Gaining Independence with AT

As an educator studying Educational Technology in graduate school, I find any form of technology important in learning. While I do not feel individuals need to constantly be sitting at a computer or incorporating technology into lessons, I do find the application of technology into education a great tool for students’ understanding and acquisition of content. In this case, while planning lessons, I make the choice for my students to incorporate and use Educational Technology in the classroom.

However, teachers do not always make the decisions. In many case, using technology, especially Assistive Technology (AT), is a personal choice. When an individual becomes dependent on technology for life-supporting purposes, technology becomes more beneficial and allows the individual more freedom throughout the day. An individual’s decision to use AT can provide that person the ability to obtain a more independent lifestyle. This is also true if the reverse occurs: if an individual chooses against the use of AT, he or she may find less independence throughout the day.

To aid individuals with disabilities in obtaining more independent lifestyles, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Titles II and III, prohibits discrimination with services provided to individuals with disabilities and requires programs to accommodate people with disabilities as they would the general public. This requires the use of AT by providing ways for individuals to easily enter, exit, and maneuver through buildings. Also, communication devices must be implemented within buildings, including Braille, large print, and listening devices.

Nevertheless, while the public is required to provide these AT services in public buildings, individuals with disabilities face accessibility issues within their own homes as well. As a result, Universal Design (UD) Smart Homes address “the entire environment [of a home]” to create a more accessible living space. Smart Homes are created with AT devices and services to aid individuals with disabilities toward a more independent lifestyle. The homes include features accessible for everyone, including extra hallway space, lower sinks, automatic light switches, soft-slope landscaping, non-slip floors, varying counter heights, and so on (Schwab, 2004). As a result, the Assistive Technology used within the home allows all individuals within the house to access all features and lead independent lives.