Assignment - Assistive Technology for Visual and Hearning Impairments

- Assistive Technology for Visual and Hearning Impairments - Assignment Example In addition, these devices are enabling students with such low-incidence disabilities thrive academically and contribute a great deal to their communities, despite any setbacks that they encounter. Teachers today are wise to learn about such devices and become an agent for helping students properly apply the technology to their daily personal and academic lives. What follows is a description and evaluation of several such devices that are currently available and in use today. It is estimated that 24 million Americans suffer from some degree of hearing loss. For students, this can be particularly troubling because, if proper modifications are not implemented, such individuals are placed at an academic disadvantage. It is important to use modern technology to assist students in leveling the ‘playing field’ as much as possible. According to research, students who are hearing impaired can exhibit a low self-esteem, lose interest in many learning activities, fail to participa te in social activities, and often have poor communication skills (DeConde-Johnson & Thibodeu, 2005). As such, looking incorporating assistive technology devices that help hearing impaired students perform better in school and become more sociable with their peers can only serve to benefit the entire academic community. While there are many such devices on the market today, three particularly stand out for their effectiveness, even in the face of certain inherent challenges that must be overcome. ASL software is a readily available program that can be used on either a PC Windows operating system, or on a Macintosh. This software allows students to learn advanced sign language skills in an interactive environment, thereby allowing them to communicate more opening and freely with their peers and other adults. In essence, the program promotes literacy skills for the hearing impaired student in much the same fashion as phonics does for the non-disabled individual. This assistive technol ogy device can be easily implemented into a traditional classroom setting. In addition, students can use the software independently at home or in other locations. The benefits are many, and the challenges minimal. One hurdle for the software is that the teacher will likely need to have some basic knowledge of sign language in order to assist the student in learning how to make full use of the program. That being said, such knowledge can only serve to strengthen the student/teacher relationship, which in the end should prove beneficial itself. ACL software requires only 3-4 hours of training time for the student learn how to make proper use of it, and the IT department at any school should be able to assist with its installation. Such devices and software can be used to enhance math skills, promote literacy and spelling, focus on the advancement of sign language, improve visual perception, and strengthen memory skills. From this evaluation, the software should be considered in any en vironment where there is a hearing impaired student. The cost is minimal, with most packages running only about $35. Another device designed to help hearing-impaired student is the speech synthesizer. Depending on the age of onset for the disability, many hearing impaired students cannot communicate verbally. They do not know how to make certain sounds and cannot hear what they are saying. A speech synthesizer enables the student to type out information that they wish to say and

Thomas Hobbes Article Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Thomas Hobbes - Article Example Hobbes eventually died in Hardwick in 1679 at the age of 90 after he was attacked by paralysis. He will always be remembered for his political philosophies and this indifferent way of commenting (on philosophical fronts) from others. Hobbes developed his own political analysis and philosophy, which he documented in the form of a book published in 1651 with the title of Leviathan. His arguments in the said publication were illuminating. It is so very simple in the daily happenings of a man who is a selfish and greedy organism, always ready at war with other men (organisms of his type) for his own well being and benefit. His suggestions are that people have turned very selfish in their normal way of living and they lead a unkind life towards other humans which they should not do in the first place. Everyone does not follow the path set by good men of past, which is much to his dislike. He does not like the attitude possessed by the people who follow the sovereigns as if they are Gods or more than them. Fear of death, according to him, is one such thing, which brings to our notice that makes them follow the sovereigns in any possible way they can. A worldly leader cannot in anyway represent people's attitudes; but the same according to him is happening day in day out in this world. The person having authority lets his commands rule, which Hobbes does not quite approve of in any way. His other books also suggest the same ideologies, which are there in his hit one, Leviathan. These suggested his interest in gathering some analysis on political philosophies as well as some comparisons with the ways in w hich leaders and sovereigns have lived their lives and as a consequence ruled over people. Other theorists also followed in the same fashion as Hobbes did. They studied his analyses and thus made their own in the light of what Hobbes had already said. Amongst them were included big names like J.L.Stephen. C.H.Hinnat, T. Surrell. Hobbes was not very happy with the teachings of Aristotle and remarked them as being mistake in doctrine. He ridiculed the English universities of their dull approach towards their curriculum. In reality, he owed both to Aristotle as well as the English universities because he laid the foundation of his beliefs courtesy through Aristotle and these varsities. Hobbes pays importance on the topic of virtue. According to him, virtue develops the respect amongst people so that they can live within the pre-set moral laws and follow them in conformance. Virtue provides an incentive or benefit from which the person can benefit as long as he is alive. It is an ever-lasting impression on one's personality. Thomas Hobbes suggests that the impulses that one has within him/her every now and then should be controlled so that a person's personality does not effect drastically or at other times, quite swiftly. Moral strength is the key for a person and he/she should not let loose on this very asset of his/her. Controlling desires is also an advantage that one has over other of his fellow human beings. One should never let his/her desires get the better of him/her under any circumstances whatsoever. Hobbes has been in the forefront like Locke, Kant and Mill in introducing within people the importance of virtue. They term it as of similar importance as people tie themselves to their mind and

