Tutorial Seven: Assistive Technology

Assistive Technology can be defined as:

• "any item, peice of equipment or product system whether acquired commercially off the shelf, modified, or customized, that is used to increaseor improve functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities." (Public Law (PL) 100-407, Technical Assistance to the States Act, in Cook, A.M. & Hussey, S.M. (1995). Assistive technology: principles and practice. Mosby: Missouri

We had a tutorial session in which looked at loads of pieces of assistive technology. It was great fun. We had the opportunity to try out things like:

• adaptive switches to turn on/off electrical devices
• devices that record voices
  
• adaptive computer software (simpler than the usual)
• adapted mouse for computer (bigger roller balls and buttons)
• different keyboards (large, coloured keys, less keys etc).
  
• devices that you can program commands in for household items (e.g. one device controls heater, tv, stereo etc.).
  

Here's some more detail about one device we looked at, called a "GoTalk" This information comes from Star Educational's website, who are leading providers of assistive tech in NZ.

The GoTalk is a device in which messages can be recorded to corresponding pads on the device. The person using the GoTalk just has to have the ability to choose and press the pad, and then the message will be replayed.

They are quite robust, which is great for a person with limited motor control. They come in various sizes-from the simplest with 4 cells, to the largest with 24 cells. The cells have the abilty to record multiple messages, up to 5 per cell. Therfore, even with just the 4 cell GoTalk, about 20 messages can be stored.

The prices range from $390 to $495, which may seem like a lot of money at first, but is a small price to pay to help somebody communicate efficiently!!

This simple piece of assistive technology will make a huge difference to any user's life who has trouble communicating. Their functional capacity willl be enhanced by the fact that with the GoTalk, the chance that thier wishes will be carried out is increased. They may have needs that were not previously being met-for example, if someone is in a wheelchair and wantsto go to their room yet has limited function to mobilise themself there-they could us etheir GoTalk to express this wish. The person would also be able to join in on more things, e.g. activities, by verbalising their wish to do something e.g. help with dinner, or hit a drum in music group!