Download - Assistive Technology Basics
LISA KOSH,REGIONAL DISABILITY COORDINATOR
MARIA ACEVEDO CORREA, MENTAL HEALTH SPECIALIST, PUERTO RICO CENTERS
Assistive Technology Basics
3
Assistive Technology Act
Was first known as the Technology-Related Assistance for Individuals with Disabilities Act (also known as the Tech Act), was signed into law in 1988, and was amended in 1994.
In 1998, the Tech Act was repealed and replaced with the Assistive Technology Act of 1998 (AT Act).
The AT Act seeks to provide assistive technology to persons with disabilities, so they can more fully participate in education, employment, and daily activities on a level playing field with other members of their communities.
4
Purpose of the AT Act
The Assistive Technology Act (AT Act) provides funds to states to support three types of programs: The establishment of assistive technology (AT)
demonstration centers, information centers, equipment loan facilities, referral services, and other consumer-oriented programs
Protection and advocacy services to help people with disabilities and their families, as they attempt to access the services for which they are eligible
Federal/state programs to provide low interest loans and other alternative financing options to help people with disabilities purchase needed assistive technology
6
What is Assistive Technology?
Assistive Technology devices is defined as:
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.
7
Assistive Technology
Assistive Technology service is…
directly assisting an individual with a disability in the selection, acquisition, or use of an
assistive technology device.
8
Types of Assistive Technology
No-tech/Low-tech assistive technology devices are typically low cost and do not require the use of a computer or computer software to provide a benefit to an individual with a disability.
Mid-tech assistive technology usually offers the same advantages of low-tech devices. They are often more lightweight and portable, allowing them to be used anywhere and are relatively inexpensive.
Hi-tech assistive technology devices are costly and more complex electronic devices, such as computers and specialized software. High-tech devices often incorporate multiple features and may be used to meet a variety of needs.
9Examples of No-Tech/Low-Tech Assistive Technology
Raised line paperFinger spacerPencil gripsDesktop slant boardCalculators (talking)Battery operated
scissorsTalking key chain
11
Examples of Mid-Tech Assistive Technology
Digital voice recorders
Voice cueDictionariesTalking watchesTalking tape measurePill organizers (with
alarm)
13
Examples of High-Tech Assistive Technology
Augmentative communication devices
Voice recognition software
Refreshable Braille display
Alternative keyboardsScreen readersScreen magnification
softwareMulti vibration alarm
watches
16
Categories
Aids for daily livingAugmentative/speech communicationSensory aids for Deaf/hard of hearingVisionLearning, cognition, and developmental aidsComputer access and instructionEnvironmental adaptationsMobility aids/seating and positioningVehicle modificationsRecreation, sports, and leisure
17
Aids for Daily Living
Self-help aids for use in activities such as eating, bathing, cooking, dressing
18
Augmentative/Speech Communication
Electronic and non-electronic devices that provide a means for expressive and receptive communication for persons with limited speech
19
Sensory Aids for Deaf/Hard of Hearing
Include amplification devices, closed captioning systems, and environmental alert systems that assist a student who is hard of hearing or deaf with accessing information that is typically presented through verbally
20
Vision
Assist individuals with visual disabilities or blindness to access and produce information that is typically presented in a visual format Magnifiers Talking calculators Braille writers and note-
taking devices Adapted tape players Screen reading software
21
Learning, Cognitive, and Developmental Aids
Electronic and non electronic aids such as calculators, spell checkers, portable word processors, and computer-based software solutions
22
Computer Access and Instruction
Devices and software solutions that enable a person with a disability to access a computer Alternative access aids Modified or alternative
keyboards Color Coded keyboard
stickers Special software
23
Environmental Adaptations
Environmental and structural adaptations that remove or reduce barriers and promote access to and within the built home, employment, and community facilities for individuals with disabilities
24
Mobility Aids/Seating and Positioning
Consists of wheelchairs (manual and electronic), walkers, and scooters that are used to increase personal mobility
25
Vehicle Modifications
Adapted driving aids, hand controls, wheelchairs, and other lifts, modified vans and other motor vehicles used for increasing personal mobility
26
Recreation, Sports, & Leisure
Products that enable individuals with disabilities the ability to participate in sport, health, physical education, recreation, leisure, and dance events
28
Meet Jason
Jason is 18 years old and has both a learning disability and ADHD. In the classroom Jason experiences difficulty with reading and concentrating during class.
