Assistive technology, sometimes known as Adaptive Technology,
includes devices or equipment used to maintain, increase or
improve the abilities of individuals with disabilities.
Assistive technology is NOT only computer programs or electronic
devices. Since many people think of computers when thinking of
technology, this is a common mistake. Assistive technology
doesn't have to be high-tech, but it should serve the purpose of
"assistance" and can include anything from a stick one uses to
reach for something to a walker or a wheelchair, or more complex
items such as environmental controls or adapted vehicles.
This means that assistive technology has existed since the first
homo sapiens picked up a branch to help himself over rough
terrain. Sophisticated forms of assistive technology date back
for centuries as well, as the 6th century saw an image of a
wheelchair being carved in stone on a Chinese sarcophagus.
Today, assistive technology is available to support many common
disabilities. For example assistive technology may:
* Provide help with communication, such as speech, writing and
typing aids
* Help people with difficulty accessing a computer with the
standard keyboard and mouse. They include software programs such
as a screen reader or on-screen keyboard and hardware, such as a
head operated mouse.
* Provide exercises that stimulate train and assess cognitive
functioning.
* Assist with daily living such as cooking, dressing, toileting,
bathing, eating
* Provide assistance with hearing or visual limitations such as
flashing light system for the doorbell, hearing aids and closed
caption decoders for TV.
* Provide assistance with mobility such as wheelchairs, walkers
and canes.
* Help with missing or disabled limbs such as artificial limbs,
braces, supports
* Allow disabled individuals to take part in sporting or leisure
activities.
* Support the muscular-skeletal systems and maintain positions
needed to perform desired activities, such as moulded seats,
lumbar supports, and modifications to wheelchairs would fall
into this category.
* Improve access to print materials such as Braille devices and
translators, and large button telephones.
What is the future of assistive technology? A new website has
been created at
http://www.NewDisability.com which is meant to
be a platform for communication between the disabled community
and the assistive technology industry. There is a forum where
users, manufacturers and distributors can express feedback about
all kinds of innovative assistive technology. Visitors can not
only express the products that they like and already know, but
also what they would like to see.
About the author:
Dr. Gene Emmer is President of Med Services Europe
(
http://www.MedServicesEurope.com). Med Services Europe markets
disability products in Europe and has built the European
distribution network for Colours Wheelchairs
(
http://www.ColoursWheelchair.com). Manufacturers and
Distributors of Innovative Disability Products and Assistive
Technologies are encouraged to contact us at:
http://www.NewDisability.com
