Assistive technology

Assistive technology

Introduction

The purpose of this study is to expand the boundaries of our knowledge by exploring some relevant and factual information relating to the analysis of “Assistive technology”. Assistive technology is primarily concerned with providing aids for people with disabilities. This includes not only custom-made equipments such as wheelchairs, lifts, daily living aids, but also support technology that consider options for adaptation and accessibility of conventional products with universal design specifically for people with disabilities. In social and health care, Assistive Technology includes the processes for selection, care and use of technology for providing support for people with disabilities. Assistive technology (AT) was defined for the first time as part of the law that requires assistive technology for people with disabilities. It was defined as any item, device, or any product system, whether acquired commercially or adapted individually, which seeks to increase, maintain, or improve functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities. Examples of assistance apparatus can be (Cohen, 2007):

Headphones for impaired hearing

Ramps that can facilitate the entry and movement of people in buildings

Wheelchairs

Electronic devices that allow communication

Equipment that has been modified or adapted for use in the workplace

Remote Apparatus to turn on and off appliances, computers, lights, radios, etc.

The service of assistive technology is defined as any service which provides to a disabled person the selection, acquisition, or use of an assistive technology device. An assistive technology device may include (Cobb, 2007):

An evaluation of the need for this type of technology

the purchase, lease-purchase, or the definitive acquisition of assistive technology

selecting, designing, fitting, customizing, adapting, applying, maintaining, repair, or replacement of equipment

coordination and use of therapies, interventions, or services using assistive technology equipment

Training or technical assistance to persons with disabilities, i.e. professionals, employers or others who offer services to people with disabilities. Examples of technology services may include:

Receiving information about the devices that are available

Receiving information on where to obtain the services

Getting technical support to determine which devices are needed

Receiving funds to pay for the equipment

Getting the required equipment

Thesis Statement

The role of Assistive technology in providing social and healthcare assistance to disable people

Assistive technology

Psychological considerations and sociological effects

Psychological considerations

The basic purpose for developing assistive technologies was to provide social and healthcare assistance to those people who do not have the capacity and capability to live their lives like a normal person. The primary role of developing these medical equipments is to bridge the gap between normal and disable people and provide them with all the necessary equipments that is needed to lead a normal life. In order to satisfy the necessities of disable people, equipments such as hearing aid and wheel chairs were invented. As soon as these equipments came in the market, it received a good response from the consumer. In order to further investigate the psychological aspects of developing assistive technologies, we will look in to the features and the evolution of such equipments (Chawla, 2007).

Wheelchairs are wheeled vehicle for people with physical disabilities. It is developed to provide independent or assisted movement and stabilization of the ...