Assistive Technology June 4th, 2001 Yoosun Chung

What is Assistive Technology? Any item, piece of equipment or product system, whether acquired commercially, off the shelf, modified, or customized, that is improve functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities. It also includes services necessary in the selection, acquisition or use of an assistive technology device.

What is Assistive Technology Device? Any item, piece of equipment or product system, whether acquired commercially off the shelf, modified, or customized, that is used to increase, maintain, or improve functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities. It could be as simple as a pencil grip or as complex as a computer.

Examples of AT Devices. Positioning – walkers, standing aids, floor sitters, etc. Self Care – adapted utensils, specially designed toilet seats, etc. Augmentative and alternative communication - symbol systems, speech synthesizers, etc. Environmental Controls – remote control switches and special adaptations of on/off switches, etc. Assistive Listening - hearing aids, closed caption TV, etc.

Examples of AT Devices (Continued…) Visual Aids - enlarging images, making use of tactile and auditory materials, magnifying devices, Braille, etc. Mobility - self propelled walkers, powered wheelchairs, etc. Physical Education, Leisure, and Play - computer games, painting with a head stick, wheelchairs adapted for participation in sports. Computer Access - touch window, speech recognition, keyguards, etc.

Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) Device Any other communication methods other than speech. Gestures, sign languages and facial expressions Picture symbol board Sophisticated computer systems with synthesized speech - I use this.

Why AAC is needed? Any person has right to express his / her need, whether he / she has disability or not, and whether his / her disability is severe or not. When somebody has communication problem and cannot communicate through the speech, that does not mean that there is no right to communicate for him / her. To satisfied with basic right, person needs a right AAC for him / her.

Trends of current AAC Towards the end of the 1970s, AAC began to be viewed as a legitimate method of communication Many professionals felt that children would opt for the lazy method of communication and would not push themselves to learn speech once AAC was provided. --- This is my dilemma. In my case...

Examples of AAC Picture Communication Board Eye gaze Dedicate communication device computerized device

Access Methods Direct Selection Indirect Selection - Scanning

Tips of purchasing AT device in Korea. 보장구 의료 보험 적용 장애인용 수입물품 및 의료용구 관세 감 면 파라다이스복지재단 중증장애아 재활용 구 지원