Experiential Assignment

Inclusion: Access Through AT

Professor Debra Blair, Ed. D

Learning Objectives • Identify Assistive Technology (AT)

strategies and resources

What is Assistive Technology? • “any item, piece of equipment, or product system,

whether acquired commercially, modified, or customized, that is used to increase, maintain, or improve the functional capacities of individuals with disabilities.”

• Low Tech: Inexpensive, easy to learn, readily available, can be “off-the-shelf”, easier to make/maintain/replace

• Mid-Tech: May cost more, require some training, have special design, may need power source or other support

• High-Tech: Higher cost, need specific training to learn, may require on-going support, often customized

Low, Mid and High Tech Assistive Technology Devices

Web-Based Technology • Text Readers

– CLiCk Speak – WebAnywhere – SpeakIt – WordTalk

• Speech-to-Text – Dragon

Naturally Speaking

• Text-to-Speech – Vozma – SpokenText – Yakitome – ISpeech

Telephones / TT Y / TDD text telephones - telecommunication devices for the deaf

TT Y Machine

Photo Touch Phone

Braille Phone

Captioned Phone

Communication Devices

Zam Communicator

Pointing Devices

Slip-on Typing Aid Head Pointer

ADL (Average Daily Living) Devices

Writing Guides Transfer Boards

Angled Spoon

Over-Sized Remote

Vehicle Modifications (Vehicle Lifts)

Keys To AT Design • Keep the Person with the disability at the

forefront of design efforts. • Creativity helps, but Simplistic design is

often very successful and most affordable. • Technology has increased AT opportunities. • Endless possibilities!

Learning Objectives • Identify Assistive Technology (AT)

strategies and resources