Assistive Technology ETEC 523

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E book reader

## What is Assistive Technology?

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Assistive Technologies are geared towards increasing, maintaining, or improving the functional capabilities of a person with a disability. An Assistive Technology Device is any item, piece of equipment, or product system. With that being said, Assistive Technology is a by-pass strategy, not a remediation strategy.[1]

## What is an Impairment or Disability?

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An impairment or disability causes a barrier between the person and their ability to both receive and process information.

### Types of Impairments and Disabilities

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## 1\. Sensory Impairments

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#### Definition

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Sensory impairment is when one of your senses; sight, hearing, smell, touch, taste and spatial awareness, is no longer normal.

Examples - If you wear glasses you have a sight impairment, if you find it hard to hear or have a hearing aid then you have a hearing impairment.

#### Examples of Assistive Technologies:

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## 2\. Physical Impairments:

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#### Definition -

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A physical disability is a physical condition that affects a person's abilities physical capacity, stamina and/or dexterity. There are two types of physical impairments: Progressive (worse over time) and Non-Progressive (remain stable).

#### Examples of Assistive Technologies:

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Alvin Reflex Table and art table for artist in wheelchairs [1]

## 3\. Learning Disabilities

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#### Defintion:

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Example of Assistive Technologies:

1\. JAWS Software: A text-to-speech feature that reads onscreen print aloud to the student. This program also allows students to navigate their computers through unique features such as voice recognition.

2\. Talking Calculator: A calculator that aids students with dyscalculia

1. ↑ "What is AT?". Assistive Technology Industry Association. 2015-10-11. Retrieved 2019-11-20.