The document discusses the history and definition of assistive technology, emphasizing its role in enhancing functional capabilities for individuals with disabilities. It highlights various models of disability, types of assistive technologies, and trends such as mobile and cloud-based solutions. Key themes include enabling access, designing for accessibility, and the integration of assistive technologies into mainstream devices.

1. David Banes
Mada Centre
April 15 2010
History of Assistive Technology

2. Models of Disability
 Religious
 Medical
 Social

4. Definition of Assistive Technology
 Any item, piece of equipment, or system, whether acquired
commercially, modified, or customized, that is commonly used to
increase, maintain, or improve functional capabilities of individuals
with disabilities. (section 508 ADA)
 Assistive technology is hardware or software that helps a person use
the computer. Assistive technologies include screen reader software
(provides an aural translation of the information on the screen), voice
recognition software (allows people to navigate with voice rather than
a keyboard or mouse), and many input devices such as large
keyboards and mouse pedals. (ADE)

5. Assistive Technology across the spectrum
 Mobility
 Daily Life
 Environmental control
 Literacy
 Communication

6. AT/IT
 Mechanical

7. AT/IT
 Early Experiments
 Standalone Devices
 BBC Micro
 Win 3.1

8. AT/IT Windows and Beyond
 Integration of AT into ICT’s
 Accessibility Options
 Supported Third Party Devices
 Hardware
 Software

9. Accessibility and the OS

10. Third party devices – growth in demand

11. Hardware

12. Software

13. Vision

15. Hearing

16. Physical

17. Reading and Writing

18. Communication

19. The Future – Trends in Assistive Technology

20. AT/IT – Advent of Mobility
 Mobile Phones
 PDA’s
 Netbooks

21. AT/IT – AT in the Cloud
 System Access to Go
 Write Online

22. AT/IT – Ubiquitous and Pervasive AT
 Inredis

23. AT/IT – Next steps
 Touch
 Voice
 Brain
 Gesture

24. AT/IT - Convergence
 AT/IT impacts on
 Mobility
 Daily Life
 Environmental control
 Literacy
 Communications

25. Key themes
 Enabling Access – not mending the user
 Access embedded – designed for access not retrofit
 Anytime Anywhere Access
 Portable
 Mobile
 Pervasive
 Converged Technologies
 Transference into mainstream – no limitations