Introduction - ICT as a Technology enabler:
All technologies a can be considered as augmentative or assistive in that they provide enhanced capability to perform a task or operation.
As a general principle the following components are involved in technology applications
• Energy storage → transformation → actuation aspects,
• Materials science,
• Intelligent control → processing power → communications,
• Sensory and detection aspects.
ICT stands for Information and Communications technologies and is generally understood to apply to computer hardware, computer software, and telecommunication technologies.
Assistive Technologies (AT) concern the practical tools that can support functional needs of people who experience difficulties linked to disability or ageing. It encompasses a broad spectrum of low tech and high tech technologies, for example, walking frames, wheelchairs, hearing aids, vision aids and computer-based communication aids
As a simple example of an assistive technology: - a wheelchair may have a battery plus an electric motor for energy storage / transformation, steel and fabric in combination for comfort and durability, a mercury switch tilt sensor to determine if it has been upended, microprocessor and support circuitry, alarm output or remote alert if tilt sensor is triggered (supported by necessary software coding algorithms).
Following the wheel chair example – earlier designs were human power with no battery or motor. (Later designs have motor drive but very simple control via a manual joystick). More recent designs have sensor technology for fail safe and more sophisticated control with software. Direction of evolution is to add communications technology to the sensor and control circuit so that an...
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... act to widen the availability of key applications.
Increasing computing power of mobile phones will allow more powerful applications (text to speech etc).
It is possible that Robotics as technology supplemented by Artificial intelligence could become mainstream over next 10 years. Advances with driverless cars (assisted driving) indicate a wider acceptance of this type of technology with automatic parking and lane control now an accepted standard on some models
AT will also continue to benefit from medical device innovation in field of nano science, material science, miniaturisation). Integration of machines and biologicals (artificial liver, heat pump assist, 3d printed organs are all potential advancers which vary in scope from the assistive technology to fully regenerative. It is not possible to predict with any degree of accuracy which one will scale first
It is hard to live with disability, because everyday things become a challenge. U.S. Census Bureau report from 2008 states that 3.3 million non-institutionalized Americans over age 15 years use wheelchairs. The reason why there are so many people with disabilities is that U.S. spent decades at war. This is why mobility industry is rethinking the products it provides to support a growing demographic. Vantage Mobility International (VMI) and Braun Ability are two leading industry players that spent decades converting wheelchair vans from companies such as Chrysler , Toyota , and Honda into wheelchair-accessible modes of transportation.
In this paper I will discuss two different case studies. The first case study involves a 35-month old girl named Kim who struggles with meal time, potty training, and play time with others. I will discuss four assistive technology devices, that would work for Kim. These devices will assist Kim with balance, mobility and undressing. The second case study involves a school age child name Billy, who struggles with benchmark objectives. Billy is in the fourth grade and use Assistive technology devices reading and math. I will discuss different AT devices that can be used to assist Billy with reading and math.
“The purpose of the Wisconsin Assistive Technology Initiative (WATI) is to provide a comprehensive and thorough assistive technology assessment process” (Barbara, n.d., para. 14). WATI consists of an Assistive Technology Consideration Guide that is made like a table. Horizontally the table entails tasks that the student might be expected to complete in the classroom. Vertically the table asks if the student completes the tasks with special accommodations or AT devices. It also asks what new assistive technology the student will try (Marino, 2006). The ultimate goal of the WATI is to consider different types of AT, and to ensure that the student receives the best services and accommodations. Which will allow the student to learn the curriculum to his/ her full potential and meet the IEP and IFSP objectives (Barbara,
Choosing an assistive technology can be prove to be an expensive and time consuming task for all parties, therefore it is important that the technology will be provided to those students that will require them and to those that will actually use them. (Hemmingsson, Lidstrom & Nygard, 2009). Therefore teachers must be provided with support for factors such as evaluations, selecting and purchasing and designing and customising the technology. (Sharpe, 2010). Schools can fund the assistive technologies but they must consider funding the human factor by providing ongoing training and technical assistance to the teacher, staff, student and their families. (Lahm, Bausch, Sarpe & Hasselbring as cited in Sharpe 2010). According to Sharpe (2010), deciding on an assistive technology should be based on data collection of students abilities, breakdown of learning activities, learning style, the environment in which the assistive technology will be used, Individualised Education Plan (IEP) goals and objectives and the level of technology acceptance. This involves having the support and consultation with not only the school, staff and parents but also outside agencies like occupational therapists, who need to co-operate with schools to ensure that the choice of assistive technology is integrated into the classroom to increase
Solovieva, T. I., Wallsh, R. T., Hendricks, D. J., & Dowler, D. L. (2010). Workplace personal assistance services for people with disabilities: Making productive employment possible. Journal of Rehabilitation, 76(4), 3-8.
