Who knew a thumb could be so powerful?

I recently watched an amazing and inspiring short documentary, “One Thumb to Rule them All”, made by assistiveware that told an incredible story about a man name “Mike Phillips”. Mike Phillips was born with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA), which is a neuromuscular disease that causes him to have weak muscles. However, thanks to his MAC computer and various assistive technology devices Mike is able to conquer his obstacles with just ONE THUMB! From a college student’s perspective, I would initially think that it would be impossible for a student with this type of disability to play complicated video games, chat online with 4 to 5 people, and write a novel all at once! As an able individual I feel that it is absolutely impossible for me. But Mike Phillips breaks that image and shows the world that he is able to strive to be capable to do able things like ABLE individuals.

As a future educator it should be the utmost importance for every child in a classroom to have equal learning opportunities, no matter what challenges they face. First of all, it is important for a teacher to revise his/her lesson plan to make sure that where ever a child with a disability is placed in a classroom is conducive to meet the student’s learning needs. Secondly, it is important that the teacher establish social interactions with all students in the classroom. The teacher should integrate collaborative small group work or peer learning. It is also optional and important that you educate your students about the student/s in the class who have disabilities. Teachers should make sure students with the disabilities and their parents are comfortable with this lesson to make sure that they are not drawing negative attention to the student. The teacher should educate the students about the disability, the challenges, and how they learn differently. This teaches students how to be considerate and responsible citizens and also gives them awareness on how people with disabilities are just as human as they are.

In regards to assistive technology in the classroom, it is imperative that the teacher become an expert of the AT devices in the classroom and appropriately evaluate the devices for their students with disabilities. We want to make sure that the AT devices are giving the maximum potential for students to learn. As soon as the student is familiar and comfortable with the technology, it would be a great idea to educate the typical students about the AT devices their classmate with special needs is using. Also, if the device is not too complicated maybe having the student with special needs teach his/her typical peer how to use their AT device would be a great idea. It establishes a sense of ownership and confidence in the student with special needs and allows social skills to be applied when working with a typical student. It is basically a win-win situation.

I would assess the activities in my classroom by most importantly observing how my students are interacting with one another. Notice any positive or negatives behaviors and intervene if learning opportunities are interrupted or ceased. I would also assess by having students write a reflection on how they felt about working in collaborative small groups, things they learned and some of the challenges. Of course if something is not working right in the classroom, it is my duty as a teacher to continuously revise, modify or change a lesson to make sure all my students are given the BEST opportunities to learn.

The story of Mike Phillips really inspires my reflection, because if this was 50 years back there may not have been much hope for this amazing individual. People would probably think he was incapable, but now thanks to assistive technology and a greater knowledge of special education; students like Mike Phillips are able to showcase their brilliant minds.

Here is the documentary if you would like to watch it!