Tutorial Eight: Assistive Technology

Provide a definition Assistive Technology (APA reference required). Interpret this definition in your own words.  What might this definition cover. Assistive Technology is defined as : Any item, piece of equipment or product system whether acquired commercially off the shelf, modified, or customised that is used to increase or improve functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities. Cook, A.M., & Hussey, S.M. (2002). Assistive technologies: principles and practise. St Louis: Mosby My interpretation of this statement is that assistive technology is  a collection of ‘clever’ gadgets that can be used to provide a better quality of life for disabled people.  They can range from very inexpensive and simple to extremely expensive and elaborate. This definition covers a very wide range of devices for rehabilitation or education of disabled individuals, from low (pencils and paper) to high technology (computers) which may achieve the same outcome.  There are also hard (readymade) and soft technologies (human knowledge) to facilitate successful device creation and use.   Cook & Hussey (2002).

Describe one piece of equipment introduced in the assistive technology tutorial.  The assistive technology device I have chosen is called: ‘Keys U See’. Provide information on size, cost and functions. This keyboard has dimensions of 470mm x190mm x 38mm which is very similar to a conventional keyboard and costs $135.00 GST incl. How the equipment increased occupational engagement for the user?  Provide examples here from the tutorial and lecture. The functions are very LARGE BOLD lettering on the keys, internet keys for one touch internet and email and media keys for one touch music and video control.  These features will increase occupational engagement for the user with typical age related eyesight issues and allow participation for a longer period of time, particularly when combined with a larger computer screen. Provide examples of the equipment’s use from online sources (minimum or 2 examples).  This can be done by hyper linking to blogs, internet sites, You Tube videos, podcasts etc.  How does this relate to occupation concepts introduced in tutorial one e.g. occupational justice, occupational disruption, occupational transition, or occupational deprivation?  You tube clips: This piece of assistive equipment will aid in overcoming occupational deprivation in the older generation through visual impairments caused by Macular Degeneratrion, Glaucoma, Diabetic Retinopathy, Cataracts and Age.  The other use for the large print keyboard is in schools and the second clip shows it being marketed for kids as a bright colourful as well as easy to read screen that may assist in reducing the stigma of poor eyesight for a child by making it so bright and fun. This could be a form of occupational injustice, if the facility does not allow for the student to be engaged when there is a solution.