Special Needs Education and Technology

One of the topics that resonated with me was the types of assistive technology available to students with special needs.  When learning more about teaching students with special needs in a mainstream classroom, the idea that instead of viewing accommodations as in addition to a teacher's already busy workload, strategies for teaching students with special needs should be viewed as extending the opportunities available to all students.  I believe that is a good approach to special needs educations, as many strategies that are a benefit to special needs learners are also very helpful to non-disabled students.  Shifting perspective to teaching in a way that allows all students to get maximized impact helps the teacher not feel overwhelmed.
     The other consideration that I found very accurate was the idea that with all of the technology that is available to help assist students with special needs, it is imperative that the teacher actually becomes really familiar with the technology students are using.  An assistive device is only as good as the support that students have in using it.  If teachers do not take the time to learn the technology that is vital to their students' success, then the technology won't be as effective.  In making and following the IEP's for each student, educators should make it a priority to get familiar with the student needs, the reasons for the assistive technology, and then the device functionality in order to truly support the students.