ASSISTIVE DEVICES

 

 

WHAT ARE ASSISTIVE DEVICES?

 

Assistive technology is an umbrella term that includes assistive, adaptive, and rehabilitative devices for people with disabilities and also includes the process used in selecting, locating, and using them. Assistive technology promotes greater independence by enabling people to perform tasks that they were formerly unable to accomplish, or had great difficulty accomplishing, by providing enhancements to, or changing methods of interacting with, the technology needed to accomplish such tasks. The term adaptive technology is often used as the synonym for assistive technology; however, they are different terms. Assistive technology refers to “any item, piece of equipment, or product system, whether acquired commercially, modified, or customized, that is used to increase, maintain, or improve functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities”, while adaptive technology covers items that are specifically designed for persons with disabilities and would seldom be used by non-disabled persons. In other words, assistive technology is any object or system that increases or maintains the capabilities of people with disabilities, while adaptive technology is “any object or system that is specifically designed for the purpose of increasing or maintaining the capabilities of people with disabilities.” Consequently, adaptive technology is a subset of assistive technology. Adaptive technology often refers specifically to electronic and information technology access.

 

TYPES OF ASSISTIVE DEVICES

 

WHEELCHAIR

 

 

SCOOTERS

 

 

CANES

 

CRUTCHES

 

 

HEARING AIDS

 

ADAPTIVE DEVICES

 

 

BARS

 

RAISED TOILET SEAT

 

REACHING DEVICES

 

 

 

WALKER