The Assistive
Technology Act of 1998 refers to it as "...products, devices or
equipment, whether acquired commercially, modified or customized, that are used
to maintain, increase or improve the functional capabilities of individuals
with disabilities..."
What are the Uses of Assistive Technologies?
Assistive Technology has been used
in education to facilitate academic skill development and to enable students to
fully access the educational program. It could be any item or piece of
equipment that can be used to increase, maintain or improve the functional
capabilities of individuals with disabilities in different aspects of life, which
may include activities at school, at work, at home, and even in the individual’s
interaction with the community.
As the term “assistive” implies, Assistive
Technologies help individuals to perform functions that could have been
otherwise difficult or impossible without it. These technologies can include
mobility devices like walkers and wheelchairs, as well as hardware, software,
and peripherals that assist individuals with disabilities in accessing
computers or other information technologies. In the education sector for
example, people with difficulty reading may use a text-to-speech software
program. Those with low vision can make use of software that enlarges contents
on the computer screen to make them readable.
What
are the Different Classes of Assistive Technologies?
Assistive Technologies range from low
tech to high tech devices or equipment as follows:
Low Tech AT – These
are devices or equipment that don't require much
training, they can be less expensive and do not have complex or mechanical
features. For example:
•
handheld magnifiers
•
large print text
•
using paper and pen to communicate
•
canes or walkers
•
things that can be used to reach or
grab items
•
specialized pen or pencil grips
and much more
Middle Tech AT = These
are devices or equipment that may have some complex features, it
could electronic or battery operated, it may require some training to learn how
to use it and may be more costly than the low-tech devices. Some examples
include:
•
talking spell checkers
•
manual wheelchairs
•
electronic organizers
•
Closed Caption Televisions (CCTV’s)
•
amplifiers
•
books on CDs, or in Kindle readers
•
environmental control units (ECU)
•
alternate mouse or keyboard for
the computer
High Tech AT – This refers to the more complex devices that have digital or electronic
components, may be computerized, and will likely require training and effort to
learn how to use and cost the most. Examples include:
•
power wheelchairs or scooters
•
digital hearing aids
•
computers with specialized
software such as voice recognition or magnification software
•
electronic aids to daily living
•
digital hands-free headsets
•
voice activated telephones
•
communication devices with voices
•
bluetooth integration
•
digi-drive technology (operating a
vehicle with a joystick)
For consultation on Practical Assistive
Technology and Professional Development on Special
Education for the management of individuals with LDs, visit www.PracticalATSolutions.com.
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