Sarah Hewerdine: Assistive Technology

Assistive technology is defined as “any item, piece of equipment or product system whether acquired commercially off the shelf, modified, or customised that is used to increase or improve functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities” (States Act, as cited in Cook & Hussey, 1995). To me assistive technology can be anything from a piece of modified cutlery to computerised communication devises that work by blink command; assistive technology is an umbrella term that includes any kind of technology that helps improve function for a person with a disability.

One piece of high tech assistive technology that was introduced to us in our tutorial was the Apple iPad. The iPad is basically a handheld, slim lined computer, camera and MP3 player all in one. It is shaped like a tablet, 241.2 mm long and 185.7 mm wide, with a depth of 9.4mm and an overall weight of just 652g (the weight of a 6 week old kitten!). As iPads are a new breakthrough technology they are expensive, a 16GB IPad will cost you from $729.00 – $929.00, this is relatively cheap when compared to a 64GB iPad which will cost you from $1029.00 - $1228.00 (price range changes depending on your choice of WiFi connectivity networks).

The Apple iPad has a ridiculously huge range of functions some of which include: memory storage of 64GB, a back lit LED multi touch display screen, Blue-tooth 4.0 technology, wireless internet capabilities, a built in 5 megapixel camera with auto focus, face detection, and video recording. It has: adjustable volume and audio playback, language, dictionary and keyboard support for over 50 languages, voice-over recognition software, full screen zoom, and built in applications for mail, contacts, internet, music and many more.

In our tutorials I was fully engrossed in the iPad. I was fascinated at how the many apps and functions helped us communicate and give directions on how to make a smoothie without actually speaking ourselves. My own engagement in the technology was definitely increased by the shear amount of things I found I could do with the iPad; it had games, fun ways to communicate with others, apps that taught you general knowledge, app that allowed you to make noises, internet, face-time and photo-booth. The iPad to me was very deceptive, it’s so small and thin, but when I got to have a go with it I found it full to the brim with features and activities that would keep me occupied for hours.

The main way in which iPads are so useful to Occupational Therapists is through the use of many different Apps that can be downloaded. Some of these Apps are free though some do cost a small amount. The website linked below is a Occupational therapy based site focusing on the use of iPads in practice. It shows you many different apps that are really helpful to use in practice and it gives instructions on how best to use them. These apps help with leaning, communication, transitioning, scheduling and so much more. It also gives advice on apps in relation to medical conditions – there is an autism section that focuses on structure and timing.

http://otswithapps.wordpress.com/2012/04/13/transition-tools-tips-apps-and-resources/

The clips below show how the iPad is helping people with disabilities learn and communicate easily through its many features and applications that are designed specifically for people with disabilities. You can see how the iPad can assist these children in their occupational transitions through education. They now have the tool to learn in an easier way that is meaningful to them; the iPad encourages the potential and independence to grow and learn and understand in a way that was not possible before.