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Assistive technology BY Tyletha dial ED 505 Technology and Education
What is assistive technology • Assistive technology which aids disabled people to perform day to day functions as a normal person is called assistive technology. The advent of this technology has enabled the disabled community to perform activities which were considered to be impossible before. It is also known as adaptive technology. Assistive technology services help them in selecting and locating the rehabilitative devices designed for them. It also gives them instructions on how to use a particular device (Definition and Explanation, 2014).
Law in regards to Assistive Technology • Technology-related Assistance for Individuals with Disabilities Act of198 was aimed at making the disabled people productive. The act also made technical training to the disabled possible. At present a number of assistive technology products are available in the market which improves the life of a physically or mentally impaired person. Walking aids such as wheelchairs, walkers and computer peripherals are the most commonly used products. Software which reads the text on the computerscreen has been developed for the blind. Text telephone for the deaf and special mouse for those with restricted hand movements is a contribution of this technology. Software designed reading tools are available for those who find the reading process difficult. Hardware includes E-book reader and Bank note reader. Braille displays are a blessing to the blind. Study skills software and Mind mapping software helps the ones suffering from learning disabilities. Seating and standing products which help them to sit and stand comfortably have hit the markets. Robot aided rehabilitation is a recent advancement in technology. Audiometer and radio aids are there for those with impaired hearing. Personal Emergency Response systems make use of electronic sensors. The system also consists of an alarm which gives intimation to the caretaker of a disabled person in cases of emergency such as a building collapse or fire. This system is extremely useful for those with dementia (Definition and Explanation, 2014). • .
Example of Hearing Impaired Assistive Technology: TTY TTY, or teletype, devices work over the telephone lines to allow text conversations. The user types and reads conversations using the device. Businesses and government agencies publish separate TTY compatible phone numbers for the deaf. Hotels in the United States use TTY devices to make the room accessible to hearing impaired guests. Text messaging with cell phones provides an alternative to the TTY for friends and family (Anderson, 2011).
Example of Assistive Technology that Aides students who are Visually Impaired : Braille Displays and Notetakers A notetaker provides a portable computing solution for the blind and visually impaired. Users are able to surf the internet, take notes, sync their calendar and contacts, and read silently through the use of a refreshable Braille display (Brissille, n.d.).
Example of Assistive Technology that Aides students who have learning disabilities : Word Prediction Software Some students know what they want to write, but have difficulty forming the words or thinking of new words to use. Word prediction programs are used with word processors to provide a more efficient way of producing written work. A novice writer can create a complete word by typing one or two letters. The programs reduce the number of keystrokes made by "predicting" the desired word after a student types a single letter. Some programs even include a "predict ahead" feature that anticipates the next word. These programs can effectively improve the quality and level of writing by suggesting new words stored in a customizable dictionary. The parent or teacher of a student can add vocabulary pertinent to different topics or courses (Word Prediction, n.d.).
Example of Assistive Technology that Aides students who have physical disabilities : Online education Though disabled students should never be barred from any learning environment, like all students, some do function better in an environment with limited distractions and more accessibility than might be available in many classrooms or on very large campuses.That’s where online education can be very helpful. For example, the ability to take classes in a single environment, such as a home office, guarantees that disabled students will have all of their assistive technologies available in one place (Pinantoan, 2012).
References • Anderson, S. (2011, March 30). Assistive Technology Devices for the Hearing Impaired. Retrieved November 1, 2014, from http://www.livestrong.com/article/268007-assistive-technology-devices-for-the-hearing-impaired/ • Braille Display, Notetaker, Refreshable Braille. (n.d.). Retrieved November 1, 2014, from http://www.adaptivetr.com/blindness/braille-displays-notetakers • Definitions and Explanations. (2011, February 14). Retrieved November 1, 2014, from http://www.qwhatis.com/what-is-assistive-technology/
References • Pinantoan, A (2012, September, 11). Learning Difficulties: What Can Technology Do for Disabled Learners?. retrieved November 1, 2014, from informedED Web Site: Learning Difficulties: What Can Technology Do for Disabled Learners? • "Word Prediction." ATTO: Writing Software:. N.p., n.d. Web. 01 Nov. 2014. <http://atto.buffalo.edu/registered/ATBasics/Curriculum/Writing/wordPrediction.php>.