Implications of AT use in College

     Students with disabilities who move on from high school and into post secondary institutes like college may find certain implications when it comes to assistive technology. One of the big differences that these individuals find is between IDEA and ADA. In my previous post, the chart adequately shows the discrepancies between the two. This has proven to be an extreme barrier for students going to college. 

     Transition planning must begin at the age of 16 mandated by IDEA. These plans require students to have developed two specific skills:

1. Assistive technology skills for independence 
2. Self-advocacy skills 

Assistive technology skills for independence:

• Opertaional skills- the technical skills that are needed for operating the device
• Functional skills- knowing how to do the tasks for which the device is intended and how to use the assistive technology tool to help with that task, such as writing or expressive communication
• Social skills- knowing how to use the technology appropriately around other people

Self-advocacy skills:

• People who can speak up in logical, clear, and positive language to communicate needs
• Take responsibility for themselves
• Learn to understand his or her particular type of disability, and resultant academic strengths and weaknesses 
• Need to become comfortable with describing to others both their disability and the academic related needs

     These are all skills that need to be implemented and practiced over and over in high school. If students can master these skills in high school, they have a greater chance of being successful in college.