Provide a definition Assistive Technology
A definition in PL (public law) 100-407, the Technical Assistance to the States Act in the United States is:
Any item, or piece of equipment, or product system which can also be modified, or customized and is used to increase or improve functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities.
Cook, A. & Hussey, S. (1995). Assistive Technologies: Principals and Practice. St. Louis: Mosby as citied in: Technology-Related Assistance for Individuals with Disabilities Act of 1988 (PL 100-407)
Interpret this definition in your own words
The definition implies that assistive technology can be just about anything as long as it serves its purpose to improve or promote functional performance. There are a number of different adaptive, assistive devices available to the community, these include:
Assistive, rehabilitative or educational technologies.
Assistive technologies help individuals to carry out functional activities. Rehabilitation and educational technologies aim to remediate or improve function/learning as part of a rehabilitation process.
Low to high technology.
Low technology devices are those that are easy to make or obtain, and those that are inexpensive. In contrast to those that are high technology, which are more difficult to make or obtain, and expensive to buy.
Hard and soft technology.
Hard technologies can be described as those products that are readily available, can be purchased and assembled into assistive technology. The main feature is that they are tangible. This includes computers, software, oversized keyboards, etc. On the other hand, soft technology can be described as areas of higher learning or the human aspect to technology. This includes areas of decision making, strategies, training, concept formation and so on. It is available in one of three forms: people, written or computer aspects (Cook & Hussey, 1995).Cook, A. & Hussey, S. (1995). Assistive Technologies: Principals and Practice. St. Louis: Mosby.
Describe one piece of equipment introduced in the assistive technology tutorial.
Provide information on size, cost and functions.
Talking photo albums A3 Size
Each of the pages will hold a single 5x7" Photo or Image, (125x175mm).
Record a separate voice message on each page using the built-in microphone.
Recording time: 10 seconds per page
Each page has an individual PLAY/STOP Button.
Built-in Speaker with Volume Control.
Recordings are preserved forever, even when batteries are replaced.
These can be purchased fro around $122.00
How the equipment increased occupational engagement for the user?
The talking book can be used with a variety of different clients who have impaired cognition. In particular, it is useful for those with difficulties in planning, managing time, memory, organising, sequencing and paying attention. It may be helpful for clients with dementia, alzheimer's, children with developmental delays or brain injuries. We created a scenario in class where the aid would be used for a person with short term memory and sequencing difficulties to assist in preparing a meal. Each page had pictures for instructions and verbal messages to break down the task. The same concept could be used for a variety of tasks, for instance dressing, work tasks, grocery shopping, etc. This aid will allow individuals to have some independence in their activities of daily living.
The talking book can be used with a variety of different clients who have impaired cognition. In particular, it is useful for those with difficulties in planning, managing time, memory, organising, sequencing and paying attention. It may be helpful for clients with dementia, alzheimer's, children with developmental delays or brain injuries. We created a scenario in class where the aid would be used for a person with short term memory and sequencing difficulties to assist in preparing a meal. Each page had pictures for instructions and verbal messages to break down the task. The same concept could be used for a variety of tasks, for instance dressing, work tasks, grocery shopping, etc. This aid will allow individuals to have some independence in their activities of daily living.
Provide examples of the equipment’s use from online sources
http://www.starmobility.co.nz/recordable-voice-devices-1/aids/talking-photo-album-a5.html
http://www.augcominc.com/index.cfm/talking_photo_album.htm
How does this relate to occupation concepts introduced in tutorial one e.g. occupational justice, occupational disruption, occupational transition, or occupational deprivation?
It relates to these concepts because it removes some of the barriers that people with disease and disability face in participating in occupations. Assistive technology is used as a way of allowing people to have some independence and particpation which will assist in giving a person meaning and a sense of fulfilment (Christiansen & Baum, 1997).
http://www.starmobility.co.nz/recordable-voice-devices-1/aids/talking-photo-album-a5.html
http://www.augcominc.com/index.cfm/talking_photo_album.htm
How does this relate to occupation concepts introduced in tutorial one e.g. occupational justice, occupational disruption, occupational transition, or occupational deprivation?
It relates to these concepts because it removes some of the barriers that people with disease and disability face in participating in occupations. Assistive technology is used as a way of allowing people to have some independence and particpation which will assist in giving a person meaning and a sense of fulfilment (Christiansen & Baum, 1997).
Christiansen, C. & Baum, C. (1997). Person-environment occupational performance. A conceptual model for practice. In C. Christiansen & C. Baum (Eds). Occupational therapy. Enabling function and well-being (2nd ed.). SLACK inc: Thorofare (pp 47-70).
