7A- Megan Giesen--Response to John Chandler

I enjoyed reading John's work about assistive technology. From handheld magnifying glasses, to books on CDs, to  communication devices with voice, Assistive Technology has changed the lives of many people. Assistive Technoloy (AT) is an item, or a piece of  equipment or product system that helps a person with disabilities by increasing , maintaining, or improving their functional capabilities. Assistive Technologies are not always an electronic device. They can be obtained by funding from private or public sources. Also, if a school signs off on an AT for a student on their IEP, the school provides the AT. Along with the funding of the AT in an IEP, the assessment and guidelines will also be in the IEP. These guidelines can define the problem scrutinize, gather data, produce elucidation, minister trails of the use of the AT, and integrate successful appropriate AT tool and strategies. Having said this, AT must fit the person. Sometimes AT use is stopped by  the person because it is not a good match from them. The student or even teacher does  not understand how to use the the equipment. I found it interesting that 80% AT  is abandoned by their users.  This 80% can change by the implantation of the device. With the right types of training and written plans, this can sometimes be avoided. I find assistive technology to be wonderful for those with disabilities. Some AT guides children so that they can work independently with the device and not need a teacher. I truly enjoyed reading John's paper and PowerPoint.