Assistive TechnologyAssistive Technology

Sources: http://www.techconnections.org

http://www.netins.net

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DefinitionDefinition

Any item, piece of equipment, or product system, whether acquired commercially, modified, or customized, that is used to increase, maintain, or improve functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities.

Assistive Technology Act (P.L. 105-394)

Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA)

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Computers in the future may weigh no more than

1.5 tons.

Popular Mechanics, 1949

Who Knew?Who Knew?

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Categories of Assistive Categories of Assistive TechnologyTechnology

Aids to Daily Living Computer Access

Hearing Impaired Vision Impaired

Mobility Impaired Seating and Positioning

Environmental Control Systems

Worksite Modification

Vehicle Modification Prosthetics & Orthotics

Augmentative or Alternative Communication

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CognitiveCognitive(Difficulty understanding what is

read/comprehending written information)

Computer Optical Character Recognition (OCR) Software Voice Output

Video/audiotapes (white noise tapes)

Reader

Pictures

Talking calculator

Pointer for tracking position while reading

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CommunicationCommunication(Difficulty with oral, listening, or writing skills)

Laptop with speech synthesizer

Computer to write rather than use speech

Binders with pictures

Text Telephone (TTY)/ Telecommunication Device for the Deaf (TDD)/Phone Amplifiers

Holding or gripping devices for writing utensils

Scribe

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MobilityMobility(Difficulty in movement)

Wheelchairs

Crutches/canes

Automatic door openers

Radio/remote control devices

Ability switches

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VisualVisual(May include such impairments as color discrimination, depth perception, visual

impairments, and blindness)

White canes/laser devices

Screen magnification software (e.g., closed circuited television—CCTV)

Computer (with synthesized speech and audible cues)

Braille embosser/printer

Talking calculator/clocks/cooking equipment

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AuditoryAuditory(Hearing impairment or deafness)

TTY/TDD

Videotapes

Amplification devices

Flashing signalers

Vibrating alert devices

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Funding Funding ConsiderationsConsiderations

Integrate into yearly equipment purchases.

Negotiate!

Leverage buying power.

Partner with other organizations/businesses.

Seek equipment donations.

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Other Other ConsiderationsConsiderations

Medically prescribed devices are NOT considered assistive technology.

Use of assistive technology does NOT give the person with a disability an advantage over a person without a disability.

Assessment is typically conducted in order to determine necessity of assistive technology.

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Other Other ConsiderationsConsiderations

(cont’d)(cont’d) Vendor of equipment or referring agency, if applicable, typically provides instruction in use of the assistive technology.

Anticipate possible need to modify the driver’s education car or enroll student in the Division of Motor Vehicles program for persons with disabilities.

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Sample Resources

Referring agency (e.g., Vocational Rehabilitation)

Internet (e.g., http://www.at-center.com)

General information links

Vendor links

Special projects/research links