7B - Candel Response to Giesen

Megan,

I was especially interested in your topic due to my involvement in our assistive technology (AT) programming at the center where I am employed. Although I have historically only delved into the electronic portion of AT planning for students, such as setting up iPads, desktop computers, and devices like the Dynavox, I hadn't really considered how far-reaching assistive technology could extend. As you put it, "Assistive Technology is 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." In that case, we are surrounded by AT, right? From the reminders on our phones we receive every day all day, to Google maps to help us get from one city to the next, we are being "assisted" by technology. Consider not having something like Caller ID on your phone? Now, that would be disabling to millions of people! That's the thing I come away with after reading your paper. It's so incredible all of the amazing things that have been created to help those people who truly would not have been able to accomplish them otherwise. However, I also wonder if the advancements have left some of our neuro-typical society just a bit lazier than they might have been 10 - 20 years ago? What do you think? Great paper!

Tony