Less is more

[Michelle Davis]

I have always been of the mindset that less is more..when it comes to clutter in my house, my life, and when it comes to assistive devices for students in the classroom. Sometimes when people think assistive technology, they think that it needs to be some form of device or software. What they don't realize is that it can be as simple as changing options and instruction delivery to give students better access to curriculum. What are your thoughts? Anyone want to share??

[Laura Leigh]

I agree with you. If you can accomplish the goal with a strategy instead of a piece of equipment its better and it has a better chance of staying in place as the student grows. Sometimes students will accept devices/equipment in elementary but by the time they reach Jr Hi they don't want to be using something that sets them apart and they will simply do without instead of looking different than their peers. I see many pieces of equipment get abandoned when kids enter Middle and Jr Hi because they want to fit in. There is always some 'educating' to do since people seem to believe a device is better than a simple strategy. I have the priviledge of getting to work with all ages of students so I see firsthand which options end up making the transition as students grow up. You are totally right, less is more.