Assistive technology refers to any device which helps a person perform a task. The "task" may be communication, work, daily living, recreation, or any other activity. Assistive technology can fall into many categories and is generally divided by the area of emphasis. There are assistive devices for speech, independent living, vision, hearing and learning disabilities. Two common areas in which assistive technology is used are speech and learning disabilities.
Assistive technology can be high or low tech.
Assistive Technology for Speech
Assistive technology for speech is further divided depending on need. The consumer may need assistance in receptive (understanding) language or in expressive (speaking) language.
Receptive language assistive technology may be geared more toward people with cognitive disabilities. For example, a person may need help with cooking skills. A recipe book which holds detailed step-by-step instructions (in words or pictures) will qualify as an assistive technology device. A planning book or a picture schedule for a person's work day or school day also qualifies.
Expressive language assistive technology focuses on the need of a person to communicate her own thoughts. This may apply to someone who has undergone throat surgery due to cancer, received a traumatic brain injury or has a congenital condition affecting speech. Another application is in a situation in which speech is present but not understandable to others. Examples of these devices are simple picture symbol books, electronic talking machines or voice synthesizers. A teletypewriter can be used with the telephone although video phone usage is increasing.
Assitive Technology for Learning Disabilities
Assistive technology for learning disabilities varies greatly depending on the area of need.
For a person who has a reading disabilit, an assistive technology device might be a tape recorder with textbooks on tape. This allows the student to learn content without being held back by the reading difficulty.
Assistive Technology for ADHD
Students with learning disabilities due to attention deficit hyperactivity disorder may benefit from an age-appropriate scheduler (a personal digital assistant, a notebook or a checklist). To help a child remain in his seat at school, stress balls and other hand fidget items are useful. Even the iPod can be used to help teenagers focus on study guides through the iPREPpress. This service offers downloads of study guides, foreign language lessons and test preparation materials.
Assistive Technology for Limited Hand Use
People who have hand limitations may choose to use a portable computer in the classroom or even at church for taking notes. The person is able to make her own notes without trying to manage pen and paper. Easy-open lids can be requested at the pharmacy. Jar openers are made to fit a variety of jar sizes and provide extra leverage, so less hand strength is needed.
Assistive Technology Doesn't Have to be Expensive
These devices may be high-tech and costly or low-tech, less expensive devices. Assistive technology can be purchased from a therapy catalog or from a local discount store or it can even be homemade.
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