Embedded Files
Learning Goals
Trainees will be able to:
define Assistive Technology
delineate the characteristics of AT
know key terminology of assistive technology
list the major performance areas in which AT systems are applied
describe their professional role in advising in the area of AT.
identify professionals who may work as Assistive Technology Professionals
Definition(s) of AT (1)
Assistive technology (AT) is a concept that refers to products and services that can help compensate functional limitations, facilitate independent living and enable disabled people realize their potential. While a great variety of products fit this description (e.g. a car to overcome my functional impairment of not being able to transport myself fast), it is commonly understood that "assistive technology refers to products and services for those needs that are specific to three groups: disabled persons, elderly persons and chronically ill persons. AT enables these people to participate more fully in daily life and supports their independent living ". Assistive Technology (AT) is supposed to make life activities accessible to as many people as possible, through the most appropriate set of information/access technologies. Its devices are tools used to enhance the independent functioning of people who have physical limitations or cognitive impairments. They range from low-tech devices like simple pen holders to high tech devices, such as portable computer based communication systems, digital home technologies, environmental controls. This equipment covers a wide range of areas including communication., mobility, seating and positioning, sensory impairments and also daily living technology.
There are many "official" definitions of Assistive Technology:
"Any product, instrument, equipment or technical system used by a disabled person, especially produced or generally available, preventing, compensation, relieving or neutralizing the impairment, disability or handicap"(ISO 9999)
"The term assistive technology device means any item, piece of equipment or product system, whether acquired commercially, off-the-shelf, modified or customized, that is used to increase, maintain or improve functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities" (public law 100-407, the technical assistance to the States Act, USA)
"Technology which can help compensate for functional limitation, facilitate independent living and which can enable disabled and older people to realize their potential." (TIDE, Bride phase, synopses, 1994)
"Assistive technology is the use of any device that will enable persons with disabilities to function to their maximum potential educationally, vocationally, socially and in daily living activities. This includes both low and high technology applications. Low technology refers to any apparatus that is either non-electronically based or simple battery operated items (e.g. adapted toys and tape recorders). High technology involves the use of sophisticated systems that are electronically-based (e.g. power wheelchairs and environmental control systems)."(Bristow & Pickering 1995)
"Assistive technology is any piece of equipment or device that is used to increase the independence of individuals with disabilities. These items can be commercially available, modified or customized for the user" (North Carolina Assistive Technology Project)
"Assistive technology – technology for more independent, productive and enjoyable living – can be simple or complex" (WATA)
"Assistive technology, by definition, is any piece of equipment that is used to increase, maintain or improve the functional capabilities of a person with a disability." (Pursuit )
"An assistive product is any product (including devices, equipment, instruments, technology and software) especially produced or generally available, for preventing, compensating, monitoring, relieving or neutralizing impairments, activity limitations and participation restrictions".
"An international classification of assistive products in which all products that can be used by persons with disabilities are included. The goal of ISO 9999 is to promote communication internationally about the use of assistive products by people with disability including elderly people. 'Assistive products for persons with disability – Classification and terminology"
Assistive Product
“any product (including devices, equipment, instruments, technology and software) especially produced or generally available preventing, compensating for, monitoring, relieving or neutralizing impairments, activity limitations and participation restrictions”.
Assistive Technology
The term can be considered as a synonym of assistive product. “technology used by individuals with disabilities in order to perform functions that might otherwise be difficult or impossible. Assistive technology can include mobility devices such as walkers and wheelchairs, as well as hardware, software, and peripherals that assist people with disabilities in accessing computers or other information technologies”.
“Analysing and federating the European assistive technology ICT Industry
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