Saturday, April 25, 2009

Update on a Teacher in Labor

Hi blog world! It's a cool and breezy Saturday night and I just got home from a walk with my family. The Red Sox beat the Yankees (twice). Life is good. School is winding down and I have started applying for jobs. I have my first phone interview this Monday. Feelings? A mixture of scared, excited, confident and nervous. I am so glad that God holds my future in His hands.

As a mom, I kind of feel like I did right before giving birth for the first time when you are so fat and uncomfortable and all you do is whine. Sure, you get the big shower and attention and laddy dah. So thats fun. But then the baby comes and life gets really crazy. Sleep? What sleep? You dont have to be an expert and pretty soon it becomes second nature. I feel like I am about to give birth to my new career and I am whining now (PACT!) but the real work hasnt even started. It will all work out but not knowing exact details is a little unnerving. I am used to having things coursed out. Ugh.

I just watched ER and feel better that Dr. Carter was scared when he started too. I am pretty sure I will not kill anyone so that's good. Balancing confidence, humility and common sense is what I need now. Bring it on!
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What is Adaptive or Assistive Technology and What Does it Mean to Me?

Assistive or Adaptive Technology commonly refers to "...products, devices or equipment, whether acquired commercially, modified or customized, that are used to maintain, increase or improve the functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities..."
Assistive Technology Act of 1998

Assistive Technology Products can enable people with disabilities to accomplish daily living tasks, assist them in communication, education, work or recreation activities, in essence, help them achieve greater independence and enhance their quality of life.

Assistive Technology devices can help improve physical or mental functioning, overcome a disorder or impairment, help prevent the worsening of a condition, strengthen a physical or mental weakness, help improve a person's capacity to learn, or even replace a missing limb.

Assistive Technology Services support people with disabilities or their caregivers to help them select, acquire, or use adaptive devices. Such services include functional evaluations, training on devices, product demonstration, and equipment purchasing or leasing.

Assistive Technology is For Everyone

Assistive Technology (AT) is defined in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) as, "...any item, piece of equipment, or product system... that is used to increase, maintain, or improve functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities." In other words, AT can be anything - from a pencil grip to a computer, a magnifying glass to a wheelchair - that helps a person perform a daily task that might otherwise be very difficult or impossible. AT accomodations can be written in to a child's Individualized Education Plan (IEP); for example, if a child has a difficult time typing on a regular keyboard, ergonomic or large-key keyboards may benefit the child and this could be written in to an IEP. AT should not be confused with Universal Design for Learning (UDL). UDL is when an entire curriculum is created and designed to differentiate instruction for every student, including students with disabilities, English Language Learners, and gifted and talented students.

Welcome to my Blog

This is my blog... I am new to this world of blogology but am willing to give it a shot.