What Is Technology?

Technology is not just about computers. Technology represents all the tools that we use everyday for communication, work, transportation, learning, recreation and caring for ourselves. Technology can make life easier and even allow a person to do things they could never do before.

As young people with disabilities exit high school they encounter a variety of new challenges. There will be a greater need for independence in daily living skills, communication, transportation, work, education and decision making. A wide variety is available to assist the young person with a disability. Successful acquisition and use of this technology may require information about technology options, planning, training and assistance from technology specialists. Technology is a part of everyday living. Technology can be an important tool for accomplishing the goals and activities identified by the Student and the future transition planning team.

New technologies are changing the way we all live and work. Technology is no longer an option; it is a necessity. Recognizes the importance of early acquisition of technology and the skills to use it so that students will be fully prepared for the transition from school to life in their community.

What is Assistive Technology?

Assistive technology consists of aids, devices and tools compensatory strategies information and referral evaluation and recommendation resources for funding designing, fabricating, fitting, maintaining and repairing training and follow-through services that improves the functional capabilities of a person with a disability

Assistive technology involves more that just hardware: devices, aids and tools. Successful delivery of assistive technology services must also include consideration of compensatory strategies - individualized techniques that an individual must learn to be successful in using a particular type of technology.

Consideration:

• Information and referral - access to up-to-date information on products and services. A number of excellent resources do exist.
• Evaluation and recommendation - the process whereby a person with a disability and a team of professional identify an effective technology to solve a particular problem.
• Resources for funding - knowledge of the availability of funding and the strategies required to obtain it.
• Designing, fabricating, fitting, maintaining and repairing - when a particular device is not commercially available, it may have to be designed and constructed. Technology must be "fitted" the user (NOT the user "fitted" to the technology). Maintaining and repairing devices is almost always a requirement and always a difficult problem, especially for the more specialized and complicated technologies.
• Training and follow-through services - to effectively use technology almost always requires some level of training. Any recommendation for assistive technology should include information on the training required and provision for funding the training should be addressed.

Often the actual technology being used by the person with a disability is no different than technology used by any person. In addition, many devices used by people with disabilities have been only slightly modified from typical devices, if modified at all. Whether a technology is called "assistive" is often determined only by the fact that a person with a disability is using it.

At times there is good reason to classify a technology as "assistive", for example, to fund a device or service through a special program. In addition, there are numerous devices, which are designed specifically for individuals with functional limitations. However, in many cases, classifying technology as "assistive" may be unnecessary and may call attention to Minor or nonexistent differences in the technology used. Technology, by its very nature, improves the functional capability of the person using it, regardless of whether or not one has a disability.

Identifying the Problem

Before any problem can be solved, it must first be identified and described. Most often a rehabilitation engineer or assistive technologist is requested to work on a specific previously identified problem. There are almost always situations where assistive technology may be applied, but have yet to be identified. Research indicates that users of assistive technology use an average of SEVEN devices, from no tech, low tech through high tech.

A common situation, which often arises in school and work settings, is the identification of a computer input device for a person who can not effectively use a standard keyboard and mouse. Other issues which are likely to arise in such a situation are the accessibility of the computer workstation especially wheelchair users, positioning of the computer monitor for comfortable viewing, accessing paper documents and manuals, changing CD-ROMS and floppy disks, and identifying a means to independently turn the electrical power on and off. The rehabilitation engineer or assistive technologist must be concerned with the WHOLE SOLUTION. It is very important to remember that all the technology must work together as a WHOLE SYSTEM.

Identify opportunities for application of assistive technology, especially with children, is to ask the question "What do other people do for the person?" These "other people" could be the parents, teachers, brothers, sisters, co-workers, employers, and/or friends. A more straightforward approach is to simply ask the person "How do others assist you in your daily tasks?" or "What would you like to be able to do for yourself?" It may also be necessary to observe the person in their normal environment to identify situations and tasks where assistive technology may be applicable. This approach does not work for all situations, but often helps to identify the additional opportunities for application of assistive technology.

Work with People in Real-Life Situations

Users must be involved. Doing real-life activities in their actual environment. Take the time to talk to the user and observe them and their environment.

Imagineering

Use creative problem solving with simple tools and technologies whenever possible. If at first you don't succeed...try again!

Keep It Simple

Never make anything more complicated than it needs to be.

"Human Factors" Engineering - Ergonomics

The assistive technology and the environment must "fit" the person. Go for the "total solution"...look at individual tasks and also the environment. Usability and accessibility.

The Advantages Are Obvious

Devices should be readily available, low-cost, and, if necessary, easily modified or fabricated.