Define assistive technology and apply concepts to a case study.
Description:
CASE: Gregoire’s Story
Gregoire was born in a small town in Cameroon. He contracted mumps when he was eight and became deaf. There wasn’t a school for the deaf In his community, so his father went back to the community school and talked to the principal to advocate for Gregoire, claiming that he could still communicate through lip reading and that he could read write just like all the other kids.
Gregoire graduated and went to the University of Cameroon, but then was offered the opportunity to study in the United States. He’s pursuing a degree in Spanish in the CSU system. With a degree in Spanish he hopes to teach Spanish, at the high school level, to deaf students.
Cal State didn’t have any available interpreters in the area who were fluent in spoken Spanish and interpreting at the same time. He’s committed to pursuing this degree.
What are some suggestions that for Gregoire and his professors in improving his access to instruction? What types of assistive technology would be helpful? How would you teach Gregoire to advocate for himself in acquiring the support he needs to be successful?
Part 1:
1. Attend GS 420 Lecture/Presentation on Assistive Technology (AT)
2. Choose one of the case studies that follow these directions (in packet or on blackboard). Attach the case study to your summary.
3. Design a set of assistive technology supports to meet the person’s needs.
4. Write a one-two page response that answers the questions asked on the case study page (typed, double-spaced) and submit prior to, or on, the due date.
Required content in the response:
1. The definition of Assistive Technology is to be included in the response (including the reference source).
2. Answer the questions at the bottom of the page of each case study.
3. Include related GS 420 class information and examples in your response.
Part two:
1. Access the website: https://www.calstate.edu/accessibility/resources/videos.shtml
2. Watch the video and/or read the transcript of the case study that you used for Part 1. (While watching the video, click on the “CC” for closed-captioning)
3. Watch the faculty video response and/or read the transcript.
4. Note the student’s suggestions listed.
5. Write up a response that addresses the following questions:
What new information did you learn about the student?
What were the suggestions stated by the student?
How did your suggestions compare to those of the student?
What were some of the responses of the faculty members?
What did you learn from this activity?