Monday, June 9, 2008

Tutorial 8: Assitive Technology

Provide a definition of Assistive technology (your Cook and Hussey reading may be helpful with this).
"The term assistive technology is a term used to refer to a broad range of devices, services, stratigies and practices that are conceived and applied to ameliorate the problems faced by individuals who have dissibilities" ( Cook & Hussey, 2000).
Basically an assistive device is something that assist you to achieve the goal the individual wants to achieve.

Describe one piece of equipment introduced in the assistive technology tutorial. Provide information on size, cost and functions.
The Gooshy step talking sequencer
$153.73 NZ dollas
Size- 10¼” x 7¼” x 3” (in inches)
4 AA batteries are required for it to operate
It can be used for no-speaking children or adults.
Sequencing, sing a longs, directions, testing, pre recorded messages, multiplications, memorization,story telling, and medical instructions.
The Gooshy Step Talking Sequencer is a switch device. It has a yellow plastic shell, that has a gel pad on top that you press. There are red lights on the shell that light up when the gel pad is pressed. The gel pad also vibrates and plays music when it is pressed.

How does your chosen piece of equipment increased functional capacity for the user? Provide examples here from the tutorial and lecture.
The Gooshy Step Talking Sequencer is used for people to get them starting to switch. It is good to use to get them interested because of the color, texture, and sound. Individuals can start using this and then move on to a plane switch. For example when it is hooked up to a blender the individual will first be interested in the Gooshy Step Talking Sequencer because of how it looks and then they will learn by pushing it it makes the blender go. This will lead to them switching with a normal switch that has no stimuli to it like the Gooshy.