Thursday 17 May 2012

Assisstive Technology


Cook and hussy define assistive technology as a broad range of devices, strategies, and practices that are conceived and applied to help improve a problem faced by an individual with a disability.(Cook&Hussey, 2000)

Cook and Hussey characterise assistive devices into several areas, low to high technology, hard to soft technology, appliances versus tools, minimal to maximal technology, general versus specific technologies, commercial to custom technology. Using these categories they are able to cover a large range of devices, from equipment requiring technology such as a pencil and paper communication board to a high technology device such as wheelchairs, electronic communication devices, and computers. Cook and Hussey go on to cover other areas of assistive technology such as , hard to soft technology, appliances versus tools, minimal to maximal technology, general versus specific technologies, commercial to custom technology.

I would define assistive technology as a large area, covering any type of equipment or device that can be used to enable an individual with a disability to maintain or increase independence







Siri for iPhone 4S:Siri is an inbuilt speech interpretation and recognition interface. The application uses a natural language user interface to answer questions, make recommendation and perform actions.(www.wiki.com)





Siri enables individuals with visual impairments to access an iPhones independently. This opens the door to communication and independence enabling them to engage with others via txt and email and keep up to date with the latest technology. The technology is in its infancy and the possibilities can only be imagined. 

This is occupational justice for individuals who otherwise would not be able to use items such as smartphones

Check out the following links!







                                    


















References

Cook,A.M.,&Hussey,S.M. (2000).Assistive technology:principles and practice.St Louis:Mosby

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