Assistive technology can be defined as “any item, piece of equipment or product
system whether acquired commercially off the shelf, modified, or customized
that is used to increase or improve functional capabilities of individuals with
disabilities” (States Act, as cited in Cook & Hussey, 1995). I think that assistive technology is any type of technology that can assist an individual to participate and engage in occupation.
There is a very wide range of assistive technologies out there in the world today, so I have chosen to talk about the iPad 2, as I think it is something that has been able to help many individuals who have disabilities. The Apple iPad is a very useful tool in practice for Occupational Therapists. It is quite reasonable, easy to store, and has many different functions and apps.
Here is the link to the Apple iPad website for more information on size, cost and functions of the iPad
The
Apple iPad 2 is a piece of technology, like a lap top but with only one half,
that is very easily portable, can connect to wireless internet, and can have
many apps that can allow individuals to do many different things. The Apple
iPad 2 is 7.31 inches x 9.50 inches and 0.34 inches thick. It weighs
approximately 601grams, and has a storage capacity of 16GB (Apple, 2012). It is very
unique in the way that it can be tailored to suit your own use and what you
will be using it for. Cost
of the iPad 2 can range from around $500 - $800 (Apple, 2012).
Here is the link to the Apple iPad website for more information on size, cost and functions of the iPad:
Some of its main functions and built in apps include: camera, email, use of internet (wireless), maps, face time, iBooks and many many more. From the basic apps you are then able to expand on these by getting any kind of apps you require. As an OT this can very much be beneficial to clients, as there are apps out there now that can enable non-verbal individuals to communicate.
The AutismXpress is “designed to encourage people
with autism to recognizes and express their emotions through its fun and easy
to use interface.” (Apple, 2012). The link below will take you to the app store where you can see some screen shots of this app.
Below is a video of what the iPad can help individuals achieve:
With more and more apps being developed all the time this is only increasing the use of the iPad for assistive technology purposes. In class we were able to use the iPad as a communicator to make a smoothie as we were supposed to be 'non-verbal' communicators. This was a very useful task as it gave us insight into what it would really be like to not be able to communicate verbally. It also gave me a great feeling to think that there is apps out there that provide peoples only means of communication for them. I am not great with technology myself so I don't know a whole lot about iPad's but I am beginning to learn more about them and I am looking forward to be able to use great assistive technologies such as the iPad in my future practice as an Occupational Therapist.
References
Cook, A. M., & Hussey, S. M. (1995). Assistive
technologies: Principles and practice. Missouri: Mosby.
No comments:
Post a Comment