Let’s get excited about Assistive Technology (AT)!

1. Let’s get excited about Assistive Technology (AT)! 2nd Hour IPS, Fall 2011

2. What is AT? (The official definition) • The Assistive Technology Act of 2004 defines an assistive technology device in the following way: • …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. (29 U.S.C. Sec 2202(2))

3. In other words… • AT is tool that helps a person access his/her environment and do the task and he or she needs to do.

4. Examples of AT: • Limited hand function: a keyboard with large keys or a special mouse to operate a computer • Mobility difficulties: power and manual wheelchairs, scooters, canes, walkers, ramps, lifts, and standing devices • Vision impairments: glasses, software that reads text on the screen in a computer-generated voice, software that enlarges screen content, special voting machines • Deaf or hard of hearing: hearing aids, a light that blinks when the phone is ringing, a TTY (text telephone) • Speech difficulties: may use speech generating devices (augmentative communication devices ), voice amplifiers, and/or a speech recognition devices • Physical impairments: electric larynxes, prosthetic limbs, pace makers

5. AT we see everyday… • Visuals/signs, glasses, amplification systems, pencil grips, computers, calculators, highlighters, cell phones…what else? • AT doesn’t just benefit people with disabilities…it benefits everyone!

6. Show and tell… • Low tech: highlighter, pencil grip, visual schedule, single step switches, etc. • High tech: iPod/iPad, Palmtop, dynamic screen

7. Let’s make it visual… • Egg casseroles(3) • Apple sauce • Banana Bread • Pumpkin Bread

8. Your challenge… • Bring items to make your dish on Thursday • Follow the visual directions to make the dish, including all group members • Serve dish on Friday