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What Is Assistive Technology?

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Summary

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Assistive technology helps people with disabilities do things they wouldn’t be able to do otherwise. This can include wheelchairs, hearing aids, and computer programs to help with communication. It makes it easier for people with disabilities to live independent lives.

 

Table of Contents

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Frequently Asked Question

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Who uses assistive technology?

Assistive technology is used by people of all ages with a wide range of disabilities, including physical, sensory, and cognitive impairments. It can help individuals with disabilities to live more independently and participate in daily activities.

 

How does assistive technology work?

Assistive technology works by providing individuals with disabilities with tools and devices to help them perform tasks they wouldn’t be able to do otherwise. This can include things like adapting the user interface of a computer, providing alternative input methods, or providing audio or visual feedback.

 

How much does assistive technology cost?

The cost of assistive technology varies greatly and depends on the type and complexity of the device. Some simple devices may cost a few dollars, while more complex devices like speech-generating devices can cost several thousand dollars. However, there are financial assistance programs available to help individuals afford the technology they need.

 

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Scientific Definition

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Assistive technology is anything that helps people with disabilities do things that they wouldn’t be able to do otherwise. It can be as simple as a device to help them grip a pencil or as complex as a computer program that allows them to communicate. Wheelchairs, hearing aids, and adapted keyboards are just a few examples of assistive technology. These tools make it possible for people with disabilities to live more independent lives and do what they want, like go to school, work, and participate in hobbies and other activities. The aim of assistive technology is to give people with disabilities the tools they need to be as successful as possible and to help them live their best lives.

 

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Real World Example of Assistive Technology

Meet Susie, a determined and creative 8-year-old girl. Here’s how assistive technology made a difference in her life:

  • Mobility aid: Susie, who uses a wheelchair, explored her neighborhood with ease thanks to her specially designed wheelchair, allowing her to join her friends on adventures.
  • Communication aid: With a speech-generating device, Susie confidently expressed her thoughts and ideas, sharing her imaginative stories during show-and-tell at school.
  • Vision aid: Using a screen reader and a magnifier, Susie dove into the world of books, immersing herself in magical tales and expanding her imagination.
  • Hearing aid: Equipped with hearing aids, Susie fully enjoyed her music class, singing along with her classmates and participating in school concerts.
  • Adaptive switch: Susie effortlessly controlled her favorite gaming console using an adaptive switch, embracing the excitement of virtual adventures.
  • Learning aid: With assistive technology tools like text-to-speech software and specialized keyboards, Susie excelled in her studies, confidently completing assignments and sharing her knowledge with classmates.
  • Environmental control system: Susie independently managed her bedroom environment, effortlessly turning on lights and adjusting the temperature using a single device.

Through assistive technology, Susie embraced new possibilities, fostering her independence, self-expression, and joy in everyday activities.

How Assistive Technology is Used

Assistive technology enhances daily life for individuals with disabilities in various ways:

  1. Mobility aids: Wheelchairs, crutches, and canes assist people with physical disabilities in moving around.
  2. Communication aids: Speech-generating devices and communication boards help individuals with speech difficulties express themselves.
  3. Vision aids: Screen readers, Braille displays, and magnifiers enable blind or visually impaired individuals to access computers and read printed materials.
  4. Hearing aids: Assistive devices like hearing aids, cochlear implants, and captioning enhance hearing for those with hearing loss.
  5. Adaptive switches: Switches allow individuals with limited physical mobility to control electronic devices such as TVs and computers.
  6. Learning aids: Text-to-speech software, mind-mapping tools, and specialized keyboards assist students with learning disabilities in the classroom.
  7. Environmental control systems: People with physical disabilities can manage their environment by controlling devices like lights, door locks, and appliances using a single device.

Assistive technology improves the daily lives of individuals with disabilities, providing them with greater independence and accessibility. Goally, our tablet, complements assistive technology by offering engaging apps for kids, including digital visual schedules, AAC, gamified learning, and skill-building programs for life and language skills. It’s a comprehensive solution for children with disabilities.

 

This post was originally published on Feb. 5, 2023. It was updated on July 3, 2023.

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