Assistive technology

In

 this blog I will be talking about assistive technology. The definition for assistive technology is “technological interventions (devices) designed to enable engagement or participation in occupations through energy conservation, accommodation for diverse physical abilities, or chomprehension for functional limitations or disabilities” (Christansen & townsend, 2010)  To me this definition means that no whatever the circumstance there is technology that will help with the difficulties that any person is having and that it will improve their life for the better.

The piece of equipment that I am going to be using is the ipad. The cost of an ipad in New Zealand at the moment is approximately $579. There are so many different functions on the ipad but to name a few are hands free control, the touch to control, the voice recorder, the conversational mode and the many different type of games that are accessible. In the lecture that we had with an OT who has used the ipad he had many different uses for it he had the children communicating on and he had specific applications for the learning of specific children.  The first example I am going to use to show how the ipad is significant to occupational participation is a demo of how when you talk to the ipad it writes out what you have said, this could be a means of communication for people partaking in occupation. 

The next video that I am using is a video is a truly great one, it shows the viewer how the ipad changes the lives for children with autism. This one tool enables children to communicate, to learn and to create. This tool is going to help these children feel that they are able to learn in a way that is good for them a way that they are able to experience themselves.

Christansen, H & Townsend, A. (2010) An introduction to Occupation the art and science of living. Pearson inc.