ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY

Jovantae Billingslea

What is Assistive Technology Assistive Technology is any item, piece of equipment, or

product system, whether acquired commercially off the shelf, modified, or customized, that is used to increase, maintain, or improve functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities.

Individuals with disabilities may include but are not restricted to:

Hearing impaired

Seeing impaired

Learning disabled

Physically disabled

“The LAW”The Technology-Related Assistance Act

The Technology-Related Assistance for Individuals with Disabilities Act was signed into law by President Reagan on August 19, 1988. This law provides funding to develop statewide, consumer-responsive information and training programs designed to meet the assistive technology (AT) needs of individuals with disabilities of all ages.

Over the years progress has been made in the development of assistive technology devices, including adaptations to existing equipment, that significantly benefit individuals with disabilities of all ages. Such devices can be used to increase the involvement of such individuals in and reduce expenses associated with, programs and activities such as early intervention, education, and employment.

Assistive Technology:Hearing Impaired

Computerized speech recognition system: Allows a computer to change a spoken message into a readable text document.

Assistive Technology:Visually Impaired

A video magnifier, or closed-circuit television system: Uses a stand-mounted or handheld video camera to project a magnified image onto a video monitor, a television screen, or a computer monitor.

Assistive Technology:Learning Disabled

Audio Books: Recorded books allow users to listen to text and are available in a variety of formats, such as audiocassettes, CDs, MP3 downloads, and most recently electronic tablet (e books).

Assistive Technology:Physically Disabled (Impaired)

Mouth Stick: A device that enables users to control input through a stick that they manipulate with their mouth.

References Assistive Technology. (n.d.). Retrieved June 6, 2015, from

http://www.google.com IIDC - The Indiana Institute on Disability and Community at Indiana

University. (n.d.). Retrieved June 6, 2015, from http://www.iidc.indiana.edu

Assistive Technology Equipment. (n.d.). Retrieved June 6, 2015, from http://www.naset.org

Assistive Technology Equipment. (n.d.). Retrieved June 6, 2015, from http://www.readingrockets.com