Have you ever thought about how you might need to use assistive technology in the home environment? Imagine how hard it would be to reach something on a shelf if you could not stand without assistance, how difficult it would be to button your shirt if you had poor finger dexterity or how hard it would be to grocery shop without a written list of items. This Little Byte of Technology focuses on daily living activities and items, known as assistive technology devices, that help persons with disabilities to complete tasks that many people take for granted.
According to the Assistive Technology Act of 1998, the term "assistive technology device" is defined as 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. According to this definition, any piece of equipment, from a pill crusher to a fully integrated system with speech input/output, are assistive technology devices. The following are few popular assistive technology devises.
Reachers
Reachers are light-weight devices that assist with reaching items outside a person's natural reach. There are several different models on the market, however they all accomplish the same task. The device is held in one hand with a trigger system to operate the grab mechanisms, which are like jaws that are extended on a metal arm. Some models have a locking system that allow the person to lock on to the item they are trying to reach without maintaining pressure on the trigger system. The arms of the "reachers" are approximately 14" to 30" long and some models fold for easy transporting. These devices are relatively inexpensive with a cost ranging from approximately $10 to $30.
Button Aids
Button aids are small pen-like devices with a metal loop that is passed through the button eyelet, over the button and then pulled back through the button eyelet to close the garment. This device requires the use of only one hand to operate and can be used by either a right or left handed person. The grips of the handle come in wood or plastic that that is modeled for more accurate control. Some of the models have an attached zipper hook that assists with the zippering process. The price ranges from approximately $7 to $15. Another option for buttons is to remove the existing button and use Velcro in its place. Several companies sell Velcro button aides that attach where the button would have been and have a button attached to the back side of the Velcro for the look of a real button. These items can be sewn or taped into place and are machine washable. They sell from $12 to $30 depending upon the quantity.
Talking Memo or Mini Voice Recorder
These devices, which can record messages from a few seconds to several hours, can be used to record personal information for someone with limited communication. Many people use them to store phone numbers, grocery lists or "to do" lists. The possibilities of uses for these are endless. The advantage of these digital recorders is that it can be used over and over. The operation depends upon the model but most have simple button for record and play back. The price ranges from $8 to several hundred depending upon the length of record time and model.
These items and many others can be purchased from several companies through out the world. Listed below are links to companies that sell assistive technology devices for personal use.
Look for information on switches for communication and recreational activities in future issues of the newsletter.
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