What is assistive technology? It is any item, equipment, or product system, whether purchased commercially off the shelf, modified, or customized, that is used to increase, maintain, or improve the functional capabilities of people with disabilities. Some assistive technology is fairly simple and is often called "low tech". Low tech devices are typically nonelectrical (or battery operated) such as large button phones, tape recorders, or portable room intercoms. More sophisticated, electronically based devices are called "high tech". High tech items include such things as power wheelchairs, augmentative communication devices, and environmental control systems.
The nature and sophistication of assistive technology is changing rapidly due to advances in computer technology and the increasing feedback from those the technology is designed to serve. Today, technology is assisting people with disabilities in a number of important areas. These include: daily living aids such as telephone adaptations, visual signal aids, page turners, and environmental control systems; speech aids such as amplifiers and electrolarynx; visual aids such as closed circuit TV, Braille devices, and optical character readers; electronic communication aids such as augmentative communication devices, telecommunication devices for the deaf, and electronic notebooks; hearing aids and listening devices; and modified computer access aids that allow the use of computers by providing different (and individually accessible) means of selecting, scanning, encoding, displaying, and making audible computer input and output.
Has assistive technology made a difference with individuals being served by supported living agencies? From the looks of what has happened thus far, the answer is yes. A significant number of consumers are using assistive devices of one kind or another in order to increase their independence. Some rather common instances are wheelchair adaptations that make the chair more comfortable and usable, and switch adaptations that allow the individual to navigate more successfully.
Environmental control systems have also been purchased. These allow the individual in a wheelchair to activate switches that do things such as open the door, open or close the drapes, and adjust the thermostat, TV or VCR.
In a few cases, sophisticated computerized communication systems have been purchased . One such system includes an adapted IBM PC laptop computer mounted on the wheelchair with a communication program that includes synthesized speech with pre-programmed words and phrases, all controlled by a knee-activated switch.
Given the complexity of some assistive technology it isn't surprising that its use has not been trouble-free. Some of the most complex devices are not off-the-shelf technology. They must be custom adapted with switches, mechanical parts, and computer software to each individual's particular needs. Often this involves customizing, trying, and a redesigning process that takes time and money and can be frustrating and discouraging to the individual.
As service agencies gain more experience with the world of adaptive technology, a practical approach to such aids emerges. Linda Jones, program manager at UCP in North L.A., summed it up this way: "The more complicated the equipment, the more it tends to breakdown, so look for the simplest solutions first. It's not really an issue of cost, but an issue of how well any assistive device can serve a consumer's needs over time." Obviously an undependable piece of expensive technology is a lot less helpful than something less fancy but which works consistently.
As with so many other important decisions, questions about what assistive technology might be appropriate can only be answered on an individual basis. It would appear though that assistive devices are making significant improvements in the lives of many of the people being served by CSLA agencies. Sonia Art from Carlsbad, talking about her power wheelchair, put it this way: "Assistive technology has enabled me to be independent. If we didn't get help from technology what would we do?"
Excerpted from Imagine That! is a quarterly newsletter about supported living
published by Allen, Shea & Associates, 1040 Main Street, Suite
200 B, Napa, CA 94559, (707) 258-1326 under contract with the
California Department of Development Services HD390061.