Hasselbring, T. S., & Williams Glaser, C. H. (2000). Use
of computer technology to help students with special needs. The Future Of
Children, 10(2), 102-122.
This article provides an overview of the role computer
technology can play in promoting the education of children with special needs
within the regular classroom. According
to the article, approximately one of six students in schools across the United
States cannot benefit fully from a traditional educational program because they
have a disability that impairs their ability to participate in classroom
activities. Teachers have found that technological innovations can help level the
playing field for special needs students and enable these students to succeed
in the regular classroom. Technology for
students with special needs is defined by federal law as "any item, piece
of equipment, or product system, whether acquired commercially off the shelf,
modified, or customized, that is used to increase, maintain, or improve functional capabilities of individuals
with disabilities.” This broad
definition encompasses a wide variety of both high-end and low-end technologies
that have proven to be useful for improving educational options for students
with disabilities.
The article gives an overview of different types of
disabilities and special needs, and an introductory discussion of how
technology can help meet those needs. The article goes on to discuss how
particular computer applications and devices make it possible for students with
disabilities to be educated in a regular classroom alongside their nondisabled
peers. Some of the technologies suggested for use by special needs students include:
Technologies for Students
with Mild Learning and Behavioral Disorders:
Word processing software
Word prediction software
Hyperlinks
Technologies for
students with Speech and Language Disorders:
Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) devices
Technologies for
students with Hearing Impairments:
Hearing aids
Frequency-Modulated (FM) Amplfication System
Captioned television
Live speech captioning
Technologies for
students with Visual Impairments:
Closed –circuit television magnification
Computer screen magnification
Screen readers
Technologies for
students with Physical Disabilities:
Switches
Basic adaptive keyboards
Touch sensitive screens
Voice recognition keyboards
Upon reading this article, I am inclined to believe that technology
has the potential to equal the educational playing field between disabled and
nondisabled students. The use of
technology to complete class assignments and projects can be very motivating
for students with disabilities. By using
certain technological devices, educational institutions can help students to
achieve their true academic potential.
More widespread use of technology would also help to meet the legal requirements
calling for students with special needs to be educated in the least restrictive
environment. Therefore, it is important
for all individuals involved in educational decisions to become familiar with
the issues surrounding the use of technology for students with disabilities.
Working together, parents, teachers, administrators, and policymakers, as well
as both students with disabilities and their nondisabled peers, can help create
classroom environments in which all students have opportunities to learn. As a future teacher-librarian, I will be required to service all students on my campus. I will need to look into new, instructional ideas and technologies to assist both special needs and nondisabled students and to help all students to achieve their educational goals.
