Assistive & Adaptive technology for Person with Disabled

1. Adaptive and Assisted Devices
Dr.Jaganmohana Rao
Faculty of Education
MITE, Kohima

2. Adaptive and Assisted Devices

3. Technology is defined as a systematic
development of methods, machines or
processes that help in the achievement of
a given objective.
The Individuals with Disabilities Education
Act (U.S.A) amendments of 1997 defined
that term “Assistive technology” as “any
item, piece of equipment or product
system that is used to increase, maintain
or improve the functional capabilities of
the individuals with disabilities.”

4. Adaptive Technology: adaptive technology is
specifically designed for people with disabilities
and would seldom be used by a non-disabled
person
Assistive Technology: is a general term referring
to any type of technology, device, or tool that
assists an individual in performing a function
that they would otherwise not be able to
perform.
i.e assistive technology is any object or system
that helps people with disabilities

5. Assistive technology helps people who have
difficulty speaking, typing, writing,
remembering, pointing, seeing, hearing,
learning, walking, and many other things.
Examples of assistive technologies are mobility
devices such as wheelchairs and walkers that
help people who are unable to walk on their
own.
Types of A.T : It can be mainly divided into three
types based on level of technology
Low tech/ no tech, Mid tech, High tech

6. Low tech/ no tech: does not involve the use
of batteries or any technology
Ex: flash cards, static models, grippers
Mid Tech: Mid tech involves usage of battery
but no processing involved
Ex: talking alarm, talking watch, talking
calculator
High Tech: High Tech involves devices
involving batteries, processing involvement
Ex. Computers, screen readers, Tabs

7. Area of Function A.T Application Need and Relevance
Reading Electronic books, Book
adapted for page
turning, Single word
scanners, Predictable
texts, Tabs, Talking
electronic
devices/software,
Speech Software
For students having
difficulty in reading
and understanding
written text and in
paying attention to
the reading assigned.
Writing Pen/Pencil grips,
Templates, Word
processors, Word
card/book/wall,
software,
Spelling/Grammar
checker, Adapted papers
For students having
problem in writing or
composition

8. Area of
Function
A.T Application Need and Relevance
Math Calculators, Talking Clocks,
Enlarged Worksheets,
Voice Output Measuring
Devices, Scientific
Calculators
For students having
computational problems
and confusions, and finding
it difficult to perform well in
Math lessons
Vision Eye glasses, Magnifier,
Screen Magnification,
Screen Reader, Braille
Large Print Books, CCTV,
Audio Lesson Tapes
For students who have
difficulty in seeing or lack
complete vision
Hearing Hearing Aids, Pen and
paper, Signalling Devices,
Closed Captioning
For students who have
difficulty in hearing or are
absolute hearing impaired

9. Area of Function A.T Application Need and Relevance
Computer Access Word prediction,
Alternative
keyboards, Pointing
Option, Switches,
Voice recognition
software
For students finding it
difficult to access the
computer in its standard
form and have difficulty
in performing academic
tasks
Augmentative
Alternative
Communication
Communication
Board, Device with
speech synthesis for
typing, Eye gaze
board/ frame, Voice
output device
For students having
problems in
comprehension of
language, and lacking
the ability to express it,
or are unclear in speech
and demonstrate
delayed expressive
language

10. For creating an Impact –
Improve functional independence
circumventing environmental barriers,
maximize personal independence, and increase
activity participation
Provide greater opportunity for social
participation education and integration,
including institutions in higher education and
the workforce
The impact can be studied by implementing AT
in specific life roles for functioning

11. Impact of Asst. Tech. in Daily Life –
Counter Memory loss, orientation or
communication that are affecting their daily life
Voice based prompts and reminders
Calendars and Time Management
Health and Medication Management
Location, Identification, Movement and Safety
Simple and Advanced Communication
Techniques
Support Social participation, engagement and
leisure

12. Impact of Asst. Tech. in Education – Cross Disabilities
Physical access issues, deficiency in Knowledge
acquisition, Educational activities and routines
management
Access provisioning to Educational environment
Positioning, Sustainability and Environmental
Control
Educational Resources in Accessible Format
Participation in Classroom routines and Contribute
like their Peers
Adapt Assessment procedure to the abilities
Enhances efficiency and Higher Education
opportunities

13. Impact of Assistive Technology – Quantity & Quality
Increased confidence and self-motivation
Increased independence and autonomy
Expanded memory, recall, learning and life
experiences
New opportunities for interactions and
communication
Accountability and Committed, reassurance of
education and career
Change in vision of potential, feel less stressed by
adults, peers and child
Integrated and required participation in life and
society