Down
syndrome is a genetic disorder caused by the presence of a third copy of
chromosome 21. The average IQ of a young adult with Down syndrome is 50, equivalent
to the mental ability of an 8 or 9 year old child but this can vary widely. While
students with Down syndrome may share certain physical traits each student is
an individual and the level of general learning disability will range from mild
to profound. The student with this syndrome might have problems such as
auditory and visual impairment, difficulties with thinking and reasoning and
applying knowledge in new situations, limited concentration span and
speech/language impairment.
For
students with Down syndrome assistive technology provides adaptations that make
accessing curriculum goals and completing tasks easier. Education
industry research and market reports reveal that currently technologies
have been developed and more are being researched on in order to help such
students complete their assignments quicker than if they had tried the tasks on
their own. Assistive technology offers a range of developments that are
specialized to be comfortable while still being efficient.
1. Children
with Down syndrome tend to have shorter, stubbier fingers which reduce their
ability to write. Since some of the wrist bones are not formed holding regular
sized objects may be difficult for such people. Assistive technology has found
that slanted desks or a three ring binder turned sideways allows a Down
syndrome student to compensate for the lack of mobility in their wrists. Also
providing them shortened or triangular shaped pencils will help them as they
can hold these easily.
2. There
has also been awareness spread about the fact that Down syndrome students have
issues with cutting skills. Their hand mobility does not allow the ease of
opening and closing the normal scissors since that motion is difficult. The aids
provided by assistive technology are scissors with springs that are fixed to
automatically open once it has been shut.
3. Assistive
technology for Down syndrome students offers creative tactile ideas for
allowing such children to get tactile experience for their growth and
development. Among the ideas is the one to form their letters and numbers in
Play-Doh or making them in shaving cream on their desk.
4. Educational
software that uses improved graphics and animation is also a key aid to such
students. The core course material is taught using smart boards and alliances with
reliable companies also improves the process.
Education
market research reports reveal that the current assistive
technology is improving and is increasing its range from simple modified
gadgets to computer software’s. It is hoped that many Down syndrome students
will benefit from the opportunities that interactive white boards give such as
visual assistance. Educational software’s are extensively used and are being
further researched on. UK schools have also started collaborating with the BBC
in order to harness genuine information and some schools have even started
opening their own websites to digitally aid their students. Additional
attention is being paid to the fact that students with Down syndrome need to be
made to feel equal and secure. Inclusive education is being promoted globally
and assistive technology for children with Down syndrome is a clear testament
to this.
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more information, click on the link below:
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Contact Us:-
Ken
Research
Ankur
Gupta, Head Marketing & Communications
0124-4230204
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