29
(Jason) Low-Tech/Mid-Tech Accommodations
Talking dictionary to enhance grammar and speech skills
30
(Jason) No-Tech/Low-Tech Accommodations
Noise cancelling headphones to reduce outside noise and provide a quieter environment
31
(Jason) High-Tech Accommodations
Wynn Wizard (Scanning and reading software) Reads text aloud Color coding Webmasking Highlighting Dictionary
32
(Jason) Product Information
Talking dictionary–Franklinhttp://www.franklin.com/estore/dictionary/BES-2150/
Noise cancelling headphones–Sonyhttp:www.sonystyle.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10551&storeId=10151&langId//=-1&XID=O:mdrnc7%2fblk:dg_gglsrch:pla&productId=8198552921665520560
Wynn Wizard Literacy Software Solution http://www.freedomscientific.com/lsg/products/wynn.asp
33
Meet Tammy
Tammy is a 19 year old student that is hard of hearing and, therefore, has a hard time hearing in the classroom. Tammy is a good lip reader but is having difficulty with taking notes while trying to read the teacher’s lips.
Tammy also wears hearing aids (with a T-coil) and any assistive technology provided will need to be compatible with her hearing aid.
Tammy does not know sign language
34
(Tammy) Mid Tech/High-Tech Accommodations
Amplified neck loop Amplifies 30 decibels Hands free Can be used with most
corded and cordless phones
-or-Listen Tech-assistive
listening device Can be used with neck
loop or standalone Portable
35
(Tammy) High-Tech Accommodations
UbiDuo Face to face
interaction Portable Instant access to
communication (no waiting for interpreters)
36
(Tammy) Mid-Tech Accommodations
Wireless vibrating/chime pager Allows easy access to
reaching someone in a noisy environment
Works up to a range of about 100 feet
38
(Tammy) Mid-Tech Accommodations
ClearSounds ShakeUp to WakeUp Large Display Alarm Clock Bed shaker function 520 Hz square wave
sound patterns Multiple alert settings
39
(Tammy)Mid-Tech Accommodations
HA40 Telephone Handset Amplifier Portable Amplifies volume on
telephone headset Amplifies incoming
sounds up to 40 decibels
Adjustable incoming volume and tone control
40
(Tammy) Mid-Tech Accommodations
Phone strobe flasher Alerts users of
incoming calls Powered by the phone
line—no additional power supply needed
41
(Tammy) Mid-Tech Accommodations
AMAX Alertmaster Audio Alarm Monitor Notifies users of a
timer going off, smoke, fire, and carbon monoxide.
42
(Tammy) Mid-Tech Accommodations
A12 Visual Alert System Visual alert system
alerts users to telephone calls and a doorbell
Sensors monitor the door bell and knocks on the door to alert users of visitors
Vibrating alert/bed shaker to alert while asleep
43
(Tammy) Product Information
Wireless paging system http://www.hearmore.com/store/prodView.asp?idproduct=175&idstore=6&product=Vibrating-Wireless-Personal-Pager
ShakeUp to WakeUp http://www.harriscomm.com/hc-sw200.html HA40 Portable Telephone Handset Amplifier
http://shop.clarityproducts.com/products/clarity/ha40-portable-telephone-handset-amplifier/?cat=telephone-amplifiers
44
(Tammy) Product Information
Phone strobe flasher http://www.iltsource.com/Phone_Strobe_Flasher_p/pf200.htm
AMAX AlertMaster Audio Alarm Monitor http://shop.clarityproducts.com/products/ameriphone/amax-alertmaster-audio-alarm-monitor/?cat=notification-systems
AL 12 Visual Alert System http://shop.clarityproducts.com/products/clarity-alertmaster/al12-visual-alert-system/
46
Regional Disability Coordinators
Lisa Kosh-Region [email protected]
Kimberly Jones-Regions 2, 5, [email protected]
Nikki Jackson-Region [email protected]
Sylvia Domagalski-Region 4 [email protected]
48
Additional Resources
Association of Assistive Technology Act Programshttp://www.ataporg.org
VRJC Program Instruction 99-03
RESNA Catalyst Projecthttp://www.resnaprojects.org/
Computer/Electronic Accommodations Program (CAP)–Accommodation Solutionshttp://cap.tricare.mil