Reflection Journal

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Reflection Journal

As a person with a sensory disability, I would be glad to have assistive devices to aid in my learning. If I was blind and deaf which is a dual sensory impairment, I would use a Braille note taker, Braille display laptops and screen readers. It would be a challenge to have blind- deafness impairment, especially in a learning environment where most students are without any form of disability. With such a condition, it would be difficult for me to function properly in a school where most students do not have any special needs. In addition, having the sensory impairment conditions would require me to have more attention from the tutors so as to be at par with my studies like the rest of the students. Assistive technological devices would come in handy to assist in my studies as a leaner with sensory disabilities. The Braille Note taker would assist in being able to comprehend texts written in Braille for learning purposes as well as typing in Braille (Miesenberger, 2008).

Moreover, the Braille note taker would assist me in browsing the internet as well as doing class assignments as required. Using of Braille assistive technology including different Braille software would highly help me as a visually impaired student to effectively use technology, especially computers. Moreover, with a Braille note taker attached to a laptop, it will be very easy browse online as well as use internet for any specific learning needs. Hersh (2008). The use of Braille technology in general will also be helpful for me as a visually impaired student to keep up with learning and lessons like other students. Though, the use of Braille requires initial learning through a special Braille tutor so as to understand how it works. With basic Braille understanding, the use of a Braille note taker would come in handy in other areas of my advanced learning in class.

As a student with an equally hearing impairment, normal learning would prove impossible since a teacher cannot shout out lectures in class. Deafness can be partial or full, therefore, with such a sensory disability, a solution should be in place for effective learning. A screen reader in this case could be useful in solving the crisis. This is because a screen reader uses a software application that is able to amplify texts on a computer while in other cases; it sends texts to a Braille output, for a deaf and blind student. Joseph (2001). As a student with both deaf and blind disabilities, the screen reader, used hand in hand with a Braille output device would solve my learning problem. These forms of assistive technology would be very beneficial to me as a blind-deaf student, because I would receive lessons which through the screen reader, I would comprehend from the Braille note taker or output device. This would ease my learning because I would manage to take up assignments with ease as well as use internet for further research through online journals.

I have also gained a lot of insight about various disabilities and acceptance of such persons in the society. If I was a student with a deaf and blind impairment condition, I would also value being part of a society with diverse people, most of whom do not suffer from any disability. I would also appreciate very much the use of assistive technologies to aid in my learning as a student. These technological devices would help me be efficient in my studies as well as in future as I pursue my career. With the use of these assistive technologies in my condition, I feel equally competent like other students to undertake any task given to me by my lecturers. Moreover, it has boosted a lot of confidence in me because I participate fully in class like any other student. I am also capable of being part of class discussions without any limitations because of these technologies. Assistive technologies like the Braille note taker, Braille displays and screen readers have helped my learning to be very effective.

References

Hersh, M. (2008). Assistive Technology for the Vision- Impaired and Blind People. New York: Springer Publishers.

Joseph, L. (2001). Adaptive technologies for learning & work environments. Chicago: American Library Association.

Miesenberger, K. (2008). Computers Helping People with Special Needs: 11th International Conference, ICCHP 2008, Linz, Austria, July 9-11, 2008, Proceedings. Berlin: Springer Publishers.