Can We Afford Assistive Technology When Budgets Are Tight?

Many school districts are still financially reeling from the economic downturn of 2008. I have recently started working for a district that has had limited support for new curriculum and technology in the recent past. The future is certainly brighter than it has been, but there many basic needs that have been overlooked and need tending. In an environment such as this, why might I consider using limited resources on assistive technology?

I might because I believe innovation happens at the edges. Assistive technology is typically associated with programs that serve learners with special needs. However, there is a lot that general education can learn from successes achieved in special education. Assistive technology can be an opportunity for those looking to build individualized connections.

Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is "one approach to making general education curriculum more accessible to diverse learners regardless of ability, learning style, or culture" (Jimenez, Graf, & Rose, 2007). UDL uses variety in representation, expression and engagement that allows students to find the best tools that work for their learning style. "Successful learning experiences challenge and support each learner appropriately and adjust as the learner changes over time" (Rose, Meyer, Strangeman, & Rappolt, (2002). Providing students choice will make learning personal.

References

Jimenez, T., Graf, V., & Rose, E. (2007). Gaining access to general education: The promise of universal design for learning. Issues in Teacher Education. 16(2), 42.

Rose, D., Meyer, A., Strangman, N., & Rappolt, G. (2002). Teaching every student in the digital age: Universal design for learning. ASCD. Retrieved from: http://www.ascd.org/publications/books/101042/chapters/Using-UDL-to-Support-Every-Student%27s-Learning.aspx