An Overview of Assistive Technologies by Terry Menard CAE 6100-GP1 (52375) Classroom & Clinical Applications of Assistive Technologies Nova Southeastern University July 22, 2006

What is Assistive Technology?  Devices and services used to ameliorate the problems faced by individuals with disabilities.  Technology that enables individuals with disabilities to carry perform an activity.

Devices  Any item, piece of equipment or product system that is used to increase, maintain or improve functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities. Devices can be acquired:  commercially (off the shelf)  modified  customized

Services  Any service that directly assists an individual with a disability in the selection, acquisition, or use of an AT device including:  evaluating needs and skills for AT  acquiring AT  selecting, designing, and fabricating AT  coordinating services with other therapies  training individuals with disabilities & those working with them

Principles & Guidelines  Functional outcomes are the only real measure of the success of AT devices.  Assistive technology can only enhance basic skills, it cannot replace them. It should be used as part of the educational process.  Students use AT to access and use standard tools, complete educational tasks, and participate on an equal basis with non-disabled peers in an educational environment.  Appropriate technology at the appropriate time.  Every student’s assistive technology needs are unique. Student needs should be matched with necessary technology rather than matching available equipment to student needs.  Technology training for teachers makes students better users and maximizes impact of monies expended.  Technology training for teachers makes students better users and maximizes impact of monies expended.

Choosing Products  Determine the purposes for which the AT is needed.  A comprehensive evaluation by a qualified professional may be necessary.  The health care professional will be able to make the appropriate recommendations for AT devices and services.

Products & Equipment  Aids for Daily Living- self-help aids for use in activities such as eating, bathing, cooking, dressing, and toileting  Augmentative Communication- electronic and non- electronic devices that provide a means for expressive and receptive communication for persons with limited speech.  Computer Applications- input and output devices, alternative access aids, alternative switches, special software, and other devices that enable persons with disabilities to use a computer  Environmental Control Systems- electronic systems that enable someone with limited mobility or fine motor skills to control various devices such as appliances, electronic aids and security systems in his/her own room, home or other surroundings

Products & Equipment (continued)  Home/School Modifications- structural adaptations, fabrications in the home, school or other areas (ramps, lifts, bathroom changes) that remove or reduce physical barriers for an individual with a disability.  Prosthetics and orthotics- replacements, substitutions or augmentation of missing or malfunctioning body parts with artificial limbs or other orthotic aids  Seating and Positioning- accommodations to a wheelchair or other seating system to provide greater body stability, trunk /head support and an upright posture, and the reduction pressure on the skin surface  Vision Aids- magnifiers, Braille and speech output devices, large print monitor

Products & Equipment (continued)  Sensory Aids for People who have a hearing impairment- telephone amplifiers, hearing aids, assistive listening devices, text telephone, visual alerting systems  Wheelchair/Mobility Aids- manual and electric wheelchairs, mobile bases for custom chairs, walkers, three wheel scooters and other utility vehicles used for increasing personal mobility  Vehicle Modifications- adapting driving aids, hand controls, wheelchairs and other lifts, modified vans and other motor vehicles used for personal transportation

The Steps to Funding  Identify the need of the individual.  Document the need.  Determine what assistive technology is necessary.  Identify the funding source and eligible criteria.  Obtain supporting documents.  Submit complete paperwork.  Submit appeals if denied, find out why, and don’t give up!

Educational Impact  Having access to assistive technology is the right of every child with a disability. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act Amendment of 1997 recognized the right f every child with a disability to receive a “free and appropriate public education”.  Assistive technologies are enabling students to communicate, receive instruction, learn, play, move about, achieve, and be independent in an educational setting and all aspects of their lives.

References  AbleData (2006). Products & Equipment. Retrieved July 20, 2006 from  Cook, A.M. & Hussey, S.M. (2002). Assistive Technologies: Principles and Practice. (2nd Edition). Mosbey, Inc