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The Energize Students Podcast
Energize Students : To Better Educate Today’s Youth - Join the conversation and find out how you can help education reform and school quality. This podcast is a platform for the non-profit organization Energize Students. The organization addresses issues, celebrates successes, educates the public and connects students, educators, parents, and community members in constructive discussions that will create positive change in our current education system. This podcast is designed to educate students, parents, teachers and concerned community members about the current state and needs of our education system.
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Episode 1 | Posted on November 11, 2011 17:29
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Episode Summary
Dr. Jane Bluestein talks with Don Tillman, owner of Safe Data LLC & his wife Michelle “Gracie” Tillman, who experienced a traumatic brain injury. The program focuses on the use of technology and various applications that help with organizing tasks, time management, school homework demands and calendar reminders. “Gracie” shares her dramatic story and the isolation she felt when she was recuperating as well as the tools that helped her connect with other people during her traumatic time. Don gives suggestions for technology that can be beneficial for any brain trauma, autistic or special needs persons.
Highlights
Gracie had worked with Palm Pilot for planning and although she was “glued” to her planner, she was not involved with computers. She moved to iPhone and became more engaged with technology because of Don’s experience with the device.
Parents and teachers of children with special needs have concerns around organization, time management, and school demands, for example. Technology is useful for a variety of tasks, especially for people who need to record reminders for different responsibilities, events, and tasks:
• Making appointments
• To-do lists
• When to take medication
• Alerts and alarms on mobile devices. (Gracie: “Alarms are my best friend.”)
Gracie was resistant to using a memory aid. Kids are generally less resistant to coming to technology, even at very young ages.
Don: Many of these devices, especially iPad and iPhone, are very intuitive, even for people with little experience or confidence in using technology.
Affordability is an issue for some. Alternatives: Color Nook has a browser and some apps. By far, the most resources available are those designed for the iPad, iPhone, and iPod Touch. Look for used equipment on Amazon or eBay. High turnover on equipment means that nearly new devices are available at good discounts, usually in perfect or near-perfect condition.
Search for assistance software for hearing- or speech-impaired: Wide variety even for highly specialized needs. Don: “The App Store doesn’t discriminate on the basis of volume.” This has allowed for the development of apps that would otherwise not be commercially viable (not only for individuals or families, but also for state agencies and organizations.) Compared to just a few years ago, these resources are now “insanely affordable.”
Tags
special needs, TBI, traumatic brain injury apps, autism apps, connecting with technology
Discuss "Technology and Special Needs: The Tillmans" in the podcast forum.
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