IDEA defines assistive technology as "any item, piece of equipment, or product system whether acquired commercially of the shelf, modified or customized, that is used to increase, maintain, or improve functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities." (Individuals with Disabilities Education ACT (IDEA) 20, USC, Chapter 33, Section 1401 (25) US). According ...
Dove, M. K. (2012). Advancements in assistive technology and AT laws for the disabled. Delta Kappa Gamma Bulletin, 78(4), 23-29.
Several assistive listening devices can improve the communication ability of deaf children. According to IDEA, every child with a disability is entitled to have access to assistive technology (California Department of Education, 2004). The California Department of Education (2004) outlines IDEA’s definition of an assistive technology device. It explains that this device consists of “any item, piece of equipment or product system…that is used to increase, maintain, or improve functional capabilities of a child with a disability” (California Department of Education, 2004, p. 1).
Abstract: Assistive technology is one way that individuals with learning disabilities have been able to overcome the difficulties with comprehension that they possess. This form of technology comes in many forms, ranging from low to high technology devices.
Assistive Technology or “AT” is a term used in this context to describe an item or technique used to make the navigation of a home, school or play environment more accessible for a child with special needs (Lowenthal & Egan, 2003). This paper is written to explore some of the assistive technology (AT) options available to serve two children with special needs in separate circumstances. Low, mid and high tech options will be addressed with regards to the specific needs and intentions of the parents and teachers in each child’s life. Attached is a table offering options for assistive technology in the classroom to support the educational goals of each child.The first case study addressed in this paper is Savannah, a three-year old student who is wheelchair bound. She has a seizure disorder and has been diagnosed with spastic cerebral palsy. She has limited vision but seems to be able to recognize items presented to her such as shapes and colors. Savannah participates in “social” language. She loves music and cause/effect activities. She knows all of her colors and shapes, is able to recite the alphabet by rote. In written word, Savannah recognizes both her name and those of her classmates. Savannah’s parents have expressed a desire to have her placed in a more restrictive classroom, and her teacher is interested in working more to support Savannah in the areas of writing and organizational skills. Some assistive technology suggestions for use in supporting Savannah are discussed below. Because Savannah’s teacher is working on encouraging Savannah in the area of writing, assistive technology options to support this area of development will be discussed herein. A low-tech ...
There are several principles that form the foundation of universal design, which is defined as “an alternate path to accessible products or services, […] that have features that enable a person with a disability to use the product or service, whether by itself or in conjunction with assistive technology” (Tobias, 2003).Thus the main purpose of universal design is to make products usable to the greatest number of people, without the use of specially designed equipment (Connell, Jones, Mace, et al, 1997). The seven design elements serve as guidelines for reaching this goal.
... CLD info sheets: assistive technology. Council for Learning Disabilities. Retrieved on April 24, 2005, from http://www.cldinternational.org/c/@CS_yKIo7l8ozY/Pages/assistive.html
Throughout history there have been major advancements in nations and their cultures. Some of these nations fell after centuries of flourishing because of inventions that crumbled various empires. Advancements that have been thriving and changing include farming, housing, governments, and electronic interface. Technology advancements have played a major and vital in human life and the world as a whole.
The concept of ICT is vaster than this. Although it is believed that radio and television play a less important role in education nowadays, some teachers and educators still consider them as an effective means of teaching. However, ICT is a totally new phenomenon; at the very beginning.
There are different types of technology; the most common type is information technology, which includes smart phones, computers/laptops, GPS and many other devices. Smart phones make it easier to reach people by calling, texting, chatting, Snap chatting and even