Tenacious rational optimism is the way I approach challenges related to my son’s disabilities and my client-children's needs as well. One of the wellsprings for my optimism comes from a set of technologies that I now have learned has an acronym: GRIN technologies--genetics, robotics, information technology and nanotechnology. This set of technologies holds great potential for the future of all people, but especially for individuals with special needs. The tie-in with education is obvious. Our children need to be ready to access these GRIN technologies when they become available. Just as we do physical therapy to keep muscles conditioned for a child’s day-to-day functioning, long term, the child’s body needs to be physically ready to take advantage of future advances, whether medical or technological or a combination of both. Without an appropriate education that consists of solid core skills, the child’s mind will not be ready to access that which is coming down the road. There simply is no room for sentiments that suggest that there is no point in trying and reaching for more from out children’s education. The future is bright with possibilities if our children are prepared for it.
One recent example of this GRIN technology comes from researchers in Japan who have invented a mechanical exoskeleton, an Hybrid Assistive Limb (“HAL”), (no relation to the computer in 2001 A Space Odyssey) that fits on the outside of the body to assist individuals with gait issues. It looks a lot like Robocop for people with specials needs. According to the company, it is state of the art. The HAL receives information from sensors attached to the body and from computers that make predictions about movement. The user wears a backpack that supplies the power and the computerized operations. This high-tech invention is part of a potential fusion between humans and machines. It’s not like the Terminator, but instead, something powerful and peaceful.
The HAL gait suit is just one example of the coming technologies that hold promise for people with disabilities. Of course, there are pros and cons as with any new advance. The book, Radical Evolution by Joel Garreau, systematically discusses the potential impacts of GRIN technologies. The other related book, The Coming Singularity, is by Ray Kurzweil, the inventor of the OCR/reading program used with many students with reading challenges.
The point of all this is not to be afraid or in awe of the newest technologies. Rather, it is to take stock of the potential that GRIN technologies will bring if our children are physically, emotionally, socially and educationally ready to access that which is coming. These GRIN technologies offer significant hope for the future, but they also present a challenge now to get ready to fight for all that our children need from the school system, and to not give up no what the nay-sayers and dream-stealers say. There is hope and there is help if we remain open and ready for the possibilities.
Another example of GRIN technologies was just released from University of Arkansas. It is an implanted set of sensors that can control tremors in patients with Parkinsons using nanotechnology. Check it out at http://dailyheadlines.uark.edu/5908.htm
Posted by: Charles Fox | December 02, 2005 at 09:38 PM