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Tools for Parents of Children with Special Needs

 

Assistive Technology

Content:

 

General Overview 

Assistive technology (AT) refers to "any item, piece of equipment or product systems, 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, Sec. 3). Assistive technologies are used to enhance function.

In the case of children, AT is primarily used to enhance the function of the child as a "student" or active "family member" or "friend".  Additionally, AT can also be used for "play", as many children with disabilities typically encounter barriers to being able to play like their non-disabled peers.

There are many categories of assistive technology which include:

  • Daily Living Equipment - This includes assistive devices such as reachers, sock-aids, dressing sticks, button-hooks, elastic shoelaces, etc....
  • Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) - Includes aided and unaided communication methods, as well as strategies to speed and enhance communication.  This includes body language, eye gaze boards, electronic communication devices, etc..(see these links for more)
  • Cognitive Retraining Technologies - These are technological modalities used to remediate cognitive dysfunction (see assistive technology as a modality)
  • Computer Access - This includes providing alternative ways to access computer other than standard keyboard and mouse.  Could also include modification and software to make access easier with standard keyboard / mouse.  Other examples include voice activation methods, word prediction, key guards, trackballs, switches, etc..(see these links for more) for wearable computers look at this site: Wearable Computers in Education  http://www.it-clicks.net/
  • (Adapted) Driving and Transportation
  • Environment Control & Robotics - Environmental control units are used to control things like lights and appliances
  • Orthotics & Prosthetics - used to compensate for anatomical or biomechanical limitations
  • Neuromuscular Retraining Technologies & Physical Agent Modalities - (see Assistive)
  • Seating & Positioning - providing specialized seating and positioning solutions for obtimal function in classroom, home, and mobility
  • Sensory Aids (vision, hearing)
  • Wheeled Mobility - wheelchairs
  • Other technologies (i.e., virtual reality)
Assistive Technology Services include "any service that directly assists an individual with a disability in the selection, acquisition, or use of an assistive technology device" (Public Law 100-407, Sec. 3).  These services include evaluation, intervention, and resource coordination.


 

 

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