Our world is full of wonderful and exciting things. Assistive technology is an amazing area of expertise thats aim is to facilitate learning and participation in every single person on this earth!
Provide a definition of Assistive technology (your Cook and Hussey reading may be helpful with this).
Cook & Hussey (1995) state that assisstive technology is the use of any item, piece of equipment or product system that promotes the functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities.
Cook. A., Hussey, S. (1995). Assisstive technologies principles & practice. Mosby: St Louis
Describe one piece of equipment introduced in the assistive technology tutorial. Provide information on size, cost and functions.
One piece of equipment that we were shown during the presentation was a cool, bright coloured button, with an awesome name. The Jelly Bean. It’s specifications are Diameter: 6.35cm (2.5”) an activating Pressure of 56.7g (2oz) and it is equipped with 2m (6 ft) cord using 3.5 mm (1/8 inch) monoplug. For the Jelly Bean Twist combo it will cost approximately $90 + GST. This option gives you a number of different coloured button covers.
The function of a switch can be defined into two possible uses:
It can act as a primary access switch.
Here the switch is used to operate a computer, communication aid, environmental control or a wheelchair. The user relies entirely on the switch, or combination of switches to control the device the switch is attached to.
They can be single switch – ideal for early users and those with significant cognitive difficulties, through to multiple switch, where the user is wanting to use the computer to write emails, documents, and web browse.
It can also act as a supplementary access switch.
The switch is used to accompany the use of another device. For example the mouse of a computer can be replaced with a Jelly bean switch to provide easier useability for someone who has difficulty using a normal mouse.
How does your chosen piece of equipment increased functional capacity for the user? Provide examples here from the tutorial and lecture.
Jelly bean switches can assist in developmental tasks, helping a child develop the understanding of cause and effect. It can increase participation in activities such as using a computer to access games and provide greater control over the computer. It can help to facilitate participation in cooking tasks when connected to an electric device via a switchboard. It can aid in promoting cognitive rehabilitation, and increase independence.
I would have never guessed how much opportunities are created just by being able to access a button. It just goes to show that sometimes what seems to be the simpliest concept, it the one thing that will get you the furtherest.
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