Access to Appropriate Instruction With appropriate instruction, technology can provide a powerful array of tools for students with visual impairments. Appropriate instruction includes designing a plan of individualized technology instruction and teaching a specialized hierarchy of skills. Most students will begin with keyboarding skills. Students who master basic keyboarding can then be taught to use a word processor to proofread, check spelling and revise documents. Students who master basic word processing can be taught to use the computer for telecommunications.
Telecommunications allow a student to have independent access to a wide variety of information.
With telecommunications, a blind student can read today s newspaper and access an encyclopedia independently. Also, appropriate instruction may include introduction to or mastery of other technology such as electronic notetakers, CCTV's, scanners, braille and print printers, etc. Students with additional disabilities must have access to instruction in the use of appropriate assistive technology such as switches and communication boards. Access to Equitable Technology and Instruction Access to technology and instruction must be driven by an individual student s needs, not by the logistical constraints such as availability of equipment, location or model of service delivery, or funding restraints. Currently, some students have access to a wide range of technology and access devices, while others have none at all.