Every day, students with physical, sensory or cognitive disabilities face learning barriers. The phrase "assistive technology"" as described in IDEA, states that IEP teams must consider if the students with the disabilities need assistive technology and services in order to benefit. I believe that Assistive technology is not a luxury, that it is a right. An assistive technology device is any item that is used to assist or improve the functioning of an individual with a disability. The goal of assistive technology is to help the disabled gain a form of independence in their lives.
There are two forms of assistive technology high tech, and low tech devices, which improve educational and everyday life for disabled individuals. Low tech based tools utilize little or no technology to assist with a disability. High tech based tools utilize a large amount of technology to assist with a disability. Three specific forms of assistive technology devices are head pointers, personal FM units, and Dynamic display devices.
Head Pointers provide an alternative use for individuals who are unable to use their fingers, hands or arms. They are designed for use by people with cerebral palsy, spinal cord injury, brain injury, muscular dystrophy, multiple sclerosis, double arm amputees, or upper extremity disabilities. Head pointer devices can help physically disabled people in a wide range of daily activities. It can be used for activities including turning pages, drawing, painting, computer keyboards, or a touch screen device. It also can help people with limited verbal communication skills. They can use the device for communication boards or to point. .
Head pointers often come with various types of hats or headgear to stabilize the device in position. Most are made with adjustable bands to fit around different head sizes. The pointers length and angle is adjustable, and the end is usually fitted with a removable pencil holder.