Tutorial Seven: Assistive technology

A definition of assistive technology: According to Cook and Hussey (1995) assistive technology is "an item piece of equipment or product system whether acquired commercially off the shelf, modified or customized that is used to increase or improve functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities".

Ex model Dave came to share his knowledge about assistive technology in this Tutorial. Dave now an OT at Kimiora School, a specialised school for disabled children in Wellington. Dave uses assistive technology all the time in his practice to maximise the functional ability his children can have in their day to day lives.

Describe one piece of equipment introduced in the assistive technology tutorial. Provide information on size, cost and functions.

Dave showed us  many pieces of equipment  but the one that I would like to share with the OT world was  the Help kids learn site a educational programme to be used in conjunction with a interactive white board.  The set up costs are only possible with a decent budget as the white board is several hundred, and the video projector is over $ 4000.00. 

This Help kid learn soft ware is particularly useful as it teaches on many “Vark” levels at once. It is Colourful interactive and has a good audible quality. On one game demonstrated “hidden grid” the audio produced vibration like sensations accompanied with a visual pulsating vibration dot pattern tracing the movement of the hand on the screen. It would be useful to use with people with any impairment, and would encourage interaction even in the smallest ways as any movement is  large enough for people who have less control.

How does your chosen piece of equipment increase functional capacity for the user? Provide examples here from the tutorial and lecture.

It would increase function because it gives the user an exciting platform to see the results of action where they may otherwise have very little to note due to the lack of motor skills. This also helps clients participate in occupations they may not otherwise have been able to participate in.

Heres the link