Mod 13 reflection on Assistive Tech

Of all the articles, I liked the Understood article best because it starts off stating "Assistive technology can't "cure" learning and attention issues, but it can help kids work . . . ."  If I were in a classroom I would have a copy of this article for every parent of a child that needs AT in class.  Why you ask, well I want parents to understand that AT is there to help their kids not be the end all be all to handling a disability.  Many times I think parents want their teachers and AT device to fix their kids, that is not going to happen.  We (parents, staff, teachers) have to find ways to help kids adapt in the classroom and then succeed from their.
The next bullet point in the same article is that not all AT's are high tech.  Again a great thing for parents to learn.  AT's don't have to be electronic or expensive, it can be as simple as images from the web or someone reading out loud for their student.  As long as it works for the student and is planned in whatever IEP or 504 plan it will be allowed in the classroom.
I think parents (and teachers) have to do their research on AT's.  Find something that works best for your child and then introduce to teachers and the student.  Get information from specialist but find what works best for your situation.  Just because it is the newest and greatest AT does not mean it will be best for your child.  Don't fall into the trap of spending tons of money and your child not feeling comfortable or disliking the AT.
I have no personal experience with AT in any of my student teaching experiences.  I did have several students with severe allergies in my classrooms but that just required careful planning on what came in and out of the classroom.  I did have a college course where we were introduced to a family dealing with a child who lost her muscle control and speech abilities as she had gotten older.  The name of the disorder escapes me at this time but there was a computer that recognized eye movements to alert parents to a child's need or give the child a way to communicate.  The computer was rather expensive and insurance did not cover.  I found that unacceptable, if a child needs it, it should be made available to them.  I think that is something that has to be fixed with our insurance companies, stop making devices that will help our sick kids so impossible to get.
I think AT's are great for kids and as long as the classroom staff is trained how to use to the benefit of the child they should be part of the classroom like pencils and paper.