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Using Technology to Help Children with Diverse Needs Participate and Learn

by Kirsti Haugen
September/October 1995
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Article Link: http://exchangepress.com/article/using-technology-to-help-children-with-diverse-needs-participate-and-learn/5010558/

Words have a powerful impact on our ability to create inclusive communities and activities. When exploring how a child with disabilities or differences will participate in the everyday activities of early childhood environments, one often hears, but this child can't. . . . Learning to say, we haven't yet found a way for this child to participate challenges and motivates us to work together towards appropriate solutions and activities for ALL young children, regardless of special needs or circumstance.

Technology gives us a whole new set of resources for including all children. From experiencing cause and effect with switch-adapted toys to exploring reading through talking books on CD-ROM, children with disabilities are discovering new ways to communicate, learn, and interact with their peers and environment through technology.

Not Just Technology for Technology's Sake

Technology can promote independence, "level the playing field," and encourage cooperation between diverse individuals. Studies have shown that when young children with disabilities are given opportunities to play together at the computer, their social interactions are positively enhanced (Male, 1994). However, the simple purchase or presence of a computer will not perform magic, nor will the latest or most expensive equipment necessarily provide the best or most ...

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