The Jungle by Upton Sinclair Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

The Jungle by Upton Sinclair - Essay Example Jurgis is young and energetic; hence it does not take long for him to get a job, just like do Marija, Jonas and Teta, who are their close relatives. The family agrees to purchase a house, but this does not materialize since the deal is simply a swindle; there are too many hidden aspects of the agreement, and the house is poorly maintained and shoddy. Later, we learn that the family’s expenses are enhanced, which forces even Ona to seek employment. It is really difficult to land a job in Packingtown because the working conditions are very hard and unsafe. Besides, there is no disregard for workers’ safety in this region. Moreover, the immigrant community in Packingtown is exposed to corruption and crime, which extremely complicates life in the area. We are informed that Dede Antanas, the father of Jurgis, lands a job, but, this he achieves through corrupt means. Late, the old man succumbs to death since the job he got was too difficult for him (Bloom 25). Winter accordin g to the author is the most dangerous period in Packington, and this even translates into the working conditions. For example, we are informed that the place that Jurgis works in brings risks into his life each time he goes for work. There are too many hardships as evidenced by various events in the novel. For example, Marija and Tamoszius are never able to marry due to financial difficulties. Later, Marija’s financial woes worsen since her factory closes down and she later loses her job. Jurgis is very stressed about these living conditions of his family members, which prompts him to join a union. It is at this union that Jurgis starts to get enlightened concerning corruption, fraud and bribery, three vices that make sure that Packingtown is able to conduct its affairs. Jurgis wants to improve his family woes very much to the point of starting to learn English. At Packingtown, it was easier to adjust to life if one was conversant with English since it was the language that w as used by most people (Bloom 37). From the tale, we learn that, Jurgis’ family members face extreme hardships as they try to settle in Packingtown permanently. We learn that Marija is fired from her job even after regaining it later, Ona gets pregnant and as a result, her job becomes an extremely difficult affair. Later, Ona gives birth to a boy who is named Antanas, in memory of Jurgis’s late father. Her bosses do not even sympathize with her situation since they compel her to resume working after just seven days of leave. Many mishaps in this region have ensured that families are easily ruined. For example, when Jurgis is injured, he is bedridden for a period of three months, unable to perform any work. His accident had been caused by poor working conditions at the factory, but, the factory does not consider this. Instead, they scrap him off from the pay list. Jonas is unable to put up with this misery, hence he runs away from the family without ever informing anyon e of his actions. The family’s problems are compounded because the youngest child of Teta passes on from poisoning. Jurgis does not give up at this point; and instead he takes a very long time trying to look for a job. He is so frustrated that he decides to take up a job in a fertilizer plant that is close to his home. He is forced to do this since he feels

Cardiovascular safety of NSAIDa Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Cardiovascular safety of NSAIDa - Essay Example As analgesics, NSAIDs are strange in that they are non-narcotic and thus are used as a non-addictive alternative to narcotics (Sundaram, 2014) The most common members of this group of drugs such as aspirin, ibuprofen and naproxen are all available over the counter in most countries. Acetaminophen (parecetamol) is not considered an NSAID because it has only little anti-inflammatory activity. It treats pain mainly by blocking COX-2 mostly in the central nervous system, but not much in the rest of the body.NSAIDs work by inhibiting the activities of both cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). They achieve their function by synthesizing prostaglandins and thromboxanes (Hughes, 2008 p. 100). It is believed that inhibiting COX-2 leads to the anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic effects. It has been discovered that, those NSAIDs that inhibit COX-1, particularly aspirin, may cause gastrointestinal bleeding and ulcers. For this reason, the use COX-2 selective inhibitors may be preferred to COX-1 inhibiting NSAIDs. This paper will, therefore, primarily focus on the cardiovascular safety or effect of such NSAI Ds. According to John Vane (1927-2004), in his Nobel-winning works â€Å"the Mechanism of action of aspirin† he elevated that, most NSAIDs act as nonselective inhibitors by targeting enzyme cyclooxygenase (COX) (Bruera & Portenoy, 2009 p. 271). They achieve their goal by inhibiting both the isoenzymes cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). Most of this inhibition caused by NSAIDs is competitively reversible (although at fluctuating degrees of reversibility), except the mechanisms of aspirin, which is irreversible inhibition. COX more specifically works as it catalyzes the formation of prostaglandins and thromboxane from arachidonic acid (a compound that is derived from the cellular phospholipid bilayer by phospholipase A2). Prostaglandins act among other things as messenger molecules in the process of

