology has enabled her to pursue her degree at the University of Washington. For another student named Lucas, this advance technology has enabled him to play in concert bands and created the access for him to pursue his passion. I believe if technology has helped in enabling these dreams of so many students with disabilities, we as a society need to make sure this is available for all who need it. The problem with most educational areas is where the money is going to come from. I don’t think this is cheap, but I also feel us as a society, we need to make this technology available to all, regardless of income, color, demographic area or race.
Assistive technology is available and we should make it happen so other kids can progress and adapt to the changing times. Watching a child communicate with his eyebrows is amazing. This makes me feel a since of urgency in wanting to help make this type of technology available to others. I believe we as a culture need to educate as many politicians and school districts in try to help other handicap children have the same chance that I am sure only the rich well-off students have presently in regards to assistive technology. Let every child have a chance to become someone and make their dreams come true. Hard work and effort may not be enough, so every child who needs it should get assistive technology. Programs like DO-IT are helping but more needs to be done.