Week 8: Adaptive and Assistive Technology

This has been such an informative week of exploration for me.

Of all the resources explored, I was most intrigued and inspired by Universal Design for Learning. I was last in grad school 15 years ago where I learned about adapting lessons for students with IEPs, etc., I was amazed to see the advancement in this field!

The idea of offering more nuanced options for learning makes so much sense, and I love the way UDL emphasizes that designing curriculum with learning experiences for those "in the margin" benefits everyone. This is the exact opposite of how I have always approached lesson planning. I would think about a lesson that targets the general group of students, and then think about ways to adapt the lesson to meet the needs of students with IEPs and 504s. I'm not understanding how focusing on the latter group of students first benefits all-- including the teacher! There is less work involved in modifying, which frees up a teacher's time to plan more creatively or add meaningful extension activities to the lesson.

My other big takeaway came from Hopkins' 2004 article. Specifically, her suggestions for reasons why Library Teachers should be focusing on AT strategies in the library resonated with me. I feel for those students who experience social isolation. Since libraries can be a very social place with collaborative work, it is so important for LTs to offer opportunities for students who rely on AT to feel included. Hopkins writes: "Technology that promotes increased interaction with others helps to prevent social isolation. Assistive technology that allows a student to access information, communicate or participate in school promotes acceptance."

I am in touch with the SPED team at my school as well as the AT point person for the district. I was thrilled to learn that my district has a UDL wiki tool kit. Cue the confetti! I'm really excited to learn how to adapt library policies, procedures and learning experiences for students that rely on AT, which will then certainly benefit all of my students. LTs in the district are also updating their respective LibGuides and I'm excited to share links on the UDL wiki with those on my LibGuide.