Art Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 5

Art - Essay Example It makes individuals draw out the shape of an object and the viewpoint and the object determine shape. As individuals changes his or her view of the object, the contour also changes Option 1: Blind Contour To elaborate about my reflection, I went to the second floor of my balcony where I picked on the landscape I wanted to have a blind contour. I was having a lot of information, which I could see, as it comprised of staffs parking lots as well as residential houses. I observed the nature and the settlement of the neighborhood, which gave me insight information of what I should consider drawing. I stepped outside with my drawing brush and I wanted to airbrush what i was seeing. i did not having enough information on how to even airbrush the pictures I was seeing . It was difficult but not impossible using my arm to aid the drawing. If I wanted to move my hand, I would have with ease since I was prepared to do the drawing, as it was part of my class. As much as I was flexible and wante d to come up with an abstract figure, I had to follow the rules and be observant on what it entails. One of the things I imagined was never to move my arm when bowing. It was the first mindset to overcome to enable my hand to be free and for easy movement. I was not controlling my bow and I was simply controlling my drawing tools. During my initials stages, I was disappointed because the images I drew were very small and they did not reflect on what I wanted to have. My drawing focused on the transition of the sky and the trees. I took keen interest on the type of trees, the patterns of their trunk and ways of their droppings. On the side of the buildings, I had to recall the siding and the plants that grew next to them. As I observed on the Far East, there were around 6 trees in the foreground. I had the tendency of remembering what was in the environment, which consisted of the telephone posts and obscure details. When I settled to drawing, I resorted to blind contour as I loved i t and it was part of the instructions front the lecturer. I did not look at the paper and I had to draw the object in front of me. My experience during this drawing was that no matter what I did without looking at the paper, it looked awesome. This is because of the condition in which I drew the object; it was very pleasing to come out with as ketch as it is also not the same thing when you know exactly what you are doing. It was full of surprise coming out with a figure resembling what I was viewing. Throughout the picture, I would move my hands throughout the paper as I remember the details of what I was seeing. I could feel the paper edge though I initially had no idea in relation to that. My eyes were widely open as I was looking at what I was drawing, it was good for me to come up with such a drawing owing to the blind contour I was engaged in. The following is the first image I came out with. Option 2: Detail Reduction I chose the image, traced it source on a plain paper, and came with a complete composition like the one shown in the figure below. I chose the object because I am in love with nature more so animals. It was tempting to trace because my hand could not easily move on the paper as it could shift away from the paper. It was a good feeling tracing the images because it offered guidance since I was only to follow the laid framework and the layout. This was so easy and I could see the image I was tracing coming out. However, I was not always conscious of

Heart Cases Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Heart Cases - Essay Example The left foot is erythemic (red), edematous (swollen), very warm and painful to touch, consistent with cellulitis (inflammation of the subcutaneous tissue) You observe infected puncture wounds over the dorsal surface and lateral malleolus. The patient admits to having a heroine addiction and injecting himself multiple times in these areas. During an examination of the patient you carefully assess heart sounds and discover a low murmer at the lower left sternal border. You suspect infective endocarditis and admit the patient to the hospital for intravenous antibiotic treatment.. 3. Trace the pathway bacteria must travel, naming the blood vessels, to reach the point of infection in the heart. The bacteria travels from the leg through the posterior tibial vein, anterior tibial vein, popliteal vein, great saphenous vein, common iliac vein, inferior vena cava and into the heart. 4. If a clump of bacteria or a blood thrombus should break off the site of infection in the heart, where would this embolus travel and what condition could it cause? Trace the path and name the vessels. The embolus would move into the right ventricle and through the pulmonary vein. Deep vein thrombosis A 58-year-old African American male was admitted from a nursing home with a chief complaint of being lethargic and not acting appropriately. The patient stated that his legs hurt, and they had been hurting for a long time. Hemolytic Anemia occurs due to hemolysis, the abnormal breakdown of red blood cells. It is a condition in which red blood cells are destroyed and removed from the bloodstream before their normal lifespan is over. 4. Describe the life cycle of a red blood cell. How are old and damaged erythrocytes disposed of and recycled? The life cycle of a mature erythrocyte is about 12O days. As these cells do not have a nucleus, they cannot split or synthesize new components. Therefore, the cells degenerate owing to damage or aging. At the end of its life, it returns to

Natural resistance mechanisms to HIV-1 infection Essay

Natural resistance mechanisms to HIV-1 infection - Essay Example There is currently no vaccine or cure for AIDS or HIV. The only known method is avoiding exposure of the virus. However a treatment known as post-exposure prophylaxis is believed to reduce the risk of infection if begun directly after exposure. Current treatment of HIV infection consists of highly active anti-retroviral therapy (HAART). This refers to combined therapy with three or more drugs, usually two that target the reverse transcriptase and one that targets the viral protease. Kimball's biology pages. 7 Oct. 2004. 24 Feb. 2007 Natural resistance to HIV can be considered at two levels: resistance to becoming infected with the virus and resistance to the virus if the person is already infected. The mechanisms of natural resistance in both cases are: Apoptosis. Apoptosis is a programmed death of the cells in multi-cells organism. During the HIV infection apoptosis is the main mechanism by which infected and uninfected CD4+ lymphocytes are eliminated. However apoptosis as a natural resistant mechanism to HIV infection has not been explored so far. Genetic factor.