Assisting the Assisted

Celia Chavez
ED 451
September 29, 2009

“Enabling Dreams” was an eye-opener as to just how life-changing assistive and adaptive technology is for those that use it. The first thing to come to mind was a saying I heard a little while ago: there are no problems, only situations. “Enabling Dreams” definitely showed that the limitations the children in the video had were not dead-end, irreconcilable problems but merely situations that called for dynamic solutions. The disabilities ranged from severe and many to missing or nearly inoperable limbs. Despite the discrepancy, all of the children portrayed were uniquely aided by tools of technology in order to make the optimum use of their education. What the video made me realize is there are many different ways to accommodate disabled students, and their disabilities should not keep them from learning like everyone else. I also learned that it is Federal law in the United States to make every accommodation possible to ensure that special needs students are educated properly.
The video made me realize the extent I will have to go to in order to make certain that all my students’ needs are met. It will be my responsibility to inform the students’ parents about their rights, and also to pursue the Individual Educational Plan process, which can sometimes get muddled in the process. I know now that a disability is an opportunity to create new educational routes. Specifically in my lesson plan, I will have to consider the appropriateness of my lesson delivery and methods. For example, if there is a hearing-impaired student, then I will integrate visual presentations and activities so that the child does not feel left out. Also, it would be a great educational opportunity for the rest of the class to learn more about the disability. This should empower the affected student(s), as well as opening the eyes of the others. Another example of altering the lesson plans to serve the special needs students would be having the child with a disability partner up with a high-achieving student on a project or assignment.
In “Enabling Dreams,” the story about the boy playing the trumpet brought me to tears. Music is such a strong driving force for success and self-confidence, and because of the fruits of technology the young gentleman was able to live his music. Fifteen years ago, that child would have never ever heard music notes that he himself produced. It was so empowering to see that he was not stopped by his disability, but was able to play his trumpet and reap the benefits of music, as every human being is entitled to do.
Lastly, the video brought to mind the fact that, as an educator, I must think outside of the box when it comes to accommodating students’ special needs. What I mean is, I have to do research in order to keep up with technology and Federal laws, and I have to utilize a multi-faceted approach to presenting my lessons. One way to keep myself in check is by seeking the approval of my methods, as well as inviting more ideas, from the Special Education coordinator and teachers.
Every student deserves the best from the educational system. Some children may have different needs, and may need to be taught in different ways, but it is our job as educators to make sure that happens. It is not just a job, but a moral and ethical obligation to provide every accommodation and exhaust every option that is required to securing the most well-rounded education for every student that we come across. It might be extra work, but it is well-worth it.