The world of: Assistive Technology

Assistive Technology refers to the use of technology as a tool, and includes the likes of machines, equipment, software and devices, that is used to increase, maintain or improve functional capacities of individuals with disabilities to better resolve issues that they face in regards to their disability (Accessiblity New Zealand, 2012). USA Assistive Technology Act of 1998 defines an “assistive technology device- as any item, piece of equipment, or product system, whether acquired commercially off the shelf, modified, or customised, that is used to increase, maintain, or improve functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities" (Introduction to AT, 2005).

These types of technologies allow individuals to participate in productive and leisure activities, as well as self care tasks. Assistive Technology is therefore a really important link between individuals with physical and mental impairments, and more independently engaging in occupations in which they value. Assistive technology users could include individuals that have been involved in serious accidents, experiencing age related complications such as decreased muscle strength and range of motion of joints; those that experience the development of disease or  illness; or  for individuals born with complications to normal functioning capabilities.

Assistive Technology that I can think of include wheelchair seating, ergonomic keyboards, standing frames, kitchen equipment, and even switches for users with decreased fine motor skills. Check out this website on resource options for children with disabilities.

I am going to look further at the "switch". What is a switch?

A switch is an electronic device equipped with the appropriate connection to another piece of technology, such as a computer, electronic toy, even kitchen equipment. A switch device has the ability to enable an individual to control both the device and the technology attached to it. The former can actually be manipulated through the use of any of the individuals body parts, as long as they have control of it. The type of switch, including its size and how it functions can be set up and matched up with the skills the individual has, or is working on. For example a switch can be activated by gross motor motor movements such as with an elbow, hand, foot or leg;  fine motor movements in the fingers, or squeezing of the hand; movement of the head; eye or any muscle within their body, even the breath! Amazing right!

So who might need to use a switch? Children with both physical and mental impairment often use switch devices in schools, to build attention and cognition, such as introducing cause and effect. Switches are very useful when used with children, because the child can be encourage to engage in reaching tasks (reaching for the switch) and can allow the non verbal child to communicate (if the switch is set up repeat words)- this is huge for the non verbal child!; switches also encourage the child with decreased fine motor skills  to engage in play while practicing range of motion or motor coordination. 

Through searching on the internet I have managed to find all sorts of switches-big and small; the Jelly Bean switch; the Sipper/Puff switch- which can be connected to XBOX; the mouth/ tongue operated switch; the Eye Blink switch; the Hamburger switch and the grasp switch. Wow! Have a look at these switch options . The switch that I thought seemed neat is the toy switch. The switch can be inserted into a toy, such as a teddy bear. I am really interested in this idea. So what would you need to make one? 

Have a look at this clip that I found on youtube, which shows how to make a toy switch:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pD944_I7sis&feature=player_embedded


The following is a link to "Assistive Technology: Using Switch-Activated Toys and Devices for Preschool Children with Motor Impairments" By Jayne Omori. 

References:


Itntroduction to AT. (2005) AT and idea. Retrieved from http://atto.buffalo.edu/registered/ATBasics/Foundation/intro/introATidea.php

http://accessibility.net.nz/blog/the-evolution-of-assistive-technology-into-everyday-products/