– originally posted December 19, 2013 at http://r14edtech.blogspot.com/2013/12/a-video-is-worth-thousand-words.html –

I was recently asked for a list of some videos that I have used to illustrate the importance and effectiveness of assistive technology for students.  Here is (in no particular order) my “top ten list” of videos I use to inform others about the possibilities with assistive technology and get them excited about what they can do!

1) Cheryl and Morgan: Learning Independence – Google produced this video of a high school student named Morgan, and her use of some built-in features of Google Search and Google Drive.  I’ve had the pleasure of meeting Cheryl and Morgan via Google Hangout, and the impact was superb!

2) One Thumb to Rule Them All – Mike Phillips doesn’t let his SMA prevent him from playing online games and working as a freelance tech writer.

3) A Pivotal Role in the Household – ALS doesn’t prevent Marie-France from researching, writing, and helping manage the house, all by only moving her jaw muscles!

4) Fun Theory: Piano Staircase – Tech doesn’t have to make things easier, simpler, or quicker.  Sometimes, the point of technology is to make tasks more engaging.

5) the MaKey MaKey – Part of the allure of this device is the endless possibilities for alternate input devices.  Another important part of the allure of this device is kids coming up with their own creative and inventive uses for it!

6) The Marshmallow Challenge – The system is there to support the student, not the other way around.  This video highlights the importance of keeping focus in any project, and the need for constant evaluation and revision of the structures we put in place to make sure they are still providing the necessary support.

7) Episodes of “Curb Cuts” – “Curb Cuts” is a local-access television show produced by the Central Coast AT Center of United Cerebral Palsy in San Luis Obispo, in California.  These 15-to-30-minute long episodes spotlight individuals using assistive technology to live and work independently.  Cassandra Province and her eyegaze system in Episode #1 is exceptionally inspirational!
Episode 1 – Hands-free Computer Access [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u35z3Vpobow]
Episode 2 – Blind AT [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lRaPP5vTm-o]
Episode 3 – Deaf & Hard-of-Hearing AT [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cZy9AUHJYdk]
Episode 4 – Vehicle Modifications [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jNlfGbXPXLY]
Episode 5 – AT for Low Vision [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fw91hsVrf40]
Episode 6 – Adaptive Recreation [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kSDk_yhPvHk]
Episode 7  -Home Modifications [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=envJ4srjcLY]

8) Tatum’s Garden – The playground shouldn’t be a place where inclusion stops.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nOJG2xhHZjw

9) Encourage the Runner – Even if you’re not the runner, you can encourage the one who is running his own race.  Side note, this happened at Colonial Hills Elementary in Ohio, where a friend of mine has a son attending.

10) We’ll Always Need Paper – Yep, this one is pretty much just comic relief.  But, I do think it helps drive home the point that the technology should not drive the goal.  The goal should drive the choice and implementation of technology.