Tutorial Eight: Assistive technology

To define assistive technology I went to an online dictionary and searched for a definition. It came back with numerous results from which I selected one which I thought provided the best explaination. I then posted this definition below. I then defined assistive technology using my own explaination which is below the dictionary definition. Assistive technology: This term may be used to mean an assistive device, but more commonly denotes some kind of electronic or computerized device that helps a disabled person to function more easily in the world. Examples of assistive technology include devices that allow people to control a computer with the mouth, keyboards that can "speak" for mute individuals, and closed captioning systems that help the hearing impaired enjoy television shows and videos. MedicineNet. Inc. (1996). Definition of assistive technology. Retrieved from http://www.medterms.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=10951   In my own words assistive technology is an assitive device or piece of equipment used to enable a person with a disability to participate in an occupation that they are unable to do without this assistive device. For example a hearing aid or a sip and puff device for a wheelchair.

Below is a definition of one piece of assistive technology which I chose. I decided to go with a sip-and-puff device which I give an in depth definition of what it is, how much it costs, how to use it etc. A sip-and-puff is a method used to send signals to a device using air pressure by "sipping" (inhaling) or "puffing" (exhaling) on a straw, tube or "wand." It is primarily used by people who do not have the use of their hands. It is commonly used to control a motorized wheelchair by quadriplegics with very high injury to their spinal column or people with ALS. The cost for a head-mounted sip/puff switch is around $295.00USD, which is $382.00NZD. Typical applications of Sip-and-Puff devices are for control of a motorized wheelchair. Control typically consists of four different inputs from the user. An initial hard puff will enable the wheelchair to move forward, while a hard sip will stop the wheelchair. Conversely, an initial hard sip will enable the wheelchair to move backward, while a hard puff will stop the wheelchair. A continuous soft sip or soft puff will enable the wheelchair to move left or right respectively depending on how long the user blows into the tube, straw or "wand". Therefore this enables people to use a wheelchair and gain some independence where they were previously unable. During the lecture we were told about a young boy who was able to drive a wheelchair due to this device where he was previously dependent on carer’s. This brought out a whole new side of him and increased his whole outlook on life and his occupational capacity.  Here is a photo of a sip and puff device Here are some hyperlinks to YouTube which show videos of people using the sip and puff device to do different things. Andi with sip/puff Ken's Power Caster- Sip & Puff Control System