TECH BLOOMERS
This lesson highlights the transformative impact of technology on the lives of individuals with disabilities. It begins by discussing the potential of smart appliances, such as refrigerators, to autonomously order supplies when they run low. It then explores the convenience of managing entertainment and home appliances through voice commands and touch interfaces. The lesson emphasizes how technology has not only made life easier for the general population but also empowered people with special needs.
The focus shifts to Alisha, who has cerebral palsy and uses Dragon Dictate, a speech-to-text software, to overcome her challenges with typing. She shares how this technology has enabled her to pursue academic goals independently, breaking barriers she once thought impossible. The narrative extends to other assistive technologies, like eye gaze control and communication devices, which have revolutionized the lives of individuals with limited mobility.
The lesson also sheds light on the situation in India, where people with disabilities face attitudinal barriers to access, acceptance, and inclusion. It emphasizes the importance of technology in empowering individuals with disabilities, providing them with independence and freedom. Examples of young individuals like Alisha and David demonstrate how technology aids their communication, education, and participation in various activities.
Overall, technology has opened up a world of possibilities for individuals with disabilities, enabling them to overcome limitations and achieve their goals.
1. Deprived: (adjective) Suffering from a lack of basic necessities or comforts.
• Synonyms: disadvantaged, impoverished, needy
• Antonyms: privileged, well-off, advantaged
2. Attitudinal: (adjective) Related to attitudes or beliefs.
• Synonyms: opinion-based, mindset-related, perspective-driven
• Antonyms: factual, objective, unbiased
3. Grapple: (verb) Struggle or wrestle with a difficult problem or challenge.
• Synonyms: contend, wrestle, tackle
• Antonyms: surrender, give up, avoid
4. Exceed: (verb) Go beyond what is allowed or expected.
• Synonyms: surpass, transcend, outstrip
• Antonyms: fall short, fail to meet, stay within
5. Frustrating: (adjective) Causing feelings of disappointment or annoyance due to obstacles or lack of progress.
• Synonyms: irritating, vexing, discouraging
• Antonyms: satisfying, fulfilling, rewarding
6. Cerebral palsy: (noun) A group of disorders that affect a person's movement, posture, and muscle coordination.
• Synonyms: none
• Antonyms: none
7. Typing: (verb) The action of writing or inputting text on a typewriter or keyboard.
• Synonyms: keyboarding, data entry
• Antonyms: none
8. Dictate: (verb) Speak or read aloud for someone else to write down or to be recorded.
• Synonyms: command, direct, order
• Antonyms: listen, follow, obey
9. Gaze: (verb) Look steadily and intently, especially in admiration, surprise, or thought.
• Synonyms: stare, gaze, peer
• Antonyms: glance, glimpse, overlook
10. Augmentative: (adjective) Increasing or enhancing something, typically with the use of technology or additional support.
• Synonyms: supplementary, additive, amplifying
• Antonyms: diminishing, reducing, subtractive
11. Competent: (adjective) Having the necessary skill, knowledge, or qualification to do something successfully.
• Synonyms: capable, proficient, skilled
• Antonyms: incompetent, unskilled, inept
12. Advocate: (noun) A person who publicly supports or recommends a particular cause or policy.
• Synonyms: champion, supporter, proponent
• Antonyms: opponent, critic, adversary
13. Idioms: (noun) Expressions or phrases that have a figurative meaning, different from the literal interpretation.
• Synonyms: phrases, sayings, expressions
• Antonyms: literal language, straightforward speech
14. Syntax: (noun) The arrangement of words and phrases to create well-formed sentences in a language.
• Synonyms: grammar, structure, composition
• Antonyms: disorder, chaos, disarray
15. Bespoke: (adjective) Custom-made or tailored to a specific individual or purpose.
• Synonyms: customized, personalized, tailor-made
• Antonyms: standard, off-the-shelf, mass-produced
16. Predefined: (adjective) Established or determined in advance.
• Synonyms: predetermined, preset, fixed
• Antonyms: flexible, adjustable, variable
17. Threshold: (noun) The point or level at which something begins or changes.
• Synonyms: limit, boundary, brink
• Antonyms: middle, center, average
18. Consumable: (adjective) Designed to be used up or consumed.
• Synonyms: expendable, depletable, perishable
• Antonyms: durable, non-perishable, reusable
19. Automation: (noun) The use of technology or machinery to perform tasks without human intervention.
• Synonyms: mechanization, computerization, robotics
• Antonyms: manual operation, handcrafted, labor-intensive
20. Boon: (noun) Something beneficial or helpful; a blessing.
• Synonyms: advantage, benefit, blessing
• Antonyms: disadvantage, drawback, curse
21. Inclusion: (noun) The act of including or the state of being included; the practice of ensuring equal access and opportunities for all individuals.
• Synonyms: integration, incorporation, involvement
• Antonyms: exclusion, segregation, discrimination
22. Communication device: (noun) An electronic device used for communication, often designed specifically for individuals with disabilities.
• Synonyms: assistive communication tool, AAC device
• Antonyms: none
23. Adaptor: (noun) A device or component that allows different systems or parts to be connected or used together.
• Synonyms: connector, converter, interface
• Antonyms: disconnect, separation, incompatibility
24. Special needs: (noun) Requirements or accommodations necessary for individuals with physical, mental, or developmental disabilities.
• Synonyms: disabilities, exceptionalities, challenges
• Antonyms: typical, average, normal
25. Navigation: (noun) The process or activity of planning and directing a course or route.
• Synonyms: guidance, direction, piloting
• Antonyms: misdirection, confusion, disorientation
26. Access: (noun) The right or opportunity to use or benefit from something.
• Synonyms: entry, admission, availability
• Antonyms: exclusion, denial, restriction
27. Curriculum: (noun) The subjects and content taught in a school or educational program.
• Synonyms: syllabus, course of study, program
• Antonyms: none
28. Boccia: (noun) A precision ball sport similar to bocce, designed for individuals with physical disabilities.
• Synonyms: none
• Antonyms: none
29. Competitor: (noun) A person who takes part in a competition or contest.
• Synonyms: contestant, participant, rival
• Antonyms: spectator, observer, nonparticipant
30. ECO point: (noun) A system that allows control or selection through eye gaze or eye movement.
• Synonyms: eye tracking, gaze-based control
• Antonyms: none