Categories
- Accessibility (35)
- Assessment (1)
- Assistive Technology (70)
- Collaboration (30)
- Commercialization (42)
- Design (10)
- Disability (13)
- Education (116)
- Grant Writing (8)
- Implementation (71)
- Leadership (9)
- Marketing (24)
- News (81)
- Research (30)
- Technology Transfer (9)
- Universal Design [UD] (20)
- Videos (18)
- I Can Soar Video (13)
Balancing Universal Design and Assistive Technology
Tags:Assistive Technology, Universal Design [UD]See the full Moving Toward Solutions: Assistive and Learning Technology for All Students report reflecting these ideas.
Key Finding from the NCTI Moving Toward Solution Report
Consumer products and base technologies are increasingly incorporating accessibility and universal design features. The potential exists for innovative applications to be developed as part of mainstream educational and consumer products, opening new markets. Stakeholders are concerned, however, that purchasers with a naive understanding of universal design will overlook customized technologies that are vital to meeting the learning needs of millions of students.
Recommendation
The message about the complementary nature of universal design and AT must be communicated clearly and continue to be refined to address new developments and technologies. Again, there is a need for an independent information broker to provide impartial information and technical assistance on this topic for developers, practitioners, and school leaders. The needs of students for specific accommodations must not be lost in the debate between universal design and AT.
Implication
Practitioners and trainers dedicated to awareness building and training of in-service school personnel must fully grasp and be able to communicate the complementary nature of universal design and assistive technology. It is critical that these trainers and advocates help their constituents explore and implement schoolwide solutions that serve the diverse needs and strengths of all students. It is equally critical that new technologies are built to universal design and accessibility standards to support this effort.
