Journal #10 - Edutopia Article

Disabled Bodies, Able Minds: Giving Voice, Movement, and Independence to the Physically Challenged

by Diane Curtis

This article was in particularly interesting to me. I was able to see the practical application of technology in both and internal and external sense to facilitate learning and school specifically. Through programs like "Do-It", other school related programs, etc., many students that are disabled are given a new chance to participate. This idea is reminiscent of inclusion arguments and deserves attention also. Students of varying disability, both physical and mental, are able to utilize technology to accomplish not only succeeding in school, but their personal goals also. Such examples are Washington sophomore Susanna Sweeney-Martini, Spokane, Washington, high school junior Lukas Bratcher, and the Oakland (CA) Unified School District's TACLE (Technology and Augmentative Communication for Learning Enhancement) program.

1. What is one of the biggest obstacles to implementation of such programs on a broader basis?
One of the largest problems is ability to do so and knowledge of the existence of such programs and technology. Just as in the last journal entry, this technology is not in use in very many schools or districts. The main issue is that many that instruct/help those with disabilities may not even know of the existence of such technology. And, obviously, planning and budgets constitute the other half of the obstacles.

2. Does this technology really make that big of a difference?
If you do not think or do not have sufficient evidence that technology makes a huge difference in the lives of the disabled, watch the accompanying video (about 11 minutes long) and you will, at the very least, be impressed by what has been accomplished. The issue is OPPORTUNITY and QUALITY. Remember that when you watch the video or when you are using some sort of technology that helps you.