Defining Assistive Technology Lecture 1

Common definitions assist (e sist') v.t., v.i. 1. to aid; help. - n 2. A play helping a teammate to score or put out an opponent. 3. A helpful act -assistance, n. technology (-nol'e je) n., pl. -gies. 1. the branch of knowledge that deals with applied science, engineering, etc. 2. the practical application of knowledge. 3. The materials, techniques, etc. used for a practical end.

Legal definitions of AT Tech Connections | AT Under the Vocational Rehabilitation System: Overview Tech Connections | AT Under the Vocational Rehabilitation System: Overview Assistive Technology: "any item, piece of equipment or product system, whether acquired commercially, modified or customized, that is used to increase, maintain, or improve the functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities. PL (Technical Assistance to the States Act) Assistive Technology Service: "any service that directly assists an individual with a disability in the selection, acquisition, or use of an assistive technology device." PL

Functional definitions of AT AT is both devices and services AT helps a person with a disability to do what they could not normally do on their own. Institute for Human Development/AzTAP - What is Assistive Technology?

Characterization of Assistive Technologies Assistive vs. Rehabilitative or Educational Technologies AT = technology that helps an individual carry out a functional activity Rehab/Ed Technology = a tool for remediation or rehabilitation rather than for functional activities

Characterization of Assistive Technologies Assistive vs. Rehabilitative or Educational Technologies Low to High technology

Characterization of Assistive Technologies Assistive vs. Rehabilitative or Educational Technologies Low to High Technology Hard and Soft Technologies

Characterization of Assistive Technologies Assistive vs. Rehabilitative or Educational Technologies Low to High technology Hard and Soft Technologies Appliances vs. Tools

Categories of assistive technology Positioning Mobility Augmentative & Alternative Communication (AAC) Computer Access Adaptive Toys & Games Aids to Daily Living Instructional Aids

Categories of Primary Use of AT ManipulationMobility

LearningCommunication

Access vs. Adaptive Technologies Access Schools Classrooms General education curriculum Instructional Materials Adaptive Screen Readers Word Talk Word Prediction Supernova Access Screen Sip-and Puff Systems Face Mouse Video Magnifiers Close Captioning & Subtitling

AT Summary AT is: A device or a set of devices A set of corresponding services (very important to remember that AT alone is often ineffective without the services) A variety of devices that assist a person with a disability to overcome the effects of their disability or to maintain a functional capabilities Come in a variety of types/categories

Important Concepts Low vs. high technology AT is a tool 80/20 rule AT as a system AT as a team process Human device interaction is the basis of AT use Universal design: access for all

AT: Low vs. High Low-tech = devices that are non-electronic, generally use simple electronic designs (if any at all), are low cost, are simple to use, and require little or no formal training to effectively operate.

AT: Low vs. High High-tech devices that are electronic, driven by a computer, generally expensive (over $1,000), and are complex, often requiring more in-depth knowledge and skills to operate effectively.

Why we rely more on low tech… They are less expensive. If it’s not effective, the team is rarely out a lot of money. Because of the relative simplicity of low tech solutions, there is no need to invest large amounts of time in training. Many high tech devices will fail to perform on occasion (e.g., battery on a device that speaks for a person may lose its charge). Thus, the individual needs a back up system. Low tech is perfectly suited to fulfill this purpose.

AT as a system

80/20 Rule Eighty percent of the effective AT solutions for persons with disabilities are simple, low-tech devices. Only twenty percent of the necessary modifications involve high-tech options Job Accommodation Network