Week # 2 : A Model for AT Service Delivery

I believe that the paper certainly "hits the nail on the head" when it addresses both the barriers to assisitive technology that are often presented in many case and the way it should be implemented in today's classrooms with  the universal design in mind.  I truly believe that in today's age of ever growing technology that the barriers are beginning to look like excuses and fear that some educators have about change.  Although I can relate to being reluctant to change due to uncertainity, I also see the risk verus reward behind the end results and in the case of Assistive Technology that is a no brainer.  Through proper education on the technology from specialists and support along the entire process, teachers so embrace something that will help their students in their learning process.  Than like anything with enough practice, assistive technology will seem just like a regular part of the curriculum - bringing the universal design into play.  Many of us are familar with PLC's and this is where I believe is probably the biggest starting point to getting on board with AT.  I do think that AT will most certainly become common practice for all educators some day but the message is quite clear in this paper that this needs to happen a lot sooner and to a greater extent (meeting all the curriculum needs of our students).  The paper sums it up best when it states, "To insure that ACT is being utilized to fulfill it potential to support learning for students with learning problem, all stakeholders need to make a commitment to the ACT implementation process and align their efforts to insure that students with learning problems are provided with equitable access to learning using Assistive Computer Technology."  I believe we cannot overemphasize the word ALL, whether that is directed to all educators, to the curriculum and most importantly the students. 
When I look at the model in the paper I think that a number of schools I have been in do indeed have some proper plans in place however they are lacking in the AT that is available to some students that would make it so much easier for everyone involved.  I do not think that as teachers we are not looking out for what is best for out students but I do think we are unaware of the AT that is available that could most certainly be aligned with IPP's and addaptations that we have in place for our students.  I think that if more of our colleagues to expereince some of what have expereinced in such a short time in this course, AT would begin to take off in no time at all.