D1- Assistive Technology

Student will demonstrate an understanding of and ability to identify appropriate assistive

technology with clients as needed.
My first exposure to assistive technology took place fall of 2013 while taking Disability
Policy class. I remember learning about the evolution of the rehabilitation profession and the
laws that revolutionized and empower disabled individuals. From the 1918 Smith-Sears Act, the
Veterans Rehabilitation Act, Technology Related Assistance for Individuals Act of 1988,
American with Disabilities Act 1990. During class, I understood the importance of providing
individuals with disabilities the tools necessary to be successful. A year later, I attended the Iowa
Rehabilitation Association conference in Ames Iowa. I had a table next to gentlemen from the
University of Iowa, whose expertise deal with providing assistive technology devices to disabled
individuals. It was at that time that I understood that assistive technology is available in more
places than we think. For example, an I-phone can function solely on voice commands,
providing those who are not able to see with the ability to engage in everyday activities. During
my time at IVRS, I worked with a gentleman who was deaf; we used emailing as the way of
communicating. Another job candidate was not able to hear. Therefore a hearing device was
provided for her to continue to do her job as a customer service representative. The artifacts I
included are examples of my ability to identify a job candidate's disability and provide an
accommodation. Although the accommodation submitted as an artifact does not entail assistive
technology with the knowledge and exposure I have had at IVRS I can provide a job
accommodation because I am aware of the assistive technology available to job candidates. The
artifact regarding the article on accessing assistive technology for veterans and AfricanAmericans is documentation of my interest in further expanding my knowledge. I have also

extended an invitation to Kim Karwal from Easter Seals to do a session on Assistive Technology
during a Virtual Conference aimed towards Adult Educators and incorporating technology with
adult students. My commitment to the disabled population does not end upon graduation, on the
contrary, it expands because I am capable of acquiring knowledge and getting involved.