Saturday 14 May 2011

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=


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