Wednesday, May 28, 2008

Tutorial eight

Tutorial Eight: Assistive technology

Provide a definition of Assistive technology (your Cook and Hussey reading may be helpful with this).

Assistive technology is a generic term that includes assistive, adaptive, and rehabilitative devices and the process used in selecting, locating, and using them. AT promotes greater independence for people with disabilities by enabling them 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. Although, Cook & Hussey (2001)[1] report this term is usually not used for rehabilitative devices and for devices that able-bodied find useful. According to disability advocates, technology is often created without regard to people with disabilities, creating unnecessary barriers to hundreds of millions of people.(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assistive_technology)

Describe one piece of equipment introduced in the assistive technology tutorial. Provide information on size, cost and functions.

Motorized glitter roll switch (Music box). It costs $99.95. It requires capability switch and 2 batteries. It works with an external capability switch. When switch is activated, the potpourri of sparkling shapes will tumble as the sweet sounding music plays.

How does your chosen piece of equipment increased functional capacity for the user? Provide examples here from the tutorial and lecture.

This switch makes them motivated. It operates as a switch to turn things on and off. This switch can be hooked up to the radio and turn the radio on and off. It can also be hooked up to the tv or light switches to turn them on and off as well!








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