The document discusses assistive technology, what it is, why it is necessary, and common types. It defines assistive technology as any item or equipment that helps individuals with disabilities increase, maintain, or improve their functional abilities. Assistive technology is needed as a bridge between what abilities people have and what they want to do but can't due to disabilities. The document also discusses universal design and lists common types of assistive technology, including for communication, computer access, education, mobility, and recreation.

1. ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY The Final Piece of The Puzzle

2. What is it & Why is it necessary? “ The term 'assistive technology device' means any item, piece of equipment, or product system, whether acquired commercially off the shelf, modified, or customized, that is used to increase, maintain, or improve functional capabilities of a child with a disability.” (IDEA) Any item, piece of equipment, or product system, whether acquired commercially or off the shelf, modified, or customized, that is used to increase, maintain, or improve functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities. www.buffalostate.edu/disabilityservices/glossary.htm A term used to describe all of the tools, products, and devices, from the simplest to the most complex, that can make a particular function easier or possible to perform. www.nationalmsociety.org/A%20-%20C.asp

3. Why is AT necessary? “ Consider AT as a bridge between the functional abilities an individual has and what they want to do but cannot due to a disability.” -- Shelley Haven http://www.stanford.edu/~rmhaven/philosophy.html#skipATastranslator

4. Universal Design What is it? - Universal design is the design of products and environments to be usable by all people, to the greatest extent possible, without the need for adaptation or specialized design. –Ron Mace Seven Principles of? 1. Equitable Use 2. Flexibility in Use 3. Simple and Intuitive Use 4. Perceptible Information 5. Tolerance for Error 6. Low Physical Effort 7. Size and Space for 8. Approach and Use Examples of? - http://www.adaptiveenvironments.org/universal/imagesofud.php?f=7 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Universal_design

5. Types of AT Communication Aids Speech and Augmentative Communication Aids Writing and Typing Aids Computer Access Aids Alternative Input Devices Alternative Output Devices Accessible Software Universal Design Daily Living Aids Clothing and Dressing Aids Eating and Cooking Aids Home Maintenance Aids Toileting and Bathing Aids Education and Learning Aids Cognitive Aids Early Intervention Aids Environmental Aids Environmental Controls and Switches Home-Workplace Adaptations Environmental Aids Environmental Controls and Switches Home-Workplace Adaptations Ergonomic Equipment Hearing and Listening Aids Recreation and Leisure Aids Sports Aids Toys and Games Travel Aids Mobility and Transportation Aids Ambulation Aids Scooters and Power Chairs Wheelchairs Vehicle Conversions Seating and Positioning Aids Ergonomic Equipment Vision and Reading Aids Services

6. Types of AT Communication Aids - Mouth sticks - Text-to-speech software (JAWS, TextAloud, textHelp!) Computer Access Aids - Dragon Naturally Speaking, On screen keyboard, - Braille (input and out devices) - ZoomText, head-, eye-, mouth-pointing devices

7. Types of AT Education and Learning Aids - Universal reader, talking word processor, Kurzweil 1000/3000, Word prediction software( WordQ) Inspiration Hearing and Listening Aids - TTY devices, FM systems, video phones, TV amplifiers Vision and Reading Aids Services - Braille devices, Screen magnifiers, CCTV units (close-circuit TV), Books on cd/tape (RFBD)

8. Types of AT Mobility and Transportation Aids - Scooter, Power Chairs, Vehicle Conversions Recreation and Leisure Aid - Sports, Travel, Games

9. Thinking Outside the Box

10. ATEC Lab Tour of the lab Equipment available (for use, loan, etc.) Electronic-Text (e-text) Reading Services Braille Conversion