Reflection on assistive technologies

Inclusive learning is key in today's education, aiming for equal chances for every student, including those with physical or thinking challenges. Among tools supporting this, assistive tech like Braille Notetakers (for vision issues) and Amplifiers (for hearing issues) stand out as game-changers. This reflection discusses these tools, their fit in inclusive classrooms, backed by studies and real stories.

Understanding Assistive Technologies in Inclusive Learning

As explained, assistive tech means "any item or system used to boost or improve abilities of a child with a disability." Inclusive teaching values differences by making classrooms where everyone feels important and supported. Here, assistive tech acts like bridges, connecting students with disabilities to the same learning and social experiences as their classmates.

Braille Notetaker: Empowering the Visually Impaired

A Braille Notetaker is a portable gadget with a refreshable Braille screen and word-processing. It helps blind students read/write Braille, go online, take notes, do homework, and access digital lessons. Per the presentation, it lets students work alone, both at school and home.

A strong example is Dr. Sanga, born blind in rural Trashiyangtse, Bhutan. Despite this, he finished early school at Khaling Mingseling (for visually impaired students). Using Braille tools, including a Notetaker, he passed his class 12 exams brilliantly. He later earned a Master’s in Canada, at a university well-equipped with Braille tech. Today, Dr. Sanga works as a physiotherapist, proving the power of inclusive education and tools like Braille Notetakers.

For teaching, the Notetaker builds independence, boosts schoolwork, and lifts confidence. It reduces constant help needs and lets learners access resources at their speed and format. However, problems like high cost, limited teacher training, and lack of local Braille content still need fixing in Bhutanese schools.

Amplifiers: Giving Voice to the Hearing Impaired

Amplifiers, like hearing aids, boost sound. They help hearing-impaired students join class talks and audio lessons. The PowerPoint notes these as vital for inclusive learning, helping students understand sounds better.

A famous global story is Dr. Marlee Matlin, a US actress deaf from age 18 months. Using hearing amplifiers and speech therapy, Matlin became the first deaf person to win an Oscar. She often shares how hearing aids helped her connect with others and build skills for her career. In class, amplifiers can be personal aids or FM systems sending the teacher's voice straight to the student. These tools boost learning and cut mental tiredness by making listening easier. This supports studies showing such tech ensures fair education, stopping learners with hearing issues from falling behind (WHO, 2021).

Appropriateness and Critical Analysis of the Tools

The Braille Notetaker fits well for blind students in both cities and villages, like Bhutan where inclusive rules are growing. It links to common digital tools, allowing personal and independent learning. Yet, its high price and need for special teacher training are limits needing government help and policy action.

Amplifiers are cheaper and easier to get, good for wider use. They help most in regular schools where kids with some hearing loss join normal classes. But, their use can be hurt by noisy rooms, short battery life, and sometimes embarrassment wearing them. So, schools must create supportive spaces encouraging tool use without shame.

Conclusion

Both Braille Notetakers and Amplifiers are powerful tools for inclusive education. They let students with seeing or hearing disabilities access the same learning as peers. Real stories like Dr. Sanga and Marlee Matlin show their huge life-changing impact. While they need money, training, and understanding, their long-term good for learners and society is clear. Schools and leaders must work together to weave such assistive tech into regular education – not as extra help, but as basic tools guaranteeing every child's right to learn, join in, and succeed.

References

Braille Institute. (n.d.). Braille notetakers. https://www.brailleinstitute.org

Matlin, M. (2009). I'll Scream Later. Simon & Schuster.

Microsoft. (n.d.). Use Narrator to read and interact with your device. https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/use-narrator-to-read-and-interact-with-your-device

World Health Organization. (2021). Assistive technology. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/assistive-technology