Assistive Technology and Aging:

Tools For Life

Sonya Van Horn, M.S., ATPRegional Assistive Technology Consultant

NC Assistive Technology Program

NC Assistive Technology Program

Services Provided: Advocacy Consultation Equipment Demonstration Education and Training Equipment Loan Information and Referral Program Development Technical Assistance Technical Services

Eligibility NCATP provides services to individuals of all ages, all disabilities, their families and service providers.

What is Assistive Technology? Any device that allows an individual to live more

independently, improve productivity and enhance their quality of life.

Designed to help individuals compensate for physical changes related to aging such as vision loss, hearing difficulties, decreased flexibility and agility, memory loss, etc.

Assistive Technologies often remove barriers to life’s problems, and mean the difference between dependence and independence, between living at home or not.

Currently over 60,000 products on the market.

Hi!

Assistive Technology is anything that makes it easier to…

Get Around

Control your World

Write

Learn

Remember

Read

Live Independently

Play

Communicate

Technology = Tools = Power

Extend physical, sensory, and cognitive abilities

Work more efficiently, increase productivity

Extend communication abilities

Increase options

Assistive Technology empowers people to:

Who Uses Assistive Technology?

All of us

Who Uses Assistive Technology?

Individuals with sensory needs

Individuals with motor needs

Individuals with cognitive problems

Individuals with speech and language problems

Hello

Functional Benefits ofAssistive Technology

Helps individuals become more independent or maintain a level of independence in all phases of their lives.

Enables individuals to enjoy learning, living, working and playing more fully.

Redefines what is possible with a wide range of cognitive, sensory, and physical disabilities.

Provides creative solutions that assist individuals as they go about their day to day activities.

Functional Benefits ofAssistive Technology

Decreases environmental barriers.Decreases frustration. Increases self esteem. Increases safety. Increases communication and

understanding. Increases choice making.

Vision Issues

Products that Magnify Provide voice/sound output Provide contrast Reduce glare Provide enlarged text or numbers Provide tactile markers

Vision Issues

Vision Issues

Vision Issues

Hearing Issues

Products that provide Volume control Signaling/alerting Visual display Vibrating products RELAY Service TEDP Program

Hearing Issues

Getting Around

CanesWalkersWheelchairs ScootersBarrier free liftsBath liftsVan lifts

Getting Around

Getting Around

Personal Care

Routine activities that are performed every day

DressingClothingGroomingBathroom

Personal CareDressing Aids

Personal CareDressing

Personal CareClothing

Personal CareGrooming

Personal CareBathing

Meal Time

Meal Time

Medication Management

Memory & Attention

Products that provide Reminders Visual, auditory or tactile alerts

Products that Empower individuals to perform activities of

daily life independently

Every Day Gadgets & Gizmos

Every Day Gadgets & Gizmos

Home Safety

Universal DesignAccessibilityAccessible Route

Home Safety

Home Safety

Home Safety

Replace conventional doorhinges with offset hinges.These hinges can addabout 1.5 to 2 inches to thewidth of the doorway. Willallow wider access formobility.

Environmental Control

Environmental Control

Communication

Products that Provide a voice for someone who cannot

speak Empower users to communicate needs,

wants, feelings and to connect with others May be low tech or high tech Writing Telephone

CommunicationSpeech

CommunicationSpeech

CommunicationWriting

CommunicationTelephones

Computer Use

Products that Make computers easier to use Make computer screens easier to see

Computer Access

Computer Access

Recreation Gardening Bowling Cycles Exercisers Fishing & Hunting Games Golf Pool Lifts Reading Hobbies Travel Water Sports Wheelchairs &

Beach Access

Recreation

Recreation

Questions?

Types of Assistive Technology

Visual and Hearing Aids Switch Access Recreation Mobility Job Accommodation Environmental Control Computer Access Augmentative Communication Aids for Daily Living

Vendors North Coast Medical Allimed Maddak Adaptivation Tash Dragonfly Toy Co. Enabling Devices MaxiAids AbleNet Adaptive Clothing Specially For You

Assistive Technology Resources

NCATPPartnerships for Assistive TechnologyGenerations-TadpoleVendors

Switch Access

                                                                                                                                                                                

Switches are input devices that can turn on and off other equipment. Switches come in a variety of shapes and sizes according to usage.

Job Accommodation

Job accommodation involves evaluating the work environment of a person who needs assistive technology. The addition and integration of appropriate assistive technology into the work environment may increase productivity and independence. Any or all categories of assistive technology may be considered for job accommodation.

Assistive Technology Modifications

Use creativity to adapt commonly used items, such as

-light switches

-gardening tools

-door knobs

-grooming aids

Assistive Technology Modifications

Add a side wooden handle to any long handled tool, such as a hoe, broom, or rake to adapt it for single-handed usage.

Assistive Technology Modifications

Create a light switch extension for limited range of motion.

Assistive Technology Modifications

Make a lever door handle for increased gripping area.

Assistive Technology Modifications

Create an extension handle on any tool, such as thisduster. The handle may be covered with hot water pipeinsulation for comfort and for better griping.

Assistive Technology Modifications

Add an easy to no-grip handle to hand garden tools

with a strap of Velcro over hot water pipe insulation.

Choosing the RightAssistive Technology

User characteristics-age

-roles (what are the user’s responsibilities, occupation)

-physical/mental abilities

-motivation/interest

-learning style

-prior experience with AT

-goals (what does the user want to do)

-skills

Choosing the RightAssistive Technology

User activities-types of activities

-how often

-how much effort

-needed skills

Choosing the RightAssistive Technology

User environment-where, when

-necessary space

-assistance with set up or access

-training

-others involved

-routine changes

-acceptable changes

Choosing the RightAssistive Technology

Assistive device capabilities-appropriateness-costs-maintenance/repair-modifiable-transportable-accessible-upgradeable-other choices-trial period

Choosing the RightAssistive Technology

Important: be person-centered. Involve the person who will be using the adaptive device and/or the primary caregiver and allow the person to make choices. Shop around and try the device before buying it.