For most people, technology makes things easier. For people with disabilities, technology makes things possible.
...any device, system or design, whether acquired commercially or off the shelf, modified or customised, that allows an individual to perform a task that they would otherwise be unable to do, or increase the ease and safety with which a task can be performed.
Assistive technology (AT) is any device, system, or design used by individuals to perform functions that might otherwise be difficult or impossible. Such technology may be something as simple as your common household items such as a carrot peeler to the more complex products such as pressure care mattress for the prevention of pressure sores. In short, anything that assists individuals continue to carry-out daily activities can be considered assistive technology.
Many of us rely on technology such as microwaves, computers, mobile phones and remote controls to perform simple activities in our daily lives. For people with any physical or cognitive difficulties, impairments, or disabilities, AT can be critical to assisting people learn and communicate more effectively, participate in the work environment, achieve independence, and improve their quality of life.
In Australia alone, almost 4 million individuals have a disability or functional limitation. Many could benefit from Assistive Technology in some aspect of their daily lives.
Assistive Technology benefits not only the individual users of the AT but family members and carers, employers, teachers and other community members who interact with users of AT.
Together with access, Assistive Technology gives individuals the opportunity to participate in community life which benefits us all.
A few example scenarios of how Assistive Technology can aid in daily living include:
There are many different categories of AT available ranging from simple “low-tech” devices such as pencil grippers to more “high-tech” items such as voice-control software used to control a computer instead of a keyboard.
The South Carolina Assistive Technology Program provides a detailed definition of Assistive Technology and the types of Assistive Technology available. Further information is available at http://www.sc.edu/scatp/what.htm.
Devices that assist in daily living and independence. Examples include modified eating utensils, adapted books, pencil holders, page turners, dressing aids, adapted personal hygiene aids.
Devices that assist people with speech and/or hearing disabilities communicate: communication boards, speech synthesisers, and modified typewriters, head pointers, text to voice software.
Headsticks, light pointers, modified or alternate keyboards, switches activated by pressure, sound or voice, touch screens, special software, and voice to text software.
Electronic systems that assist people control various appliances, switches for telephone, TV, or other appliances which are activated by pressure, eyebrows or breath.
Structural adaptations that remove or reduce physical barriers: ramps, lifts, bathroom changes, automatic door openers, expanded doorways.
Replacement or augmentation of body parts with artificial limbs or other orthotic aids such as splits or braces.
Devices that assist people move within their environments: electric or manual wheelchairs, modifications of vehicles for travel, scooters, crutches, canes and walkers.
Devices to enable participation in sports, social, cultural events. Examples include audio description for movies, adaptive controls for video games, adaptive fishing rods, cuffs for grasping paddles or racquets, seating systems for boats.
Adapted seating, cushions, standing tables, positioning belts, braces, cushions and wedges that provide body support to assist people perform a range of daily tasks.
Aids such as magnifiers, Braille and speech output devices, large print screens, hearing aids, visual alerting systems, telecommunication devices.
Our database contains over 6,000 products available for you to browse.
Finding the “best match” between a person, their environment, and technology requires careful input from the consumer, and possibly family, carers and relevant professionals. It is an involved multi-step process requiring technical knowledge and an in-depth understanding of the individual's needs - resulting in an informed decision about the best possible solutions.
Making sure the technology matches an individual's needs in the best possible way is critical as poorly chosen AT may be of little assistance to the user, or even end up abandoned in a closet.
Anyone considering obtaining Assistive Technology should ask themselves the following questions before purchasing:
When considering AT it is important to remember that AT is not an end itself, rather is part of an ongoing therapeutic process to assist a person achieve their goals.
Feel free to contact our Infoline or email us
Phone: 1300 885 886
Email: help@ilcnsw.asn.au
If you have any questions about selecting and obtaining AT, or are unsure where to start, we are here to assist. Infoline is our free information service for consumers and health professionals seeking advice about AT or access to the built environment.
Alternatively, you are welcome to visit our Parramatta Display Centre and look at the range of Assistive Technology that may be able to assist you. If you wish to consult with one of our friendly allied health professionals, or like to try out any equipment we welcome you to make an appointment.
Please note we that we do not sell any equipment, but can provide you with the contact information of suppliers who do.
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