Tutorial Seven: Assistive Technology

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. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assistive_device
Cook and Hussey (2000) define Assistive Technology as 1. the science or study of the practical or industrial arts. 2. applied science. 3. amethod, process etc. for handling a specific technical problem.

#1 Equipment:
Tracker Pro: this device enables people with little or no hand movement to perform all mouse functions by moving their head. The tracker pro is like a web cam which attaches tothe op of a laptop/computer which pics up a signal from the reflective dot which can be worn by the individual on their forehead or on a pair of glasses. To have dwell click an added software needs to be installed such as MagicCursor2000.
The Tracker Pro ost approx. $1000.

How does this piece of equipment enhance functional capacity:
It allows the individual to control things within their own environment to make using a means to communicate assessible.

#2 Equipment:
Talking Photo Album:

• Combine literacy and ICT with this Talking Photo Album.
  Leading on from the popular A5 Talking Photo Album, TTS bring you a bigger A3 sized album with all the same recording features, plus a loud speaker and larger visual area for children to display their stories and work.
• The Talking Photo Album supports speaking and listening on the new Literacy framework especially focusing on photo sequences, presentations, hiding and revealing pictures and word recognition.
• Record your stories, timetables or messages with the Talking Photo Album. Simply insert drawings or photographs into the plastic wallets and record up to a 10 second message on every page.
• Each individual voice message can be played back at any time, simply with a push of a button.
• Approx. $65-88

This piece of equipment, allows an individual to control their environment. If they have memory difficulties then they can load up instructions when they think of them and have something to refer back to when they cannot remember what it is that they need to do next. It allows the individual to have independence within their own environment and helps provide safety for the individual.