Website Review

https://www.iidc.indiana.edu/pages/about-autism

Bloomington, I., Bloomington, I. and University, I. (2019). [online] IIDC – Indiana Institute on Disability and Community. Available at: https://www.iidc.indiana.edu/pages/about-autism [Accessed 2 Aug. 2019].

The home page of this website offers a drop down menu of general topics regarding autism, such as About Autism and a verity of pages that help teachers and carers tackle topics such  how to help the individual  come to terms with their diagnosis and how to support an individual with ASD through the grieving process. It is crucial  that this information is available to everyone that is effected by autism not just the diagnosed individual, thus showing that websites like such are educational technologies to gain a deeper more in depth understanding of autism and how it effects the lives of everyone that is surrounded by it.

Within the recourses page there is a list of articles that explore the research of assistive technology and how PECS can be used successfully with children with ASD. It is important that websites like the one above are accessible for both  teacher and carer due to the extensive information available that can improve the quality of life for any person with ASD not just children. As said by Lofland  “The decision-making process of how and when to use technology with an individual with ASD,  should be a thoughtful and well planned. A decision made by a team of professionals, family members, and the individual wherein the strengths.”  There is a constant emphasis on what technologies can be used to help assist with the communication and freedom of communication of people with ASD and similar disabilities.  “People with ASD have a need for, and a right to, the same range of communication options available to everyone else.” (Lofland)

By having the understanding of a person with ASD’s needs opens the door for learning how assistive technology can not only help with communication but gives children and adults alike the freedom to express their personality and freedom of speech through any means accessible. On the website there is also a list of apps and programmes that can be used to help encourage the use of the PECS and independence