Tutorial Eight: Assistive technology

"Assistive or Adaptive Technology commonly refers to '...products, devices or equipment, whether acquired commercially, modified or customized, that are used to maintain, increase or improve the functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities...', according to the definition proposed in the Assistive Technology Act of 1998" (Gerard, 2001).

My interpretation of assistive technology is that it is an enabling tool used in a of settings such as a rehabilitation setting, the work place, or the home that assists those with disabilities. 

The assistive technology I have chosen from this tutorial is the 'Talking Tins' which are made to fit on tin or can lids.  I have chosen this device as it has a number of great benefits for the user, such as it being an affordable product ($25-$30), it can also be of use to those that need to be verbally told what is in a tin or jar,  another amazing feature is that the talking tin can be used for sequencing and planing the order of a task i.e. 'get out peaches'...'now get out a bowl' etc.  This is a function that could assist those with cognitive issues such as poor memory.

   References: Assistive Technology Act. (1998). What's assistive technology? . Retrieved from www.rehabtool.com on the 13/04/2011. 

Picture retrieved from http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B003TT1UD0/ref=olp_product_details?ie=UTF8&me=&seller=

Tutorial Seven: Linking to blogs of interest and exchanging comments

I have linked to 5 blogs of interest that are related to occupational therapy practice.  I have also linked to a fellow student and made a comment on one of her blog postings.  Here is a copy of the communication between myself and other students...

Milly said...

Very inspirational videos and well related to ot! I like :)

12 April 2011 18:19

laura1 said...

Thanks Milly!! I agree they are so interesting to watch aren't they?

12 April 2011 18:20

Rachael said...

wow that first video clip with the father and son competing in a tryathalon is amazing. I had a lump in my throat the whole way through it. truly amazing. Thank-you for sharing that. Otago Student :)

6 May 2011 20:45

Yasmin Barker said...

I've got that same video on my video bar! It is definitely a goodie. Makes you feel like you can achieve anything.

11 May 2011 00:32

Tutorial Six: The internet and online communities

The topic I have chosen to focus on from my fieldwork experience is poeple with down syndrome.  Below are three online communities that are related to this topic...

http://downsyndrome.com/

http://www.ndss.org/

http://www.downsyndromecommunity.org/index.html 

Down Syndrome.com is a site to help make communities more informed and accomodating to those with downsyndrome.  This website is a place where people can interact with friends, share stories, get the word out about inportant issues, and even share photo's of their loved ones...

 

"The mission of the National Down Syndrome Society is to be the national advocate for the value, acceptance and inclusion of people with Down syndrome" (ndss, 2011).  This website offers a wide range of information.  From topic such as healthcare guidelines and growth charts, to early intervention and family issues.  It is also a society that has no registry fee.

 The goals of Down Syndrome Community are to:

• Build a caring, understanding, supportive community open to all individuals and families whose lives include a person with Down syndrome.
• Share and nurture a climate where every human being is recognized, their strengths appreciated, and their accomplishments respected and valued.
• Strengthen the network of individuals and groups working with issues affecting the lives of those with developmental disabilities and their families.

The community also have an event calendar with activity for everyone to participate and enjoy in...

February 2011	2/19 Saturday Time: 5:00-8PM	Sweetheart Dance /Pizza Party Sharing Library Event	Highland Community Center 14224 Bel-Red Road Bellevue, WA  Contact: Sean King, 425-228-3391
March 2011	3/1 Tuesday 7 PM	Board Meeting (Open to all members)	Pacific Market Center 6100 4th Avenue South Seattle WA 98108
March 2011	3/2 Thursday 3/21 Monday	Day to End the R-Word Campaign International Down syndrome Day
April 2011	4/16 Saturday 9AM-3PM	Conference 2011 Conference Details Sharing Library Event	Blackriver Training & Conference Center 800 Oakesdale Ave SW Renton, WA  98057 Contact: Anne Mullis, 206-842-9027

Potential ethical issues that may arise are issues such as the use of personal information and pictures.  There is no protection of what is posted by the users.  It is all there at the worlds disposal.


References:

n.a. (2011).  Down syndrome.  Retrieved May 11, 2011 from  http://downsyndrome.com/

n.a. (2011).  ndss. Retrieved May 11, 2011 from http://www.ndss.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=category&id=37&Itemid=58

n.a. (n.d.) Down syndrome community.  Retrieved May 11, 2011 from http://www.downsyndromecommunity.org/index.html

Tutorial Five: Video Production Sessions

Youtube is "a popular free video sharing web site which lets users upload, view, and share video clips, the service utilizes Adobe Flash technology to display video. The wide variety of site content includes movie and TV clips and music videos, as well as amateur content such as videoblogging."

In my feildwork experiences thus far I have the opportunity to work in paediatrics, and with a local youth group.  One thing that has been of great enjoyment and importants to the students and clients is sport.  This is a youtube video of Jason McElwain who suffers from autism ripping it up on the court...

Opportunities to participate in music programmes are also becoming a popular way of getting a number of non-verbal student and clients to express themselves and participate as part of a group.  Dr Laz has found a way to create a learning environment catered to all of his students and learning needs, and has employed his musician skills to achieve this...

Making sure disabled loved ones have the proper care is essential to maintaining a happy life for both the child and family.  This is a video on short term shared care with the families of the children, and their carers...

To end this blog I wanted to share two of my favourite youtube clips of people with disabilites doing what they love with the assistance of others to make it that much more special.  The clips are inspirational reminders to me that dreams can truly become a reality and that anything is possible...

References:

Net pedagogy portal (2006).  Retrieved March 30, 2011 from http://www.thewebworks.bc.ca/netpedagogy/glossary.html