Observation, Discussion, Demonstration, and Investigation

Being a tech person, I find "things" fascinating. I look over technologies which are new to me, trying to ascertain their full range of uses. I watch as they are used. I ask for explanations and demonstrations. Sometimes I find these technologies so cool that I have to have them. The iPhone is just such device. But most of the time I just find them fascinating.

Of late I find myself with a heightened awareness of the "things" people with disabilities use. Some of these things fascinate me. When the bus kneels and produces a lift for people with mobility problems, I think that's cool. I saw a man with vision problems using a cane to get around and I wondered how he worked it. Technology doesn't have to be high tech to fascinate me. I've yet to see anyone use the headphone jack at an ATM but I think it's a good idea to have it there. I have to try it myself some time.

Getting to my point, this term my study of assistive technology will involve observations of the technologies in action. It will involve discussions with those that use assistive technology and those who produce it. My research will involve demonstrations of technology tools like those presented at the "Low Vision Technology Fair" in my Albany, NY. And, of course, my investigation will involve a review of literature.