Assistive technology can help people with disabilities improve function.
Assistive technology helps disabled people perform functions that might otherwise be difficult or impossible. Assistive technology can help individuals with disabilities -- or functional limitations caused by age, disease, injury, obesity or other conditions -- lead a richer, fuller, more self-sufficient and more independent life by allowing them to participate in daily activities they might otherwise not be able to access. Assistive technology can be as low-tech as a curved spoon or as high-tech as a sophisticated communication device with voice output.
Instructions
1. Familiarize yourself with the person's needs. Learn as much as you can about the individual's disability as well as how the disability limits and otherwise affects her ability to participate in everyday activities. For example, if someone has cerebral palsy that has resulted in poor grasping ability, she will need assistive technology to perform tasks like writing or using a hairbrush.
2. Investigate assistive technology recommended to meet the person's needs. Find out what types of devices can help improve her quality of life. You may find off-the-shelf devices that address a specific need, such as a synthesized voice output device for individuals who have difficulty producing intelligible speech. Designers create customized devices that are tailor-made for individuals. For example, customized headgear can be created to enable quadriplegics to operate a motorized wheelchair. Though mass-market products are not designed for people with disabilities, they can be used as-is or modified to meet the person's needs. For example, a hand-held showerhead can be an adaptive device for people with difficulty standing to take a shower due to arthritis or balance disorders.
3. Learn about the features, functions and capabilities of the assistive technology. Thoroughly familiarize yourself with the assistive technology, including what it was designed to do, what it is currently capable of doing and what it can do safely with modifications. Take, for example, the UbiDuo Face-to-Face Communicator for the Deaf. The product is designed to allow deaf individuals to engage in face-to-face conversations. However, it can be configured to be used to over the telephone. When combined with additional units, the device can even be used to participate in meetings or other group situations.
4. Allow the individual to try out the assistive technology with your assistance. The intended user of the assistive technology may initially need substantial support when using a device. This is normal. Take a gradual release method in providing support. Initially, demonstrate use of the device. Allow the intended user to practice using the device with your assistance. Finally, help the individual transition to using the device independently.
5. Make or request necessary modifications to the assistive technology. Carefully observe the individual using the assistive technology to ensure it is working well. If it requires adjustments or modifications, either make them or request that they be made by an entity that is qualified and authorized to do so, such as the retailer, dealer or manufacturer. One example of an assistive device that may require adjustment is a motorized scooter whose operating speed is either too fast or too slow to meet its user's needs. The retailer or dealer that sold the device can often adjust it to operate at a speed that will meet the user's requirements. An example of a situation where an assistive technology device may require modification might be a document magnifier that the user has difficulty using in low lighting. The device could be sent back to the manufacturer to be retrofitted with a light.
6. Use hands-on instruction -- literally -- and learning aids to teach the person to use the assistive technology. Lay your hand over his and guide his movements as he tries out the device's various functions. This process is akin to pushing a child on a bike and eventually letting it go; eventually, when you feel it's safe to do so, you can slowly remove your hand and let him go solo. Use photographs, verbal directions, written instructions and video clips as learning aids to help the person master his assistive technology.
7. Monitor the person's independent use of the assistive technology. Ensure she uses the assistive technology safely while deriving maximum benefit from it. For example, if an individual uses a voice amplification device, ensure he understands adjust it and where to place it so that ambient noise is filtered out and interference from other devices is minimized. Provide necessary coaching, support or guidance to ensure the assistive technology does what it is intended to do.
