AT for person with vision impairments AT for persons with limited hearing Communication Mobility

1. AT for person with vision impairments AT for persons with limited hearing Communication Mobility Motor vehicle Cathy Chambless, Utah State University

2. Assistive Technology • The use of technology to assist people who have disabilities • 1. Device: piece of equipment, item or product system • 2. Service: any service that helps person choose, acquire or use an AT device • Low tech (mechanical) or • High tech (electromechanical) Cathy Chambless, Utah State University

3. Role of Rehab Counselor in AT • Assist person in determining the objectives to be achieved by using the technology • Determine the fit between the technology and the person’s preferences, values • Assess the resources to learn how to use and to maintain device or equipment. Cathy Chambless, Utah State University

4. Human–technology interface • Voice recognition technology (VRT) • Enables control of device with voice • Optical character recognition (OCT) • Uses camera and scanner device • Recognizes printed data, converts into digital form and vocalizes through speech synthesizer • Pointing and selection devices • Physical control with mouse, mouth stick, head pointer, eye gaze, etc. Cathy Chambless, Utah State University

5. Technologies for persons with vision impairments • Visual data access • Optical aids – magnifiers, field expanders with prisms • Non-optical – enlarged print, high intensity lamps, opaque projectors • Screen readers – software translates text to speech • Requires accessible data formats Cathy Chambless, Utah State University

6. Technologies for persons with vision impairments-2 • Auditory data access • Talking books, audiocassettes, CD’s, digital recording • Tactile sensory communication • uses Braille alphabet • Travel aids • Laser cane, uses light beam on tip of cane, info transmitted to handle where pins vibrate Cathy Chambless, Utah State University

7. Technologies for persons who are deaf or have limited hearing • TTD (Telecommunication Device for the Deaf) – transmits electronic text over phone • Telephone Relay Service – One person communicates via TTD to a relay operator who then communicates by phone with hearing person, and vice versa • Cochlear implants – transmits electrical impulses thru cochlear nerve Cathy Chambless, Utah State University

8. Technologies for persons who are deaf or have limited hearing-2 • Hearing aids • Monaural, binaural • pseudo binaural (most common) consists of one microphone and one amplifier routed to 2 aids placed in each ear • Assistive listening device (ALD) • Infrared system within a closed environment, e.g., classroom, conference room, etc. • Person wears hearing aid or audio loop Cathy Chambless, Utah State University

9. Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) Technology • For people with speaking or writing communication limitations • Person must recognize words or symbols, understand commands, categorize, sequence, sort, and match. Uses codes and symbols • Manual – sign language, finger spelling • Device – from speech board to computer Cathy Chambless, Utah State University

10. Mobility technologies • Low tech: canes, crutches, walkers, manual wheelchairs • High tech: motorized wheelchairs containing battery powered bases • Various input devices: regular joystick; 4 stick position, puff and sip controls; chin, head or foot joystick Cathy Chambless, Utah State University

11. Motor vehicle technologies • Driver Assessment Program • Assesses decision making skills • Driving controls • Steering, acceleration, braking • Lower extremity access • Pedal extenders, hand control systems has mechanical link that transfers control from foot pedals to hands Cathy Chambless, Utah State University