About This Course
Assistive technology, in its various forms, serves as a beacon of hope for millions of individuals with disabilities worldwide. Assistive technology can transform how individuals with disabilities access the world around them.
Its need is particularly pronounced in the Global South, where inequities in access to healthcare and support systems are often exacerbated. In India, individuals with disabilities face significant barriers to education, employment, and social participation. Assistive technology bridges this gap by providing tailored solutions that enable, enhance mobility, communication, daily living activities, educational and career opportunities.
However, a stark inequity persists, as many in the Global South lack access to these life-changing technologies due to economic constraints, limited healthcare infrastructure, and awareness gaps. Addressing this disparity is not just a matter of technological advancement; it's about reshaping societal structures and priorities to ensure that everyone, regardless of their geographical location and socio-economic status, can benefit from the transformative potential of assistive technology, ultimately fostering a more inclusive and equitable world.
This course offers an overview of Assistive Technology (AT) for individuals with mild disabilities as well as extensive support needs. It explores the consideration process, implementation, and evaluation of AT for these individuals.
Course Objectives
The primary objectives of the course will be to:
- Understand that assistive technology is a type of accommodation.
- Explore the wide range of assistive technologies available, including hardware and software solutions, to better cater to diverse student needs.
- Develop proficiency in assessing individual student requirements and matching them with appropriate assistive technology tools and strategies.
- Foster an inclusive classroom environment by integrating assistive technology seamlessly into curriculum planning and instructional practices.
- Learn how to effectively collaborate with specialists, such as speech therapists and occupational therapists, to implement AT interventions.
- Evaluate the ethical and legal considerations related to assistive technology implementation, including privacy and accessibility standards.
- Gain expertise in customizing and adapting assistive technology solutions to meet the unique needs of students with disabilities.
- Explore emerging trends and innovations in assistive technology, staying up-to-date with the latest developments in the field.
- Develop skills in data collection and analysis to measure the impact of assistive technology on an individual's learning outcomes.
Who can join the course?
The course will be available to students who have registered and students who are invited for the MA in Education and Technology program
Note: The best way to access this course is through a laptop/desktop or TISSx mobile app.
Course Staff
Dr. Radhika Misquitta, Co-Principal, Gateway School of Mumbai
Radhika has a PhD in Special Education (Learning Disabilities) from the University of Texas at Austin, and an M.Ed in Special Education, and B.Ed. in Special Education from SNDT Women’s University, Mumbai.
She is a founding member of the Gateway School of Mumbai. Her interests are in teacher education, in developing systemic supports for supporting children with disabilities,and in how technology can be harnessed to optimise learning. At Gateway, Radhika teaches Language to the High School students,supports with teacher development, strategic planning, and with the research department.
Mr. Shankar Subbiah, Director - Human Resources & Administration
Shankar Subbiah attended the National Engineering College, where they obtained a Bachelor of Engineering (B.Eng.) degree in Computer Science.
As assistive technology and accessibility consultant of Agate Infotek, Chennai works for the slogan ‘Inclusion is Equality, Accessibility is the Key’. Setting up, and consulting for maintenance, training and supporting accessible libraries particularly Public Libraries of the Government, inclusive educational resource centres and study labs in Institutions, Schools, Universities and Colleges. Works on physical access, information access and adaptation towards accessibility in all projects for children with special needs.
Working with NGOs and Social organizations on employment and livelihood opportunities for persons with disabilities by implementing Assistive Technology and access to information resources. Blessed to happily contribute towards the inclusive society where access to opportunities remain equal for all considering the abilities.
