Assistive Technology + Occupational Therapy = Technology for Everyone

Assistive Technology + Occupational Therapy = Technology for Everyone November 16, 2012

First…. • We need a volunteer to take some notes for us during this presentation. Don’t worry, this is not a test to see how well you take notes! You won’t be graded. (Can we bribe you with some candy??) Google image:note.png

What you’ll know when you leave: • Define occupational therapy • Define assistive technology • Identify assistive technology • Apply assistive technology to a person • FILL YOUR BELLIES WITH CANDY!!!

What is occupational therapy at CSU? The Occupational Therapy Department at CSU exists to optimize human performance and participation in everyday occupations and contexts across the lifespan. http://www.ot.cahs.colostate.edu/programs_admission/curriculumdesign.aspx Google image from:uscmarketplace.com Google image from: blythedale.org

What is assistive technology (AT)? • A broad range of devices, services, strategies and practices that aid in assisting individuals with disabilities. • An AT device is any item, piece of equipment, or product system that is used to increase, maintain or improve functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities. -Cook & Hussey

Assistive Technology and Home • ECU description • ECU demo

Let’s check in with our note taker… • Echo Pen or LiveScribe Pen – one example of assistive technology in the classroom • Records audio of the classroom lecture and records notes at the same time! You can go back and check what was said when you took a specific note! From Google images

Assistive Technology and School • Technology can serve two major purposes: helping and teaching. • Reading • Writing • Note-taking • Test-taking • Accessing computers and technology

What does the Assistive Technology Resource Center (ATRC) do? • The ATRC’s goal is to increase student participation in school-related activities and enhance academic performance through AT supports.

Imagine that……..

ATRC Clientele • Individuals with low vision or blind: • Zoomtext software • Acrobat • Large Print and Braille Labels for keyboard • Portable magnifiers • Tactile key indicators • Refreshable Braille Keyboard • Screen Readers – JAWS • Individuals who have limited hearing: • FM system • Pocket Talker • Captioning

ATRC Clientele • Individuals with physical disabilities (i.e. spinal cord injury, Multiple Sclerosis, neurological issues): • Head Pointers (WiVik) • Dragon Naturally Speaking • SEE Ryan’s Demo!! • Cognitive disabilities (i.e. traumatic brain injury): • Read and Write • WYNN

ATRC Clientele • Individuals with Cumulative Trauma Disorders (i.e. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome): • Hardware • Ergonomic keyboards • Ergonomic mice • Wrist pads • Adjustable tables • Document holders • Adjustable monitors • Software • Word completion and word prediction software • Dictation software

Now it’s your turn to explore! Try some scenarios yourselves! Feel free to explore any of the software or hardware Thank you!!

Assistive Technology + Occupational Therapy = Technology for Everyone