Adaptive Technology

After visiting the ACIT Lab, I feel as though I have learned of all these incredible technological devices that Temple had never introduced to me before, or really even made me aware of. I feel that it is necessary that the school make the existence of such a useful lab known to its students, as I'm sure that whether a student has a disability or not, that they will be able to find some use for it.

My impressions on the lab are stated above for the most part. I was blown away, and had never even heard of many of these programs. But the uses for them are incredible, and I am sure, for some students, invaluable. The many different devices could be used for an extensive amount of things, whether it is in a classroom, or just as an aid for students with disabilities who may not be able to take advantage of many of the technologies provided at the tech center, or elsewhere around campus.

During the presentation by Lori Bailey, there were three devices that really stood out to me. The first of which was the Intelli-keys Keypad. For students with physical, visual, and cognitive disabilities, this keypad could be indispensable. The keyboard provides students with customizable templates of varying degrees of complexity that are interchangeable. The device can be used by a wide variety of people, and will aid in the education of those with disabilities that may make it difficult or painful for them to use a standard keyboard with a computer.

A second device that was impressive was the Sip-Puff Switch. This tube-like device allows the user to click as if they were using a mouse by blowing in air and sucking air out. This would make it possible for students with physical disabilities, who may not have full or total control of their hands to be able to take advantage of computer technologies.

The third device that impressed me from the lab was the Roller-plus Joystick. The roller-plus joystick replaces the standard mouse on a computer, and allows for single hand use of the joystick. The device is meant for people with physical disabilities. With a larger joystick feature, it remains stationary for the user, and also, with large buttons used for left and right clicking, as well as dragging, the student using the roller-plus will benefit greatly from the simple usability of the device, and what it provides the student with, as they will be able to still use a computer, but without the standard mouse, which may have been difficult or painful to use previously.

All of these devices are interesting, and useful for students with special needs. It is comforting to know that Temple has gone through the trouble to provide students with such technologies, in the interest of furthering their education and allowing them to perform at a level with other students who may not need the devices.