What is digital access?
Digital access refers to full electronic participation in society. In the school system, this includes equitable access for all students, accommodations for those with special needs and programs for increasing digital access outside of schools.
It is important for technology users to understand that not everyone has the same level of access to digital technology. This gap between those who have access and those who do not is often referred to as the digital divide. Part of being a good digital citizen is working to eradicate this disparity.
Watch the two videos below for a brief introduction to digital access and the digital divide.
It is important for technology users to understand that not everyone has the same level of access to digital technology. This gap between those who have access and those who do not is often referred to as the digital divide. Part of being a good digital citizen is working to eradicate this disparity.
Watch the two videos below for a brief introduction to digital access and the digital divide.
Why is digital access important?
Digital access is becoming increasingly important in the 21st century. Not having access to digital technologies can have significant social and economic consequences for both the individual and society as a whole. It is vital that educators take every measure appropriate and possible to provide students with the digital technology access and skills so critical to success as a 21st century citizen.
Watch the video below to learn more about the importance of digital access.
Watch the video below to learn more about the importance of digital access.
What is assistive technology?
Assistive technology, or AT, refers to technologies that are used by people with disabilities to perform functions that would otherwise be difficult or impossible. AT includes assistive, adaptive and rehabilitative devices, software and hardware, such as the following: dictation software, screen readers, screen magnifiers, speech to text software, and alternative keyboards. Providing AT to those who require it is an important aspect of ensuring digital access to all.
Watch the two videos below for a brief introduction to assistive technology.
Watch the two videos below for a brief introduction to assistive technology.
Examples of Assistive Technology in Action
Watch the videos below to learn how AT is being used by students in schools across the country.
Do you know that many assistive technology tools are available for free?
- Click here for assistive technology tools for Mac devices.
- Click here for assistive technology tools for Windows devices.
- Click here for assistive technology tools for Mac devices.
- Click here for assistive technology tools for Windows devices.
Why is assistive technology important?
Providing AT to students who need it is important because it helps them to participate more equitably in the classroom and in society. As educators, we are responsible for preparing students for life after school. For our students who are disabled, this means exposing them to technologies that can help them do what they otherwise would not be able to do. Also, providing AT to students who need it is required by law. Click here to view the law. (Reference section 5.0.)
Survey
I surveyed several K-12 instructors to assess their knowledge of assistive technology. I was surprised to learn that many were not very well informed on this topic, but it was reassuring to know that they wanted to learn more. Click here to view the survey and the results.
Community Resources
If you need free access to the Internet, the New Castle County Public Library System can help. Click here to view branch locations, hours of operation and more. Your school district might also have resources available for you to use.
The Delaware Assistive Technology Initiative offers information (including funding sources) and resources to those who require assistive technology. Click here to view their website.
The Delaware Assistive Technology Initiative offers information (including funding sources) and resources to those who require assistive technology. Click here to view their website.
Digital Citizenship by Stephanie Miller is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License.
