Assistive Technology Devices and Equipment

Many people throughout the world suffer from some type of disability or health condition that restricts them from being independent. These impairments can be counter-acted with assistive technology devices and equipment made to improve the quality of life for disabled persons.

 Assistive technology equipment ranges from mobility assistance to communication and enjoyable activities, such as playing games or watching movies.

A number of assistive technology devices are now voice commanded. These instruments give the user the freedom to control their environment without the worry of having to physically change the settings.

Without the ability to communicate, life would be quite difficult. For the elderly and physically disabled persons that have difficulty communicating, whether speech, sight, or comprehensive problems, devices are available to help the person convey their thoughts with another.

Some communication devices allow the user to access the Internet, check e-mail, upload photos, watch movies and listen to CDs, and control other electric devices in the home such as a television or VCR.

Other assistive technologies allow disabled persons to move more freely. Wheelchairs, scooters, and stair lifts are a few examples of these devices. Stair lifts are simply installed to the outside of a stairway and provide a seat for the user to sit comfortably.

With the push of a button, a disabled person rides up the stairway and is conveniently lowered to the ground on the next level. Also, some people are now installing elevators into their homes and businesses to help disabled persons who wish to reach a higher level of the building but do not have the capability of climbing stairs.

Elevators are especially useful for persons that are trying to carry something to the upper level of a home or building.

A few items that make kitchen activities easier include jar openers, tube squeezers, and easy-grip pots and pans holders. These devices are especially useful for persons with joint pain.
For persons with weak bones or little mobility, it may be difficult to get out of bed in the morning.

Some manufacturers of assistive technology equipment offer instruments that attach underneath the bed and provide a rail for the person to help pull himself up. These devices can generally be purchased as a single unit or a double unit, depending on the requirements of the consumer.

Persons that are completely disabled and are not capable of moving any part of their body find a great deal of difficulty in even the simplest of tasks. Mouthstick extensions provide a way for these people to do things that would otherwise seem impossible.

They are simply a long, usually titanium, stick and can be used to dial a telephone, type on a keyboard, or change pages in a book. Some even come with interchangeable heads that can be used for writing. With their lightweight design and “fits most” size, mouthstick extensions can be used by up to 98% of people.

There is even exercise equipment and videos available for disabled persons. No matter what age or physical ability, everyone needs to take care of their body to ensure that they are strong and can better resist injury and illness.

These videos and devices allow persons with physical impairments to participate in exercise programs tailored to suit their specific needs.

While not everyone realizes the importance of being independent, people that must depend on others to help them live normally appreciate the small things that they can do for themselves. Assistive technologies allow these people to take pride in living.