The Challenge of Educational Technology for Students with Multiple Impairments in the Classroom

This article describes the instructional dilemma the first author (PM) presented when he enrolled in a university class, The Special Child, taught by the second (BB). Since exceptional children are heavy users of assistive devices, the course content deals extensively with educational technology, but focuses on single technologies matched to single needs. Because of his multiple impairments, PM is legally blind and hearing impaired, numerous adaptations were required to allow him to continue his successful academic pursuits. This article describes the need for adaptation and the procedures, developed jointly by both authors, to facilitate the learning process.