Hi Everyone!
This is the post for Tutorial seven where we looked at Assistive Technology. Occupational Therapist Dave Speden came to do a session with us on different types of assistive technology in which we were able to experience and have a play with a range of switches, voice recognition devices, special keyboards, mouses and toys.
Provide a definition of Assistive Technology:
"Assistive technology (AT) is a generic term that includes assistive, adaptive, and rehabilitative devices for people with disabilities and includes the process used in selecting, locating, and using them.
The Technology-Related Assistance for Individuals with Disabilities Act of 1988 (US Public Law 100-407) states that it is "technology designed to be utilized in an assistive technology device or assistive technology service."
AT promotes greater independence by enabling people to perform tasks that they were formerly unable to accomplish, or had great difficulty accomplishing, by providing enhancements to or changed methods of interacting with the technology needed to accomplish such tasks."
Retrieved from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assistive_technology 08/06/10.
Describe one piece of equipment introduced in the assistibve technology tutorial. provide infomation on size, cost and functions.
Product Name: -->
Jelly Bean BLUE
Description: -->
Jelly Bean BLUEConsidered a standard in the industry, the Jelly Bean allows you to meet the widest variety of student needs and is recommended for students who can access a smaller target area.
Designed for general input switch applications with activation no matter where pressed. Injection moulded to produce a very robust product, easy to mount with a standard flange base. Provides tactile and audible feedback to the user. Switch caps are available.ApplicationsUse to activate - electrical appliances via an environmental control unit battery operated switch adapted toys and games a computer through a switch interface AAC (communications) devices through the switch port.
Features tactile and audible feedback to the user activation no matter where pressed easy to mount flange base to use with most types of mounting systemSpecifications 64mm activation surface 2m cable and a 3.5mm mono plug activating aressure 56.7gms made of durable, high impact ABS
Price (inc GST): $90
Retrieved from http://www.star-educational.co.nz/ 08/06/10.
How does your chosen piece of equipment increased functional capacity of the user?
It enables a person with a disabilty (either physical, intellectual or visual - or multiple) to use technology for communication, interatcion and switching things in the environemnt to create a reaction.
Switches can be utilized and connected to a range of mechanical devices e.g. elcetric beater, communication device, lights etc
Switches increase the functional capacity of the user by enabling them to ultilize aspects of their environment in a way that supports their ability (pressing on a large switch) to do everyday functional things.
Check out http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ir9Hs8lTAdc to see a child using a switch!
There are many different types of assistive technology available. Star education is a great site that offers a range of prodcuts that can enable a person with a disabilty to be able to interact with their enviornmment, develop new skills and enjoy activities.
Thanks for reading!
Steph
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