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This is my assignment on Assistive Technology.
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ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY ASSIGNMENT By John Walker
What is Assistive Technology? Assistive technology (often abbreviated as AT) is any item, piece of equipment, software or product system that is used to increase, maintain, or improve the functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities. AT can be low tech like communication boards made of cardboard or fuzzy felt. AT can be high tech such as special purpose computers. AT can be hardware such as prosthetics, attachment devices (mounting systems), and positioning devices. AT can be computer hardware, like special switches, keyboards, and pointing devices. AT can be computer software such as screen-readers or communication software. AT can be inclusive or specialized learning materials and curriculum aids. AT can be specialized curricular software. AT can be much more, including electronic devices, wheel chairs, walkers, braces, educational software, power lifts, pencil holders, eye-gaze, and head trackers. Different disabilities require different assistive technologies. Assistive technology includes products and services to help people who have difficulty speaking, typing, writing, remembering, pointing, seeing, hearing, learning, walking, etc. http://www.atia.org/i4a/pages/index.cfm?pageid=3859
The Assistive Technology Act establishes a grant program, administered by the US Department of Education, to provide Federal funds to support State programs that address the assistive technology needs of individuals with disabilities. http://www.ndrn.org/issues/assistive-technology/292-assistive-technology-federal-law-and-regulations.html
Assistive Devices for Hearing Impaired The terms assistive device or assistive technology can refer to any device that helps a person with hearing loss or a voice, speech, or language disorder to communicate. These terms often refer to devices that help a person to hear and understand what is being said more clearly or to express thoughts more easily. With the development of digital and wireless technologies, more and more devices are becoming available to help people with hearing, voice, speech, and language disorders communicate more meaningfully and participate more fully in their daily lives. http://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/hearing/pages/assistive-devices.aspx
VCO technology is for people who are unable to hear over the telephone but prefer to use their voice to communicate. VCO telephone calls must be made through a relay service. This connection allows the person with the hearing loss to speak to the other party and read their incoming message on the telephone’s display screen. There is also a portable VCO device, which can be attached to cell phones, pay phones, or cordless phones.
Seeing Impaired When one or more parts of the eye or brain that are needed to process images become diseased or damaged, severe or total loss of vision can occur. In these cases, vision can't be fully restored with medical treatment, surgery, or corrective lenses like glasses or contacts. Visual impairment is a term experts use to describe any kind of vision loss, whether it's someone who cannot see at all or someone who has partial vision loss. Salvin (2013)
The Simon Reading Machine is a simply, all in one reading machine. Its ease of use and straightforward functionality make it very appealing to all users. As easy to use as a photocopier, the Simon can read back up to 3 pages per minute. This reading device is highly effective, reliable and usable in any space. Simon needs only two main commands: start and stop. Simon's high quality voice uses only three controls: volume, speed and pitch. The extra large scanning area makes it possible to scan 2 pages of a large book at the same time. The Simon Book Reading Machine is the perfect addition to any home, school or office.
Learning Disabled A learning disability is a neurological disorder. In simple terms, a learning disability results from a difference in the way a person's brain is "wired." A learning disability can't be cured or fixed; it is a lifelong issue. http://www.ldonline.org/ldbasics/whatisld
For students with physical disabilities, computers with adaptive keyboards become their paper and pencil and the method they use to communicate their mastery of concepts. For students with cognitive disabilities, it becomes an adapted learning environment, presenting information in a format that allows full participation alongside their peers.
Physically Disabled Physical disability pertains to total or partial loss of a person’s bodily functions ( walking, gross motor skills, bladder control etc) and total or partial loss of a part of the body ( a person with an amputation). http://www.pdcnsw.org.au
Adjustable Head Pointer An essential aid for people with limited hand use for activities such as turning pages, drawing or painting. The pointer helps people with limited verbal communication skills to use communication boards and to point. Also excellent for pushing switches. Consists of lightweight, plastic bands secured by metal hardware and topped by a 19" long aluminum rod. Padding at the forehead is comfortable and cool. The headband and cranial strap adjust to fit various head sizes and shapes. The pointer rod is fully adjustable for length and angle in any direction. The rod is fitted with a removable pencil holder. Net weight is 8 oz.
Reference Page Author Not Listed. What is Assistive Technology? Retrieved from http://www.atia.org/i4a/pages/index.cfm?pageid=3859 Author Not Listed. Assistive Technology: Federal Laws and Regulations. Retrieved from http://www.ndrn.org/issues/assistive-technology/292- assistive-technology-federal-law-and-regulations.html Author Not Listed. (2011 December). Assistive Devices for People with Hearing, Voice, Speech, or Language Disorders. Retrieved from http://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/hearing/pages/assistive- devices.aspx Salvin, Johnathon, MD. (October 2013). Visual Impairment. Retrieved fromhttp://kidshealth.org/teen/diseases_conditions/sight/visual_impairment.html# Author Not Listed. LD Basics. Retrieved from http://www.ldonline.org/ldbasics/whatisld Author Not Listed. (2009). Life-Long Physical Disability. Retrieved from http://www.pdcnsw.org.au/