Assistive Technology

This blog will make reference to assistive technology and the benefits it has to the user.

Assistive or Adaptive Technology commonly refers to "...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...", according to the definition proposed in the Assistive Technology Act of 1998.


rehabtool. (2001) What is Assistive Technology? Retrieved on the 2nd April from http://www.rehabtool.com/forum/discussions/1.html

In other words, assistive technology is a adaptive and rehabilitative device for people with disabilities. It promotes a greater independence by enabling people to be able to successfully perform a task that they would otherwise find great difficulty in accomplishing. It provides them with a way of being able to intereact and engage in different activities by using the many varieties of this technology.

The SMART Board is a type of assistive technology that is a series of interactive whiteboards developed by SMART Technologies. The SMART Board uses touch detection from the user input and has digital coloured pens that are used for writing/drawing etc with. The cost of this interactive whiteboard can range from $1000 to about $5000. They come in a range of sizes and are said to last a very long time.

This equipment can increase occupational capacity as it allows a person with a disability to be able to play games, hear sounds etc just by touching the screen. There is a website called http://www.helpkidzlearn.com/ that has a variety of games, stories and different creative things that enable children to interact and engage in an activity that is fun and exciting.

Here is a youtube clip that shows different ways a SMART Board can be used for children with a disability.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8kdvr7a0z1s