(Sabata, Shamberg & Williams, 2008) state that assistive technology is the use of any mechanical item, equipment or product that can be modified, customised or purchased commercially or privately to improve and increase a disabled individual's functional abilities.
Assitive Technology in my own words
Assitive Technology is any mechanical item that can be utilised by an individual in such way that will increase their ability to participate in occupation as well as their independence in every day life. Assistive Technology covers a whole spectrum of equipment and gadgets raging from; wheelchairs which allow an individual to mobilise, housing modifications which enable an individual to engage in occupation within their home environment, assitive equipment such as shower chairs, shoe horns and modified cultlery which all enable an individual to engage in activities of daily living. The definition of assistive technology covers all of the above mentioned.
Piece of equipment introduced in the assistive technology tutorial
The piece of equipment I am introducing are "Talking Cards".
- Size, cost and functions - The talking cards come in a pack of three A4 size cards. The cost for a 3 pack is $78.00. "These cards contain a voice recording chip, simply talk and record a message and then press play. An excellent resource for speaking, listening, memory and writing exercises. Also great for games" (STAR Mobility & Disability Centre, 2012).
- How equipment increased occupational engagement for the user - "These innovative cards are just great for all children, especially those with special needs; they're interactive, hands-on and suitable for all ages" (STAR Mobility & Disability Centre, 2012). The talking cards allows the child with special needs to listen to the sound of their own voice as well as others through the recording feature. This is effective as a message can be played back numerous times allowing the child to ensure they fully understand what is required from them and to go back to the recorded message if they are having difficulty remembering what was said. The child is learning, but having fun at the same time. This will also assist in all aspect in the school environment that the child is struggling in, as it can be implemented accordingly. For example, reading practice can be performed on the card and the child is able to hear how they sound and what needs to be corrected if need be.
- Examples of the equipment's use from online sources - This particular You Tube clip illustrates how Talking Cards can be used in a leisurely occupation. Children can use them creatively in developing birthday cards, get well cards and be actively involved in "play", an occupation that is vital in the development of a child.
Below is an image taken from http://www.starmobility.co.nz/talking-card-a4-3-pkt.html. Christiansen & Townsend (2010) state that occupational transition can mean the transition from one occupational form to the realising of another, as disability or impairment prevents previous occupations from occurring. This is an example of occupational transition as the A4 talking card allows a child to transition back into a level of education that is appropriate for his age and impairment. This mechanism allows the child to use a means of learning that will maximise their potential to go from strength to strength in the classroom, especially if there are concerns on their productivity with them realising there occupational form.
References
Christiansen, C.H., & Townsend, E., A. (2010). Introduction to occupation: The art and science of living. London: Pearson Education Ltd.
Sabata, D. B., Shamberg, S. & Williams, M. (2008). Optimising access to home, community and work environments. In M.V. Radomski & C.A. Trombly Latham (Eds.), Occupational therapy for physical dysfunction (6th ed.), (pp.952-973). Baltimore: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
STAR Mobility & Disability Centre. (2012). A4 size talking cards 3 pack. Retrieved from http://www.starmobility.co.nz/talking-card-a4-3-pkt.html
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