"Reflections of Assistive Technologies"

Describe how AT tools serve to bridge the gaps in ability and (can) eventually be phased out as the build the skills (as demonstrated in Josh's story).

After watching the clip about Josh and the adversities he has had to overcome at the young age of six, it is amazing how technology has forever changed the life of a little boy who, at one point, didn't communicate with anyone.

Standing on his tip toes, throwing tantrums and being non verbal were just a few of the adversities that Josh's teacher had to overcome. She needed find solutions to get him to meet state standards. Knowing she couldn't rely on just her teaching methods, she turned to the "supertalker" in order to break the communication barrier. It allows Josh to not only communicate his needs and wants, but gain self confidence and gradually begin to communicate verbally with his teacher and classmates.

The time from when Josh began using the smart reader, to the time he began to speak and rely less on the audio that accompanies the technology, was only a few days. How amazing is it that we have come so far and can now use these devices to assist teachers in educating students who were, at one point in history, not able to learn in a normal classroom.

Gradually, Josh began to rely less on the audio, and more on his knowledge of the subject until he eventually stopped using it all together. He now reads books to both his teacher, and his classmates, something he wouldn't have been able to do without the smart reader.