Assistive Tech Day 1 Sept. 27/08

Well! Here I am back at school. Who would have thought!
This is my first graduate course, as an independent student, towards my Masters of Education in Inclusive education. I have heard great things about our instrutor Barbara Welsford. I am looking forward to the class and getting aquainted with everyone.
Today we are learning to make a Blog. As this is my first time making one, I'm a little anxious about how I will do with constructing and manipulating the site once I'm alone to do so. I will just have to remind myself that help is really not that far away. I did manage to register a Blog, select a template (I chose based on color alone), and type one sentence and save it. Thanks Rachel for sharing your computer.
Many forms of assistive technology were mentioned today and briefly explained while touching on which students may benefit from them. (Remember MPT model by Dr. Marcia Scherer. )I'm looking forward to trying out these pieces of technology. I have limited experience with many of them but looking to refresh and utilize more fully.
Books and videos that were mentioned or recommended today were:
Book- "Living in State of Stuck" by Dr. Marcia Scherer, especially chapter 8
video- "The Secret Life of the Brain" by David Gurbin
The video clips presented were beneficial as it allowed us to see first hand many uses of technology and the level on independence individuals gained. We, as a school board or society, are no where near where we need to be in terms of providing these suppports. It weighs heavily that it cannot be available for all who are in need "right now" but enlightening to think of the creativity many people possess to create these products and that it will continue to develop.
The video clip shown of the young man climbing the wall was very touching. It is wonderful to see people take the time, creativity, and energy to make the impossible the possible for disabled individuals.
GTO as I have other homework to figure out such as adding gadgets. This is where I may run into problems.