Tutorial 8...

Assistive Technology...

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

Assisitive technology refers to a broad range of devices, services, strategies and practices that are applied to improve functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities.

Cook, A M. & Hussey, S M. (1995) Assistive Technologies. St Louis: Clarinda Printing.

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

Switch Access & Communication Switches....

The Ablenet Powerlink is a control unit to connect mains appliances (eg bigmac switches) to a switch safely for easy activation.

The Powerlink has four modes:

1. Direct mode - keeps the application on while the switchboard is activated.
2. Timed Seconds - allows the application to run from 1-60 seconds.
3. Timed minutes - allows the application to run from 1-60 minutes.
4. Latch mode - one activation turns application on, the next activation turns it off.

From the power link control unit switches are connected, these range dependant on the requirements of user from simple touch plates to auditory sensory units......

The flat Plate switch requires just contact to activate the switching...

This is a very thin membrane switch activated with a light touch on the colored circle.

- No tactile/auditory feedback.

- Available in 5 colours: blue, Red, orange green yellow retailing at $129.00

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

The use of a flat plate switche enables people with speech problems to make themselves heard, it is a fun way to develop switch skills and assess a users understanding.

Switches with auditory responses include The BIG Bean switch...

The BIG Bean Switch is activated by pressing anywhere on the top surface. Its standard flange base makes for easy mounting as well as providing cord storage.

For ease of use, Big Red has been designed with auditory feedback. It is perfect for students who require a larger surface due to visual and motor abilities.

Further switches can be adapted to play a repeated phrase from a story or chorus from a song and the toy control option adds an extra dimension by playing a message whilst switching on a battery toy!!

For more information about 'switches' check out: www.zabonne.co.nz