Assistive technology

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According to the notes I took on the introduction to assistive technology prezi, assistive technology or A.T. is any piece of equipment, software program or product system used to increase, maintain, or improve the functional capabilities of a person with a disability. There are three categories of assistive technology and they are: low-tech, medium-tech, and high-tech. Each category is based on the price, quality, and functionality of the specific device. For example, a switch would be considered a high tech device and an adapted spoon would be considered a low-tech advice. There are several different reasons why someone may get one type of AT device versus another kind. Such as the guest speaker at Thursday's lecture. She found the one she has worked best for her and has had the same type since she was very young but just updated versions of it. There is a decision-making process that is used when it is time to decide what is best for your client. 

The three step process is 1) consider, 2) trial, and 3) implement. The “consider” stage involves talking with the client about their strengths, weaknesses, and goals then looking to see what kinds of devices are actually available. The second stage known as the “trial” stage is when the client tries out different types of devices to see which one suits them the best. Now, the third stage is one of the most important stages in regards to how successful and helpful the device is to the client. According to the blog post, the implementation stage is a hands-on process to teach the client and their caregivers/family members on how to effectively use the AT. To give the client the best therapy, and tools it is the therapist’s responsibility to do a thorough assessment of the needs of the client as well as research into devices. 

I remember during my time at Pediatrics Plus I worked in the ASD room as a teaching assistant and many of the children in the class used a PECS book, which is like a binder with various pictures of the items they used in their daily life. Many of the children benefitted greatly from this and used it all the time but some children only needed when eating or they upgraded to an iPad that spoke for them. That is an example of a low-tech assistive device and how it is not the perfect device for everyone.

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