This presentation discusses assistive technology (AT), which are devices that help maintain or improve a person's abilities. It will cover what AT is, the benefits of AT, how AT improves quality of life, adaptive computing, and choosing the right AT. Examples of simple AT include magnifying glasses and adaptive door handles. More complex AT includes speech recognition software, screen readers, and screen magnifiers. AT provides benefits such as maintaining daily function, reducing injuries, and promoting independence. Choosing the right AT requires considering the person's preferences through a trial process and balancing cost against needs.

1. Presentation Objectives
 What is Assistive Technology(AT)
 Benefits of AT
 Quality of Life and AT
 Adaptive Computing
 Choosing AT

2. What is Assistive Technology (AT)?
 Assistive Technology (AT) is any device that enables a
person to maintain or improve function. (Helpful tools
for Senior Citizens; Assistive Technology Resource
Centers of Hawaii; 2000; page 8.)

3. Simple Examples of AT
 A magnifying glass
 A straw
 Anti-glare screen for the monitor
 Door handles instead of door knobs
 Calculators/clocks with extra large digits

4. More Complex Examples
 Dragon NaturallySpeaking (software)
 JAWs (screen reader software)
 ZoomText (screen magnifier software)
 Talking clock
 AlphaSmart portable note taker

5. Benefits of AT
Maintains or improves daily function
Reduces stress-related injuries
Eases integration into society (levels
the “playing field”)
Modifies the environment instead of
the person

6. Assistive Technology improves the
quality of life
AT enables a person to function at his
or her own pace.
AT fosters independent living.
AT levels the “playing field” so all can
participate.

7. Adaptive Computing
 Adaptive computing is changing the computer via
software or hardware to make it more accessible to
persons with a disability.

8. Categories of Adaptive Computing
Hardware
 Ergonomic keyboards
 Trackball mouse
 Large screen monitors
 Head operated mouse
 Video Magnifier (CCTV)
Software
 Speech-to-text software
(Dragon
NaturallySpeaking)
 Screen reader software
(JAWs)
 Screen enlarging software
(ZoomText)

9. Choosing AT
 After an initial trial period, if the person says they
don’t like the AT or says it ‘doesn’t work,’ then find
other AT to try.
 A good AT match is an interactive process.

10. Choosing AT
 Match the person with the AT. Personal likes and
dislikes are important in AT.
 Keep in mind the cost of the AT. AT ranges in price
from inexpensive to very expensive.