Assistive Technology Overview

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Assistive Technology Overview
TechDis Staff Packs
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Pre-requisite knowledge

• Before exploring this pack you should have looked
  at
• What is Accessibility?
• An Introduction to the Disability Legislation.

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Principles of Universal Design

• Equitable Use.
• Flexibility in Use.
• Simple, Intuitive Use.
• Perceptible Information.
• Tolerance for Error.
• Low Physical Effort.
• Size and Space for Approach Use.

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What is Assistive Technology?
Assistive technology is an umbrella term for
any device or system that allows an individual to
perform a task they would otherwise be unable to
do, or increases the ease and safety with which
the task can be performed. Royal Commission
definition (1999).
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Requirements for the User

• Suitable Method.
• Growth Potential.
• Reliability and Durability.
• Portability.
• Speed.
• Ease of Learning and Use.
• Compatibility.
• Cost and Preference.

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Assistive Technology Users

• Blind / Visual Impairment.
• Cognitive / Learning Difficulties.
• Deaf / Hearing Impairment.
• Dyslexia / Specific Learning Difficulty.
• Hidden.
• Manual Dexterity.
• Mobility Impairment.
• Speech.
• Everyone!

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Specific Learning Difficulties or Dyslexia

• Derived from other solutions
• Scanning/OCR.
• Talking Word Processors.
• Speech output tends to work well.
• Writing tools spell checkers dictionaries,
  mindmapping.

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Low Technology Options

• Tape Recorders or Minidiscs.
• HandheldOrganisers/PDA.
• Coloured overlays and sticky notes.

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Assistive Technology for Mobility

• Access to the Graphical User Interface
• Trackballs.
• Keyboard.
• Joystick.
• Foot control.
• Head Pointers.

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Assistive Technology for Mobility and Dexterity

• Virtual on-screen Keyboard
• Full keyboard functionality.
• Word Prediction
• Reduces keystrokes
• Often works with Virtual Keyboard.
• Switch Input
• Scanning, Morse code.

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Assistive Technology for Mobility and Dexterity

• Speech input
• Discrete vs. Continuous.
• "Cognitive Overload.
• PC Platform lots of power.
• Alternate Keyboards
• Mini.
• Large.
• One-handed.

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Assistive Technology for Visual Impairment

• Large Monitors.
• Closed Circuit Televisions (CCTVs).
• Enlarged keyboard labels.
• Screen Enlargement
• Simple - Increase font, Decrease resolution.
• Complex May include limited speech output.

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Assistive Technology for No Vision

• Speech Output screen reader
• Dedicated vs. sound card.
• Software.
• Scanner/Readers.
• Braille
• Refreshable display.
• Embossed output.

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Assistive Technology for Deaf or Hard of Hearing

• Loop Systems.
• Radio listening devices and amplification.
• Alerting devices.
• Sound sentry on the computer.
• Captioning for videos.
• Text phones minicom.

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Conclusions
Assistive Technology - effectively implemented -
can make a real difference to the learner. To
make the benefits sustainable make sure the
following are in place.

• Commitment - take on an application and give time
  on task.
• Training - an appreciation of the time required
  and therefore costs.
• Support making sure it is good and continues.
• Reinvestment Maintenance contracts.