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This is so very true with are growing society. With technology being more available in schools and home, helping educate students is easier. Now this can only occur with the proper training and use of the technology. Compared to the past when technology cost way more and was not as portable, todays AT are quite the opposite.

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While I do agree with the statement is the fact that if the technology was more accessible it would be a great advantage to many families who do not currently have the means to acquire technology to assist their child with special needs. However, I do not believe that this is the answer to all of the problems that students with disabilities face. some kids within a special education room maneuver a computer amazingly but there are others who have trouble with them even when they have been working on them from kinder to fourth grade. As much as society is trying to replace people with computers in order to save money or time, we as humans know they can never replace us in society as a whole. This thought translates to the classroom, while computers are slowly becoming a large role they will never be able to replace the extra work a teacher does and incorporates in the classroom such as love, social skills, sensory functions, or truly hands on activities.

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I completely oppose with the statement above. I do believe technology plays an important factor for assisting students with diabilities. However, without the time and support of teachers and family, technology is useless. I think what a student with disabilities needs first is a circle of support. Technology can never replace the time and hard work that teachers and educational professionals spend with each student.

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I think that the problems that students with disabilities face cannot be completely solved with technology. I agree that they would help to an enormous extent, but in my opinion, not every problem can be solved with technology. Rather than saying "the problems [...] would be solved," I think "the problems will be more manageable" is a better choice of words.
In the end, it will come down to the people around the student's life. Are the educators, parents, and peers supportive and willing to train, teach, and socialize with the student? If they are not, it does not matter how advanced and cost-effective the devices are. Technology cannot completely solve the problem.

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I think that if AT devices cost less, we would be able to help students more technology wise in certain ways. But, I don't think that based on this quote, it would solve all problems for helping students with disabilities. Technology will help progress the education of students, but will not solve all issues.

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I think that while improving the portability, affordability, and storage capability of technology can help students in such ways, I do not think it is the absolute answer to helping students with disabilities. In reality, what works for each student is different, and as long as the technology works for the student, that is what makes things possible for the student. It does not have to be the top of the line and most recent technology that "does the job." Another point is that it is not simply the device that has an impact on the student but also the services that educators provide to the student and the family to help them understand how to use the device. Without the services to explain the devices, the devices do not stand to help as efficiently as they could.

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Yu Gu
Can I interpret this sentence as "if the technology is smart and affordable enough, the students with disabilities would not have barriers in most areas?" Definitely, the more advanced are the technology, the more independent are the students with disabilities who use them. AC devices are very important for some students with disabilities. However, educational instructions and interventions are important for them as well. AC devices can be used as intermediary tools for students to access these instructions and interventions. Even combined AC devices and some other supports, some students with disabilities still have more or fewer barriers. What we need to do is to accept them and provide support for them.

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There will always be issues about cost but then at the same time it should not be a problem. The law says the school district has to provide students with anything they need. I think technology is changing but not at the rate that we need it. We want it to be as helpful as it can be for students but it has not evolved .

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I think that the problems facing students with disabilities goes far beyond the classroom as far as access and ability are concerned. Laws like the Americans with disabilities act are put in place to help prevent individuals with a variety of disabilities from being discriminated against. The problems facing these students will be far greater than what type of assistive technology they have access to. It is true that these forms of technology will improve their abilities to complete tasks more easily but discrimination will still be a major issue not prevented by these tools. Additionally, The authors of our text also state that we can not depend on technology alone, trained teachers and specialists that can train students how to use the technology and help assist students is an important aspect we should also consider, at least in the realm of education (Dell, Newton & Petroff, 2011).

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Wow there is a lot of great discussion going on here about what is and is not appropriate for students with disabilities. From my own perspective I would have to say that it's important that we look at each child as an individual and their own unique needs and abilities. What works for one student may not work for another, despite similarities that we may see. Luckily technology allows us to differentiate according to what we need, especially with all the apps!

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I don't completely agree with the  statement because not all advanced technology is appropriate for every student with a disability. While high-tech assistive technology can be beneficial in getting special education students involved in classroom activities where they would not normally be involved without the technology, that social aspect is still present and very necessary.This is a good point that is made from our textbook, "The inclusion of assistive technology services in the law is extremely important because it recognizes that simply providing a device is not enough. Making a device available without providing essential supports is a major barrier to the successful implementation of assistive technology." (Dell, Newton & Petrol, 2016, p.6)

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Assistive Technology in Action - Meet Elle

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Assistive Technology is a powerful tool in the hands of people with special needs. I happened to see a lot of videos when technology helps children with cerebral palsy or autism to communicate their needs. On the other side, though, I still believe that an actual person can be very helpful to people with disabilities as well. It is probably the combination of technology and specialists that can benefit children with disabilities the best.

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I agree there are some restrictions when it comes to costs, technology advances, and compatibility when using assistive technology. However, I do believe that we need additional supplement from teachers, parents, peers, and members of the community. As the textbook states, " used to increase, maintain, or improve functional capabilities of a child with a disability" (Dell, Newton & Petroff p4). What I gather from the definition is that it is not the sole source of learning rather a way to enhance or improve learning. I cannot help but think of the story of Bernie that was in the beginning of the chapter. He had severe cerebral palsy and used a typewriter to write to people and communicate. Without prior teaching of the written language this would not be possible. I believe this is a similar mentality we need when educating students. Technology can be used to improve but should not be the sole resource of learning.

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Becca, though technology can really benefit special edcuation students, I do not think that improving technology will solve all education problems. As Dell, Newton, and Petroff (2011) state, "tecnology alone is not enough" (p.14). Students need the expert guidance of teachers and therapists to reach their full potential; technology should be a tool that helps students succeed, not the main instructor in their lives. Using technology to facilitate and enhance learning, and not dictate the educational program, will benefit students the most. As Brittany touched on, I think that social skills and being able to empathize and connect with others is extremely important, and not something can be understood solely through a technology device.

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Yes, I think that technology would aide in helping students reach their goals. However, I do think that the student's progress shouldn't be solely based the usage of technology. The student needs to continue being taught by an actual person (teacher, therapist, counselor, etc), or have contact and relationships with other people. A child who can communicate his/her wants/needs via AAC device, but does not have appropriate social skills when dealing with various people is not successful in my opinion.

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"If only the technology could be faster, have more memory, weigh less, and cost less, the problems facing students with disabilities would be solved" (A. Dell, D. A. Newton & J.G. Petroff p. 9, 2011). As a future special education teacher do you think that the above statement from, Assistive Technology in the Classroom:Enhancing the School Experience of Students with Disabilities is accurate? Or do you think that with a combination of assistive technology and something else (Therapy, a well planned education, effective teachers etc.) will solve the challenges of students with disabilities?