Lesson 2: Principles of Assistive Technology 2-1

Introduction (Click picture to play) Video not working? Need captioned video? 2-2

Assistive Technology (AT) Definition The term `assistive technology device' means 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 of

AT Categories Aids to daily living Augmentative and alternative communication Computer access Environmental control units Home or worksite modifications Job accommodation – (cont.) 2-4

AT Categories Seating and positioning aids Vision and hearing aids Wheeled mobility aids Vehicle modification Recreational aids Prosthetics and orthotics 2-5

Aids to Daily Living Devices and adaptations to increase participation or independence in activities such as eating and grooming as well as routine tasks such as getting out of bed and cooking dinner. 2-6

Aids to Daily Living Button hook Bath lift Photo from: Support Plus: Support PlusPhoto from: Sterling Stair LiftsSterling Stair Lifts from 2-7

Aids to Daily Living Phone holder Wheelchair poncho Photo from: Sammons PrestonSammons Preston Photo from: Epiphany DesignEpiphany Design 2-8

Augmentative and Alternative Communication AAC includes equipment and services that enhance face-to-face communication and telecommunication. Writing aids are also included in this group. Those with communication difficulties can communicate when traditional speaking and writing are not effective. 2-9

Augmentative and Alternative Communication Speech amplifierCommunication card Photo by: Asyst Communications Co., Inc.Asyst Communications Co., Inc. Photo by: Mount Sinai Medical CenterMount Sinai Medical Center from

Computer Access This type of assistive technology improves access to computers by facilitating input or enhancing output. 2-11

Computer Access Braille printer Computer that uses eye movement instead of a mouse Photo by: Enabling TechnologiesEnabling Technologies from Photo by: LC Technologies IncLC Technologies Inc 2-12

Environmental Control Units These units make regulating heat/cold, lights, etc, easier. This would include pre- programmed lighting or heating thermostats, and even The Clapper (a sound-activated electrical switch). 2-13

Environmental Control Units Lamp switch extender Computer activated environmental control module Photo by: Smarthome, Inc.Smarthome, Inc. from Photo by: Sammons PrestonSammons Preston 2-14

Home or Worksite Modifications These include products that make a home or worksite environment more accessible. Included would be devices to make it easier to enter a building, to use the spaces inside (including lighting), or to move between floors. 2-15

Home or Worksite Modifications Stair lift Lever handle for round door knobs Photo by: Bruno Independent Living AidsBruno Independent Living Aids from Photo by: Independent Living Aids, LLCIndependent Living Aids, LLC 2-16

Job Accommodations These include environmental changes, assistive technologies, and techniques or work process changes that improve the ability of a person with a disability to access their work environment and/or complete their work. 2-17

Job Accommodations Extra tool handle Electronic task prompter/reminder Photo by: Gardenscape Ltd.Gardenscape Ltd. Photo by: AbleLink Technologies, Inc.AbleLink Technologies, Inc. from

Job Accommodations Accessible computer stand Talking calculator Photo by: FlagHouse, Inc.FlagHouse, Inc.Photo by: Canon USA IncCanon USA Inc from

Seating and Positioning Aids These products help people with disabilities sit comfortably and safely. 2-20

Seating and Positioning Aids Wheelchair head support Adjustable children’s chair Photo by: Sammons PrestonSammons PrestonPhoto by: Achievement Products for ChildrenAchievement Products for Children from

Vision and Hearing Aids This is a broad category that includes all types of sensory aids to help people who are blind, low vision, deaf, or hard of hearing. There are also devices to help those with multiple sensory disabilities, such as the deaf-blind. 2-22

Vision and Hearing Aids Closed circuit TV magnifier Vibrating/audible obstacle detector Photo by: InSiPhil (US) LLCInSiPhil (US) LLC Photo by: GDP ResearchGDP Research from

Vision and Hearing Aids Vibrating alarm watch Cochlear implant Photo by: E-Pill, LLCE-Pill, LLCPhoto by: National Institutes of HealthNational Institutes of Health 2-24

Personal Mobility Aids These help people with mobility limitations move more freely indoors and outdoors. They include devices such as wheelchairs, walkers, and canes. 2-25

Personal Mobility Aids Forearm crutch Wheeled walker Photo by: Harvy Surgical Supply CorporationHarvy Surgical Supply Corporation Photo by: Adepta Medical / Cosco Home & Office ProductsAdepta Medical / Cosco Home & Office Products from

Personal Mobility Aids Sports wheelchair Wheelchair carrying vehicle Photo by: Colours In MotionColours In Motion Photo by: Venture ProductsVenture Products from

Vehicle Modification Products in this category help people with disabilities drive or ride in cars, vans, trucks, or buses. 2-28

Vehicle Modification Products Van ramp Vehicle hand control Photo by: Prairie View Industries, Inc.Prairie View Industries, Inc. Photo by: Handicaps Inc.Handicaps Inc. from

Recreational Aids These help people with disabilities enjoy a wide variety of leisure and athletic activities. 2-30

Recreational Aids Beach wheelchair Switch-operated toys Photo by: Assistive Technology, Inc.Assistive Technology, Inc. Photo by: Enabling DevicesEnabling Devices from

Recreational Aids Adapted paintbrush Wheelchair gun mount Photo by: Forbes Rehab Services, Inc.Forbes Rehab Services, Inc. Photo by: SR-77 EnterprisesSR-77 Enterprises 2-32

Prosthetics and Orthotics Prosthetics are generally devices to help amputees, and orthotics are braces or other products to support joints or limbs. 2-33

Prosthetics and Orthotics Myoelectric hand Prosthetic leg Photo by: Otto Bock Health CareOtto Bock Health Care Photo by: Ossur AmericasOssur Americas from

ReWalk by Argo (Click picture to play) Video by: Argo Medical TechnologiesArgo Medical Technologies Video not working? 2-35

Teachers, please remember to complete our 5-question evaluation survey after Lesson This concludes Lesson 2 For curriculum updates, see