Weekly Reflection 7: Inclusion in Education Supported by Technology

Today, we learned about the technology-based provincial supports for educators and their students in BC. For our small group work for the Padlet activity, I looked at the Accessible Resource Centre (ARC) BC. ARC BC has a digital library of textbooks, workbooks and novels that teachers can request to have access to. If ARC does not have the title available, the teacher can request it. These materials are specifically designed to assist students with perceptual (print disabilities).

I also looked at SET-BC which is a provincial outreach program which provides assistive technologies for students with diverse abilities.

SET-BC has a stories and news tab and I read a story about a student in Maple Ridge who has learnt to use Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC). This student is now able to use a wide variety of communication methods such as vocalizations, body language, and her AAC (specifically Eye Gaze & Grid 3) to share thoughts and express needs. The story goes on to talk about how this technology has helped her to express her personality, be social and form genuine friendships. Rayna’s story below:

Rayna – Now we’re talkin’

I read another story about a student who has low vision and requires multiple technologies for him to be able to thrive in the classroom. One of the technologies he uses is called a braille display which I had not heard of before so looked up. A braille display is a device that allows the user to read a text on a device by raising and lowering pins to form braille characters.

It is heartwarming to see how programs like SET-BC are doing such dynamic work to help educators and schools create inclusive classrooms. I am also inspired by how many people come together to assist diverse learners in a holistic way. We are very lucky to be living in a time where technology is able to be used to make a real difference in classrooms.