Assistive Technology ETEC 523

E book reader

What is Assistive Technology?

Assistive Technologies are geared towards increasing, maintaining, or improving the functional capabilities of a person with a disability. An Assistive Technology Device is any item, piece of equipment, or product system. With that being said, Assistive Technology is a by-pass strategy, not a remediation strategy.

What is an Impairment or Disability?

An impairment or disability causes a barrier between the person and their ability to both receive and process information.

1. Sensory Impairments

Definition

Sensory impairment is when one of your senses; sight, hearing, smell, touch, taste and spatial awareness, is no longer normal.

Examples - If you wear glasses you have a sight impairment, if you find it hard to hear or have a hearing aid then you have a hearing impairment.

2. Physical Impairments:

Definition -

A physical disability is a physical condition that affects a person's abilities physical capacity, stamina and/or dexterity. There are two types of physical impairments: Progressive (worse over time) and Non-Progressive (remain stable).

Examples of Assistive Technologies:

Alvin Reflex Table and art table for artist in wheelchairs [1]

3. Learning Disabilities

Defintion:

Example of Assistive Technologies:

1. JAWS Software: A text-to-speech feature that reads onscreen print aloud to the student. This program also allows students to navigate their computers through unique features such as voice recognition.

2. Talking Calculator: A calculator that aids students with dyscalculia