Lesson 2: Principles of

Assistive Technology

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Introduction (Click picture to play)

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Assistive Technology (AT) Definition• The term `assistive technology device'

means any item, piece of equipment, or product system, whether acquired commercially, modified, or customized, that is used to increase, maintain, or improve functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities.– Assistive Technology Act of 1998

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AT Categories• Aids to daily living• Augmentative and alternative

communication• Computer access• Environmental control units• Home or worksite modifications• Job accommodation– (cont.) 2-4

AT Categories• Seating and positioning aids• Vision and hearing aids• Wheeled mobility aids• Vehicle modification• Recreational aids• Prosthetics and orthotics

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Aids to Daily Living• Devices and adaptations to increase

participation or independence in activities such as eating and grooming as well as routine tasks such as getting out of bed and cooking dinner.

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Aids to Daily Living Button hook Bath lift

Photo from: Support Plus Photo from: Sterling Stair Lifts

from www.abledata.com

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Aids to Daily LivingPhone holder Wheelchair poncho

Photo from: Sammons Preston

Photo from: Epiphany Design

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Augmentative and Alternative Communication

• AAC includes equipment and services that enhance face-to-face communication and telecommunication. Writing aids are also included in this group. Those with communication difficulties can communicate when traditional speaking and writing are not effective. 2-9

Augmentative and Alternative Communication

Speech amplifier Communication card

Photo by: Asyst Communications Co., Inc.

Photo by: Mount Sinai Medical Center

from www.abledata.com

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Computer Access

• This type of assistive technology improves access to computers by facilitating input or enhancing output.

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Computer Access

Braille printerComputer that uses eye

movement instead of a mouse

Photo by: Enabling Technologies

from www.abledata.com

Photo by: LC Technologies Inc

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Environmental Control Units

• These units make regulating heat/cold, lights, etc, easier. This would include pre-programmed lighting or heating thermostats, and even The Clapper (a sound-activated electrical switch).

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Environmental Control UnitsLamp switch extender Computer activated

environmental control module

Photo by: Smarthome, Inc.

from www.abledata.com

Photo by: Sammons Preston

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Home or Worksite Modifications

• These include products that make a home or worksite environment more accessible. Included would be devices to make it easier to enter a building, to use the spaces inside (including lighting), or to move between floors.

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Home or Worksite Modifications Stair lift Lever handle for round door knobs

Photo by: Bruno Independent Living Aids

from www.abledata.com

Photo by: Independent Living Aids, LLC

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Job Accommodations• These include environmental changes,

assistive technologies, and techniques or work process changes that improve the ability of a person with a disability to access their work environment and/or complete their work.

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Job Accommodations

Extra tool handleElectronic task

prompter/reminder

Photo by: Gardenscape Ltd.

Photo by: AbleLink Technologies, Inc.

from www.abledata.com

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Job Accommodations Accessible computer stand Talking calculator

Photo by: FlagHouse, Inc. Photo by: Canon USA Inc

from www.abledata.com

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Seating and Positioning Aids

• These products help people with disabilities sit comfortably and safely.

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Seating and Positioning Aids Wheelchair head support Adjustable children’s chair

Photo by: Sammons Preston Photo by: Achievement Products for Children

from www.abledata.com

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Vision and Hearing Aids

• This is a broad category that includes all types of sensory aids to help people who are blind, low vision, deaf, or hard of hearing. There are also devices to help those with multiple sensory disabilities, such as the deaf-blind.

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Vision and Hearing Aids Closed circuit TV magnifier Vibrating/audible obstacle

detector

Photo by: InSiPhil (US) LLC Photo by: GDP Research

from www.abledata.com

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Vision and Hearing AidsVibrating alarm watch Cochlear implant

Photo by: E-Pill, LLC Photo by: National Institutes of Health

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Personal Mobility Aids

• These help people with mobility limitations move more freely indoors and outdoors. They include devices such as wheelchairs, walkers, and canes.

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Personal Mobility Aids Forearm crutch Wheeled walker

Photo by: Harvy Surgical Supply Corporation Photo by:

Adepta Medical / Cosco Home & Office Products

from www.abledata.com

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Personal Mobility Aids Sports wheelchair Wheelchair carrying vehicle

Photo by: Colours In Motion

Photo by: Venture Products

from www.abledata.com

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Vehicle Modification

• Products in this category help people with disabilities drive or ride in cars, vans, trucks, or buses.

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Vehicle Modification Products Van ramp Vehicle hand control

Photo by: Prairie View Industries, Inc.

Photo by: Handicaps Inc.

from www.abledata.com

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Recreational Aids• These help people with disabilities

enjoy a wide variety of leisure and athletic activities.

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Recreational Aids Beach wheelchair Switch-operated toys

Photo by: Assistive Technology, Inc. Photo by: Enabling Devices

from www.abledata.com

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Recreational AidsAdapted paintbrush Wheelchair gun mount

Photo by: Forbes Rehab Services, Inc. Photo by: SR-77 Enterprises

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Prosthetics and Orthotics

• Prosthetics are generally devices to help amputees, and orthotics are braces or other products to support joints or limbs.

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Prosthetics and Orthotics

Myoelectric hand Prosthetic leg

Photo by: Otto Bock Health Care Photo by: Ossur Americas

from www.abledata.com

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ReWalk by Argo (Click picture to play)

Video by: Argo Medical Technologies

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Teachers, please remember to complete our 5-question evaluation survey after Lesson 3

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This concludes Lesson 2For curriculum updates, seewww.agrability.org/youth