Technology for Sensory Impairments

        This week we read about sensory impairments, more specifically visual impairments. I had the chance to read through some articles and visit a simulator. The simulator allowed me to take a look through someone else's eyes and see what they see. I do not have much experience working with students with a visual impairment but after reading all these detailed articles, I now have a new and better understanding of this impairment. I also have resources and assistive technology to support these students.
        The Low Vision Simulation Activity site, gave me an opportunity to look through someone else's eyes and take a chance to realize that everything is seen differently from every person. The most important detail I took away from this site is that even people with the same diagnosis do not see the same. A specific diagnosis does not mean you will see in one particular way. Every person will have different abilities and different needs. It is important to understand the person and find out what the best tools are to help them. I found the simulators to be eye opening and surprising. I never really considered the different levels of vision. Having glasses, I always knew that wearing them would help but in some cases there is more support needed. This simulator definitely gave me a new perspective on low vision and how providing the right resources to students is important.
       The Microsoft Accessibility: Guide for Individuals with Vision Impairments, is a resource that I did not know existed. I always knew you could magnify the screen but I did not know about all the other tools they provide. Some of the most beneficial tools for the classroom that I read about are; enlarge text, magnify the screen, and hear the text read aloud. Each of these tools would benefit a child with low vision and give them a chance to work independently on the computer. I have used the magnify screen tool with students in the past and it allows them to feel more comfortable when using technology. This guide is a great resource for educators who do not know this product is available.
       The article, Working Together: Computers and People with Sensory Impairments, talked a lot about the assistive technology that is available for people with a sensory impairment. Many of these resources can be accessed by educators for students to use. There are programs that adjust screen colors, have screen enlargement software, have speech and braille out put systems, and offer voice over technology. I have never used many of these programs but would implement them in my classroom as a form of assistive technology. These tools would allow my student to grow as learners and complete classroom assignments more independently. Educators just need to be aware of the resources that are available, even if it is as simple as enlarging the text for the student.
       Using an iPad as a form of assistive technology is very common. A student who has an iPad my use it as a form of communication to express wants and needs. They also may use it to complete classwork and follow a schedule in school. Knowing how to manipulate the iPad so that the student is getting full benefit from it is important. That is where the article, Settings for iPad Accessibility Features for Blind and Low Vision Students, comes in handy. This article provides so many ways to alter and get full use out of the iPad. I learned how to input braille options and even change the buttons to make them more visually pleasing. I use iPads daily with my students and now I have many resources and tools to give them the most success when learning.
        After watching the webinar on Assistive Technology Ideas for Students with Multiple Disabilities and Visual Impairments, I had the chance to find out about more current assistive technology that is being used. A big resource that is being used is tactile and picture symbols. This allows students to touch and feel the symbol to know what is happening or what is next. Another major resource that was discussed is the iPad. I discovered many new apps to use in my classroom including literary apps and communication apps. Assistive technology is very important when talking about sensory impairments. Even the most simple form of assistive technology gives students a chance to communicate and learn with more confidence.