In a world where the term ‘differently abled ‘is preferred over ‘disabled’, there have been vast developments and research in the finding ways to eliminate boundaries that inhibit the educational experience of special children. For this cause, thesis writing services based websites suggest that their learning has improved considerably with the introduction of assistive technology, helping those with any deformity or impairments and going against the odds of low conventional standards.
The main objective of assistive technology is to equalize educational opportunities that cater to their individual needs and help in expanding their potential to higher levels. Emphasis is being done on making this technology accessible to wider audiences, making sure their financial status does not become a hurdle in utilizing these life-changing technologies.
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Technology as an equalizer- breaking stereotypes
Previously, it was believed that special children could in no way be useful to the society, due to the inborn imparities that would inhibit them from learning or performing basic tasks. However, with time and awareness, research started on ways to improve their quality of life and thus, bought them to the point of receiving equal educational attention, in order to work become productive members of the society.
Here we talk about a few technologies that have remodeled the way special children are being educated in recent years:
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Human speech recognition and synthesis technology
This development has been a milestone in the communication of teachers with special students that have impaired vision or speaking senses. Many websites suggest that not only has this technology broken the barrier that initially existed but, has considerably increased their confidence and ease of learning. Along with all this, it makes their participation in class a significant part of learning, as an exchange of ideas is initiated.
Self-confidence is an integral part of a student’s personality to face the world and this particular technology has played a leading role in allowing special students to express themselves, resulting in increasing self-esteem.
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Improved sensor controls
From manual to automatic wheelchairs, technological developments focusing on special students with degenerative impairments, such as muscular dystrophy, have come a long way. In obvious ways, this has allowed mobility like never before and made them capable of performing complex tasks like driving a car to school.
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Adaptive computer technology
Lots of websites state that using this technology in classrooms is becoming increasingly popular in recent years, due to the positive feedback from users. This technology is particularly useful for those students who suffer from visual impairment and involves the use of recorded books from audio libraries. Examples of these are Bookport and Vector reader that consist of an audio player, digital recorder and radio, which are used in classrooms for listening to the lectures given by teachers as well as recording them for future reference.
Moreover, this option is also made feasible by OCT or optical character recognition, allowing them to scan books or written notes by the teacher.
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Advanced keyboards
Multiple keyboard options are available for those students with disabilities having trouble with pressing keys, such as Intellikeys, Keyguards, and Bigkeys. Some have more sensitive touch systems, while others have larger buttons with colored numbers and alphabets. The best and most advanced are the on-screen keyboards that are controlled by a mouse, switch or simply eye-gaze.
Such keyboards allow students to communicate their thoughts and actively take part in classroom discussions or make notes on class lessons.
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Web-based services
These are software designed to provide basic services, such as video chatting forums for students with disabilities. They encourage e-learning through online classes where multiple users are allowed and lessons are recorded. An example of this is Devengo, a cloud-based service for online bookings and also XB chat, specially made with features that assist those with disabilities.
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Argumentative communication
Specially designed for people with speech problems, this technology aims to assist them in learning without hurdles. This is used in classrooms for giving presentations that involve visuals such as pictures instead of words, catering to the needs of students that have issues with analyzing information and is used to supplement or replace speech or writing for those with impairments in the production or comprehension of spoken or written language.
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