Accessability history (Week 4 - Activity 3.1)

Make notes in your blog about the circumstances that lead to the successful implementation of assistive technology.

After reading the week 4 resources a couple of things stuck out as being particularly significant to successful implementation of assistive technology.

1. Finance. Assistive technologies very often require significant additional investment, either on the part of the institution or the individual learner (Worcerster College for the Blind had ongoing financial difficulties throughout it's history, Léonie mentioned the cost of Screen Reader technology)
2. Customisation/Adaptation. Disabled students may adapt thier computer, use additional hardware and even change thier desk to make using technology easier. Customisation options within software are also beneficial, for example allowing the user to change colours, sizes and layouts of software.
3. Assumption. Don't make assumptions about what a disabled person may or may not be able to do. Each individual will have different needs, which we've mentioned briefly in previous weeks, so consultation is key.