Post on 30-May-2015
EDPY 497/563Introduction
Assistive technology
Any item, piece of equipment, or product system, whether acquired
commercially off the shelf, modified or customised, that is used to increase, maintain, or improve the functional
capabilities of a child with a disability.
Terminology
Augmentative and alternative communicationComputer accessAdaptive toys and gamesInstructional aidsPositioningMobilityAids to daily living
Instructional technology
Technology that is used as part of the education of the childIncludes both presentation and remedial technologiesCan overlap with AT
Assistive technology service
Evaluation of the childAcquiring the deviceSelecting, fitting, adapting, maintaining...the deviceCoordinating and using other therapiesTraining and assistance for the childTraining and assistance for professionals
Low technology
No electronic componentsRelatively inexpensive
Mid technologyMay be electronic
Still relatively simple
Relatively inexpensive
High technology
Often computer based technologyMore complex to operate
Universal design
The design of products and environments to be usable by all people, to the greatest
extent possible, without the need for adaptation or specialised design
Examples
Automatic doors
Curb cuts
Captioning