Students with Disabilities and Computer Technology

http://www.newhorizons.org/strategies/technology/burgstahler.htm

Summary-This article discusses ways that students with disabilities can use technology in the classrooms. It goes into detail about what technologies to use and why. Also it describes what not to use and why.

Reflect /analysis- This article was great for expanding my learning. We always talk about how to use technology in the classroom, however, personally I don't hear much about students with disabilities and technology. The articles talk of students with mobility impairments. In my own classroom if I have students with this type of disability, I will follow the suggestions that the author gives such as providing flexible equipment such as computer desks that wheel chairs can fit under, making sure that a person in a wheelchair can reach all of the computer equipment such as keyboards, and power strips.
For students who are blind I could use a braille keyboard. I was unaware that braille keyboards existed. There are speech out puts for the computer screen also, therefore the students can hear what is being show on a computer screen. For students with low vision in the classroom I will make the standard keyboard and screen letters much larger.
Students with hearing or speech difficulties they can use the computer to become active in discusses with the class by having their typing become synthesized into computer generated speech.
Students with learning disabilities can benefit form technology by getting individualized help and instruction on the computer. These students often need a little more practice than the non disabled student. The computer can be that 1 on 1 attention that they need.
Overall, I have learned may techniques I can use in my classroom if and when I encounter a student with a disability.