Assistive Technology Sources:

2 Definition 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 (P.L ) Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA)

3 Computers in the future may weigh no more than 1.5 tons. Popular Mechanics, 1949 Who Knew?

4 Categories of Assistive Technology  Aids to Daily Living  Computer Access  Hearing Impaired  Vision Impaired  Mobility Impaired  Seating and Positioning  Environmental Control Systems  Worksite Modification  Vehicle Modification  Prosthetics & Orthotics  Augmentative or Alternative Communication

5 Cognitive Cognitive (Difficulty understanding what is read/comprehending written information)  Computer  Optical Character Recognition (OCR) Software  Voice Output  Video/audiotapes (white noise tapes)  Reader  Pictures  Talking calculator  Pointer for tracking position while reading

6 Communication (Difficulty with oral, listening, or writing skills)  Laptop with speech synthesizer  Computer to write rather than use speech  Binders with pictures  Text Telephone (TTY)/ Telecommunication Device for the Deaf (TDD)/Phone Amplifiers  Holding or gripping devices for writing utensils  Scribe

7 Mobility Mobility (Difficulty in movement)  Wheelchairs  Crutches/canes  Automatic door openers  Radio/remote control devices  Ability switches

8 Visual (May include such impairments as color discrimination, depth perception, visual impairments, and blindness)  White canes/laser devices  Screen magnification software (e.g., closed circuited television—CCTV)  Computer (with synthesized speech and audible cues)  Braille embosser/printer  Talking calculator/clocks/cooking equipment

9 Auditory Auditory (Hearing impairment or deafness)  TTY/TDD  Videotapes  Amplification devices  Flashing signalers  Vibrating alert devices

10 Funding Considerations  Integrate into yearly equipment purchases.  Negotiate!  Leverage buying power.  Partner with other organizations/businesses.  Seek equipment donations.

11 Other Considerations  Medically prescribed devices are NOT considered assistive technology.  Use of assistive technology does NOT give the person with a disability an advantage over a person without a disability.  Assessment is typically conducted in order to determine necessity of assistive technology.

12 Other Considerations (cont’d)  Vendor of equipment or referring agency, if applicable, typically provides instruction in use of the assistive technology.  Anticipate possible need to modify the driver’s education car or enroll student in the Division of Motor Vehicles program for persons with disabilities.

13 Sample Resources  Referring agency (e.g., Vocational Rehabilitation)  Internet (e.g.,  General information links  Vendor links  Special projects/research links