Thursday 17 May 2012

Tutorial Eight: Assistive Technology

The definition of Assistive technology is the large range of devices, services and strategies that are used to improve the life of those living with disabilities.  It can be described as a piece of equipment or system that can be bought or modified and is used to improve functional capabilities for those individuals with disabilities.  An important component of assistive technology is that each piece of technology is used to suit an individual and no same piece of technology is used the same way because each individual has their own unique needs. (cook & Hussey, 2000).

In my own words assistive technology is the use of a type of technology system that is going to assist a person who has a disability.  It is used to improve the functional abilities for individuals living with disabilities.  There are many types of technology and they are bought, modified or customized to suit different individuals with their disabilities. 

One piece of equipment that was introduces was the Apple iPad tablet computer.  The cost of the iPad depends on the GB size so it can vary from about $729.00 to $1029.  There are additional costs to this technology such as the cover for the iPad, the iPad dock etc.  This iPad is a touch screen but you can purchase a keyboard for it if needed.  This technology can be connected to the internet, it has camera and video functions, you can store many applications (apps) on it, you can play games and listen to music as well.  The iPad has can be used to teach people with fine motor skills and you can get many apps that can help people with a wide range of disabilities.  It can be a communication tool for those people who have speech deficits. 

This video shows the advantages of an iPad for a child with Autism who cannot speak.  She uses the iPad as a way of communication.

This video is about iPads and how they help children with Autism be heard.  It is a communication tool for these children.



Assistive Technologies: Principles and Practice : Cook, A.M., & Hussey, S.M. (2000). Assistive technologies: principles and practice. St Louis: Mosby

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