tutorial 8

Tutorial Eight: Assistive technology

Provide a definition of Assistive technology (your Cook and Hussey reading may be helpful with this). Assistive Technology is equipment or products that are altered or designed especially to increase or improve an individual’s functional capacity or ability. It is the link which enables the person to access the everyday things in life an able bodied person accesses. An example might be an adapted mouse for a computer for a person with fine motor control difficulties.

Describe one piece of equipment introduced in the assistive technology tutorial. Provide information on size, cost and functions. Ring around Bells (Picture can be seen at: http://specialed.umf.maine.edu/Switch%20Toys/ringaroundbells.htm) This toy is excellent for children learning to switch. It is activated on an external switch which makes the colourful bells sound a musical scale. The bells are precesion tuned to provide clear sounds.

How does your chosen piece of equipment increased functional capacity for the user? Provide examples here from the tutorial and lecture. This toy is fantastic for music therapy and is a good motivator for children learning to switch. It is a fun way to learn some switching and gives a sense of control to the child learning.