Assisted Technology

Right from the beginning of this article, I was impressed with all the possibilities that technology can give us in life if we take advantage of all that is out there. I was especially impressed with the technology that is available to the handicapped, whether or not their challenges be physical or mental. I have to say that the video about the boy in the wheelchair made me really sad. I'm sorry, that was my honest first reaction. Even though the technology offered to him was wonderful, it looked like somewhat of a humiliating situation. But then, remembering that this was a growing experience for him, I learned to appreciate the good qualities of what was going on. He was obviously doing the very best he could to express himself, and this should always be valued in cultures across the world. It's unfortunate I think that too many people would not take something like this seriously. I know I would, but it would have to take a mature audience. I think I mostly worry about the reactions of people in high school and middle school. Would they be mature enough to handle this situation? One would hope so.

This also reminded me of "Mr. Holland's Opus," where Mr. Holland's son was born deaf. I remember that in the movie, Mr. Holland used light technology to express the music to his deaf son. I think that technology like this should be made available to people with special handicaps everywhere.

Whenever we can help people that are disabled learn and have moving experiences in the arts, it is a special bonus. How lucky we are that we live in a day and age when such technology already exists, or is in the process of developing. My father used to work for a company that helped people with scoliosis and other spinal disorders. It was amazing what they were able to do for the patient - they made a special chair with braces attached all over it to "sit the people up" so they wouldn't lay down and decay. It gave meaning to their lives and helped them to enjoy experiences that otherwise they could only dream about. My dad's job always inspired me, and I know that we can do the same thing by bringing this technology to the arts.