For anyone who has been overwhelmed when selecting an educational or assistive technology or who has experienced frustration in trying to come up with the best instructional plan for a person with a disability, this book was written for you. "Connecting to Learn" presents a comprehensive and readable approach to matching the right technology with students with disabilities, especially visual and auditory disabilities. School psychologists, rehabilitation therapists, educators, disability support service administrators, instructional design specialists, parents and individuals with disabilities, and rehabilitation psychologists should find this book valuable in their efforts to help those with disabilities learn, live and connect with others.
Marcia Joslyn Scherer, Ph.D., MPH is editor of the journal "Disability and Rehabilitation: Assistive Technology." She is President of the Institute for Matching Person & Technology [MatchingPersonandTechnology.com] and is also Professor of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Rochester Medical Center.
DESCRIBE THE CENTRAL FOCUS OF YOUR WORK.
I came from a psychology and rehabilitation background where the emphasis was on helping consumers' articulate their goals and then helping them find ways to achieve them. My Ph.D. dissertation study was researching differences in consumer and therapist perspectives of quality of life, rehabilitation success, and assistive technology use. That became the foundation from which my career and books have developed.
WHAT WOULD YOU SAY TO THOSE JUST ENTERING THE FIELD?
I recommend that to develop career skills and stay current, regularly attend relevant conventions and training opportunities. Be sure to spend time networking with others in the field, and keep informed by reading both the journals and books in the field. You will certainly confront challenges in your career. Work hard and persist, however, as it is so worth it!
