A discussion with assistive technology coordinator Patrick Turnage
Part 1 in a two-part series
Patrick Turnage is the Assistive Technology Coordinator at the Florida School for the Deaf and the Blind. He will be presenting at the 2020 Future of Education Technology Conference (FETC) in Miami to share the latest on emerging assistive technologies to support all students.
Turnage was born with congenital glaucoma, and even though he was born legally blind, he still had some usable vision. His condition worsened, and by the spring of his eighth-grade year, he became completely blind. Turnage recognized early on that the only way to accept and adapt to his reality was to become a lifelong learner; technology gave him the ability to learn and communicate freely.
He has taken his learning and passion for assistive technologies into the classroom to teach and demonstrate helpful skills to students with disabilities from the perspective of someone who shares in their assistive needs. As he explains, “One of the things that makes me want to come to work every day is [being] a grownup in an environment that is the same as my students. I recognize the value of being visually impaired allows me to bring to my job every day. It allows me to understand what my students need and how I can help them. The technology skills I work with them on are the same technology skills I go home to and depend on in my daily life to accomplish everyday tasks.”
According to Turnage, the assistive technology industry is experiencing significant growth. Many products are available from mainstream providers such as Apple, Microsoft, and Google. “Basically, every modern platform has assistive technology tools built in so that people who don’t need the more expensive commercial options have access – where before they wouldn’t have had access,” he adds.
While the availability of products has seen improvement, Turnage recognizes a need for better professional development. He explains, “Some of the gaps I see are in what people understand the role of assistive technology to be—the training that’s available for teachers who are responsible for helping integrate assistive technologies into the classroom.”
Turnage enjoys conferences like FETC because they provide a place for professionals to share their collective knowledge and passion for technology. In particular, he is encouraged by the increased acceptance of universal design and the progress assistive technologies are making.
“I think we are actually in a position where more edtech companies are recognizing the value of serving a diverse population and inclusivity. Less and less are saying, ‘Oh, I had no idea that a disabled student or a visually impaired student, for example, is using our technology.’ They are actively working with the operating system vendors and looking at the standards to make sure that they meet the standards. More companies are doing that.”
About Patrick Turnage
Patrick Turnage is the Assistive Technology Coordinator for the Florida School for the Deaf and the Blind. A 2001 FSDB alumnus, Turnage has a Bachelor of Arts degree in International Studies from Florida International University. He is also a Certified Assistive Technology Instructional Specialist through the Academy for Certification of Vision Rehabilitation & Education Professionals. In addition to being a consumer of assistive technology, Turnage has extensive experience providing professional development and adapting the presentation and materials for a varied audience. He has more than ten years’ experience in consulting and supporting individuals, organizations, education, government and corporations in the areas of Assistive Technology assessments and integration solutions, accessibility compliance and remediation, and universal design practices.
The 40th Anniversary Future of Education Technology Conference (FETC) takes place January 14-17, 2020 in Miami, Fla. Registration is now open at Future of Education Technology Conference (FETC)
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About FSDB
The Florida School for the Deaf and the Blind is a tuition-free state public school and outreach center available to eligible Pre-K and K-12 students who are deaf/hard of hearing, blind/visually impaired, or deafblind. At FSDB, students learn how to do more, be more, and achieve more, fulfilling our vision of preparing them for a lifetime of success. FSDB gratefully accepts private donations to support vital programs that directly benefit students and are not paid by state general revenue funds. For a campus tour or to inquire about eligibility for enrollment, contact FSDB Parent Services at 904-827-2212 voice or 904-201-4527 videophone. For more information, visit www.fsdbk12.org