Assistive technology has many rewards, but it also can have challenges too. Assistive technology can help individuals with disabilities and impairments accomplish everyday task. Task individuals without disabilities take for granted, from holding a pencil to walking to check the mail to communicating with peers. These task and numerous others can be accomplished through the use of assistive technology. Assistive technology in some cases could be the difference that allows an individual achieving academic success that otherwise could not be mastered.
Along with the benefits of accomplishing everyday task and mastering academic goal there can be challenges. A challenge individuals can face is their own attitude toward assistive technology. This is why it is important for an individual to only use the AT that meets his/her needs. Sometimes even educators have a negative attitude toward assistive technology. Some feel it is difficult to implement. In some case AT can be challenging to access. Many high tech devices and systems can be costly for an individual and his/her family to obtain; however, all of these challenges can be overcome by understanding the rewards and by knowing how to get access to special funding.
While teaching children with disabilities in need of Assistive Technology, the teacher can have barriers or challenges in their way. Teachers are not always properly trained to use assistive technology. This is due to a shortage of persons trained. Many feel with the responsibility of other demands put on them they no not have the time to use the assistive technology. Also, many do not completely understand the concept of AT and the benefits it can provide for their students.
Educators sometimes fall in a rut of being inconsistent and having a negative attitude toward new methods of education. This is also true when it comes to Assistive Technology. The teachers must remember to be consistent and have a positive attitude. This will help encourage the student to use the AT and help them be successful.
