Suzanne Martini is a college student with cervio polsi at the University of Washington. Without her assistive technology, she would not be who she is today. Her speech recognition software has enabled her to complete college-level papers in a timely manner, eliminating the need for typing. Even simple technologies such as cell phones can be looked at as a lifeline assistive technology.
Introducing the technology at an early age makes a huge difference for children in need of help.
Individualizing assistive technology is one of the biggest enablers. It allows for the individual's wants and needs to be satisfied, and also gives the student a self-empowering feeling of getting a say in what he or she learns that day. Josh's example of showing an interest in books and the "super talker" device they used allowed for a giant improvement in his communication skills.
Giving every kid a chance to actively participate through using assistive technologies has been evolving just as much as mainstream technologies, if not more. From performing arts to learning how to effectively communicate, assistive technology gives people who are physically or mentally disabled a chance to live the dreams they have in life. The level of technologies is virtually limitless, almost as limitless as the dreams and aspirations of the people who use them.
