Assistive
Technology is define as:
Any item, piece
of equipment or product system whether required commercially or off the shelf, modified or customized that is
used to increase or improve functional capabilities of individuals with
disabilities.
Ref: Cook,
A.M., & Hussey, S.M. (2002).
Assistive technologies: principals and practice. St Louis: Mosby.
My
interpretation of this definition, a selection of ingenious devises or tools
that serves the purpose of improving a person’s ability to carry out daily
functions. These devises can be home
made, adaptive or commercially provided to fill a deficient in function.
The
definition by Cook et al, covers a vast variety of devices and systems. These can be categorized into 3 areas being:
Assistive versus rehabilitation or
educational technologies:
To develop skills to use assistive technology in the process of rehabilitation
it is usually called upon to use educational technology e.g. cognitive
retaining software). Cook et al, (2002).
Low to high technology:
This refers to the catagoring devices into whether they are expensive to
use or easily made e.g. a pencil grip as opposed to a wheelchair. Cook et al,
(2002).
Hard and soft: Hard
are tangible, ready to use, easy to assemble.
Soft are involved in human areas i.e. decision making, training,
strategies, etc. Cook et al, (2002).
Reading Pen2.
The following
information is a description on a gadget called Reading Pen2 and this is considered
assistive technology.
It is a hand
held pen, battery operated. Size (L x W
x H) 163 x 38 x 23mm with cover. The
cost can be expected to be around $675.00 retail.
Functions:
- Displays selected word in large font to enable easier, clearer viewing
- Reads scanned text aloud.
- Spells out scanned words.
- Direct look-up of idioms/phases.
- Recognition of a wide range of printed font types and sizes.
- Right and left hand support.
Reading Pen2
is ideal for people with reading or learning disabilities or for people who
have English as a second language. The
pen has been designed for people suffering from dyslexia or learning disabilities. It supports with reading and ideal for those
who struggle with spelling, pronunciation and comprehension. Use of this pen encourages independent and
inclusive learning, thus additional support is decreased.
Ref: Star
Education Ltd: Mobility & Disability Centre. (n.d.). Reading pen2 [Brochure]. WizCom Technologies Ltd.
Since the pen
has been designed for people with dyslexia, its most beneficial use
would be in a classroom. They come in
two levels, being, child and adult.
Proper use of this pen would enable students to participate actively in class
work, perform better in exams and give them the incentive and confidence to
continue with education. People with
English as a second language will find it supportive for education and everyday
use where translation or pronunciation may be difficult.
Any assistive
device that enables a person, with a disability, i.e. dyslexia will have an
impact on their ability to perform and succeed within any learning
environment. Some people in the past
have not had the assistance or support with their struggle in learning and
comprehension difficulties so have experienced occupation deprivation due to
dropping out of the school system or unable to maintain employment in certain
areas. As their disability is permanent,
without help, it would deprive them of many occupational opportunities.
The following links are videos of how the Reading Pen2 can be used by people with dyslexia.
This link demonstrates how the pen works.
Ref:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nu1jvE68B9c&feature=related
For manufacturer's information please visit Spectronics
