Tutorial Seven:Assistive Technology

Provide a definition of Assistive technology (your Cook and Hussey reading may be helpful with this .

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.

Cook,Albert M. Hussey,Susan M: Assistive technologies,Principals and Practise (1st ed). 1995. United States of America. Mosby Publishing.

Describe one piece of equipment introduced in the assistive technology tutorial. Provide information on size, cost and functions.

Equipment: Talking Photo Album
Size: Approx Length 20cm by Width 15cm
Cost: 85 - 100 Dollars
Functions: The talking photo album is exactly like a normal photo album that we see in shops. However the only difference is that we are allowed record a ten second message on each of the 24 pages that the photo album contains. There are also pockets that allow for pictures that work as a visual aid to promot the client with whatever task it is they are doing.

How does your chosen piece of equipment increased functional capacity for the user? Provide examples here from the tutorial and lecture.

This tool is apporiate for sequencing, This can assist a client who may have problems with sequecing. For example a client may have difficulty with getting dressed, and have dont know the order or sequcence in which they are to put their clothing on. The talking photo album is a great tool that will assite the client. Clear well recorded messages in each page with pictures can help with this form of impairment.