Tutorial Eight: Assistive technology

The purpose of this blog is to provide a technical description about the use, function and availability of one piece of assistive technology presented in tutorial time.

According to Cook & Hussey (2000), “Assistive technology refer to a broad range of devices, services, strategies and practices that are conceived and applied to ameliorate the problems faced by individuals who have disabilities.”

My interpretation is that assistive devices are range of equipment designed to aid a person who has some form of physical limitations or impairments. The aim of the assistive devices is to enhance and enable a person to perform their meaningful occupations.

An example of an assistive device introduced in tutorial eight is the Jelly Bean Switch. The functional purpose of this device is to help people who find it difficult to use computer keyboards and mice due to physical limitations or impairtments. People with learning disabilities can benefit from it as well as it is easy to operate with a computer. It also gives auditory and tactile feedback. It is 24cm wide in diameter and comes in different colours. The Star Educational website has priced it at $90. An example of a Jelly Bean Switch is

The link below shows an animated demonstration of how these switches are used:
http://www.bltt.org/switch/ani_ssa.htm

Reference:

Cook, A.M. & Hussey, S.M. (2000). Assistive technologies: principles and practice. Mosby: California.