Assistive Technology Devices

According to the 1988, Technology-Related Assistance for Individuals with Disabilities Act, assistive technology devices are "technology designed to be utilized in an assistive technology device or assistive technology service." This act enabled the use of assistive technology products to assist in the rehabilitation and reduce the dependency of impaired people, or individuals with disabilities on others to accomplish their tasks, and also promoted the use of this technology for cerebral palsy patients.

Types of Assistive Technology Devices

There are broadly two types of devices; high and low, depending on how sophisticated and multi-functional they are. Assistive technology communication devices include many software and programs designed to help the individual to communicate better, especially while using a computer. Following are some examples used for computing ease.

• Joysticks: The joystick works in the same way a computer mouse works, and is used to control the cursor on screen. It can be manipulated by hand, feet, chin, etc.
• Touch Screens: Touch screens allow direct interaction with the computer by touching the screen. One can select and activate choices using the hand, rather than through a mouse or keyboard.
• Easy-to-use Keyboards: A keyboard with features such as larger or smaller than standard keys or key configurations, and keyboards for use with one hand, or keyboards with a large-sized font on its keys for the partially visually impaired, helps to access the keyboard easily.
• Reading Machines: Reading machine software's read aloud the content or the text that appears on the screen. This is useful for those who are visually impaired. Information from the page or the computer screen can easily be read using the reading programs.
• Screen and Keyboard Enlargers: Screen enlargers not only help to magnify the computer monitor, but also reduce glare and block UV rays. Keyboard enlargers are stuck on letters for the keys, which are larger than the standard font size.
• Braille Technology: Braille software programs transfer the content or the text into embossed Braille output. Using the standard word processing programs the text is generated in Braille, which is then printed on the embosser. The embosser also allows one to access e-mail, the Internet, audio-streaming, etc.
• Electronic Pointing Devices and Trackers: Pointing devices use infrared beams, ultrasound, eye movements, brain waves, etc., to control the cursor on the screen without the use of hands.

Seating and positioning aids are assistive devices for mobility of impaired persons. These devices are cushions and wedges, contour seats, standing tables, positioning belts, braces, modified wheelchair, seat lifts, therapeutic seats, postural support systems, etc. Aids to help differently abled individuals whose mobility has been restricted includes wheelchairs and scooters with special mechanism for applying brakes, light, horn systems, etc. Besides that, assistive devices also include custom cars and vans, car-top carriers, special driving control, child restraint systems, ramps, lifts, etc. Vision and reading assistive technology aids include reading machines, document reading systems, OCR systems, electronic book readers, voice fitted equipment like clocks, calculators, manual and electric page turners, etc.

There are many assistive technology services and devices that can provide a lot of convenience and ease to the people who wish to use them. However, a word of caution, do not get carried away by the looks of the gadgets or what it promises. Before purchasing one, understand the level of comfort it will provide the person who wants to use it. And always have it checked by the doctor, to find out whether the devices are safe to use.