Assistive Technology in detail

While it is important for everyone to be able to communicate and function efficiently, the task is more difficult for those with disabilities; however, with technology quickly advancing, it is becoming easier for those with impairments to complete everyday tasks.

While no invention completely substitutes for the lack of a specific skill or ability, assistive technologies specialize in helping people with disabilities, whether physical or mental, to function more smoothly by either helping to complete the task or teaching the basic fundamentals necessary to live a normal life.

Physical therapists and special education teachers that teach children with cognitive impairments use many assistive technologies. These systems generally use flash cards to help teach basic language skills to children that would otherwise find it too difficult.

Physical therapists and teachers also use assessment programs to measure the ability of the student. This software allows the administrator to determine which path of therapy is appropriate in every situation.

Progression software shows the different stages that the user has been in and generally gives a detailed report on the progress made.

Another advancement in assistive technology is the use of communication devices controlled by eye movement. By simply following a dot for ten seconds, the user can then control everything on the monitor with minimal movement. 

These devices are used by persons with limited or no mobility due to diseases or injuries, such as, Multiple Sclerosis, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), high-level spinal injuries, or Cerebral Palsy. They can be programmed for the level of functioning of the user, which makes it easy to cater to the specific needs and abilities of the user.

Augmentative and alternative communication devices are also used to assist persons in communicating freely with others. With the use of one simple device, an impaired person can get on the Internet, check e-mail, play games, watch movies and listen to CDs, upload pictures, control other devices such as VCR and television, and have a face-to-face communication with family and friends.

Having poor vision is something that many people must deal with throughout their lives. Assistive technology catering to those with low visual capabilities includes magnified mirrors. These mirrors are guaranteed to be distortion-free, and usually include a low-watt light bulb that can be adjusted to produce the desired amount of light.

Computer programs designed to convert voice commands to text can be used by anyone with a disability. While a person may have brilliant thoughts, they might not always be able to write them down as coherent sentences.

This software lets the user merely speak their ideas and see the text appear on the screen, proving very beneficial for those with limited mobility or little functioning in the hands and fingers.

Other assistive technologies include kitchen accessories, bathroom accessories, mobility devices, clothing designed for specific situations such as poor circulation, and Braille printers.

Until someone experiences disability or limited bodily functions, whether first-hand or through someone close to them, they do not understand the hindrance that it puts on life.

Even people who are not necessarily physically or mentally disabled sometimes need help with everyday tasks.

The innovations in the field of assistive technology are ensuring that people get the help that they need, while allowing them the pride in knowing that they are living their own lives.