Adaptive Devices
[ Home ] [ Adaptive Devices ] [ Staff Development Offerings ] [ Members ] [ Upcoming Events ] [ Links ] [ Ask SpEdTech ] [ Dan's Page ]

 

Examples of Assistive Devices

What is Assistive Technology?

Assistive Technology is any device that helps a person with disabilities increase, improve or maintain the ability to perform a function. Assistive technologies can range from a simple spoon build-up to high tech computer devices. These devices are compensatory, foster autonomy, and help persons with disabilities to live and fit into the community.

Categories and Examples of Assistive Technology

There are a number of categories under which assistive technologies fall. Many devices cross categories.

Instructional

Instructional devices impact the educational program of the student with disabilities. There are many adaptations which are used in the classroom. These are often not thought of as technology, but are indeed assistive. These include a pencil grip, writing guides, spell checkers (Franklin Spelling Ace) and calculators. These devices, when compensatory in nature, are assistive technology.

alternative computer input devices
alternate keyboard
dictation software for the computer
trackballs
computer speech output
switch-adapted devices
books on tape with audio players
magnifying lenses
text enlargement software for computers
word prediction software

Daily Living

Daily living devices affect the classroom program during meals and toileting. Many schools have accessible bathrooms with appliances and grab-bars built to specifications stated in the Americans with Disabilities Act.

spoon build-up for self-feeding
an environmental control unit to turn a lamp on and off
a bathtub grab bar

Communication

There are many devices and aids that enable communication skills for individuals who have speech difficulties or are non-verbal.

a simple communication board with symbols and/or words that the individual points to
a speech output device
text telephones

Sensory
eyeglasses
hearing aids
large print books
auditory trainers
telecommunication devices

Mobility
walkers
canes
manual and electric wheelchairs
scooters
modified vehicles

Environmental Control Systems
switch-adapted environmental control units to turn appliances on and off

Home/Work Site Modifications
ramps
doorways to accommodate wheelchairs
wheelchair accessible kitchen and bathroom appliances
staircase lifts

Seating and Position Aids
braces
standers
adapted seating
arm rests
adjustable tables

Leisure Time or Recreational Adaptations
auditory devices available at theaters
close-captioned television
books on tape with audio players
bowling alley ball throwing ramp
prosthetic devices to help individuals participate in games and sports
switch-adapted toys