AT Overview—School Environment

Assistive Technology:
An Overview
Revised from original by:
Dr. R. Fahey & Dr. A. Finch
Ft. Hayes state University
By:
Teresa Pinder
MLS/AT, OTR/L, ATP
AT: Defined as
Assistive technology is any item,
piece of equipment or product
system acquired commercially offthe-shelf, modified and/or
customized that is used to increase,
maintain, or improve capabilities of
individuals with disabilities.
(Modified from IDEA, 2004)
AT: Life skill areas
C-MERVIT
Communication
Mobility
Education
Recreation
Vocation
Independence
Therapy/Recreation
(National Association of State Directors of Special
Education--NASDSE)
AT: Levels of technology
Low technology
Mid- technology
High technology
Levels of Technology Depend
Upon:
Presents of power source
Level/amount of training required
for independent/functional use
Typical Criteria for AT Levels
Low Tech:
No power source
training requires verbal and
demonstration only for functional use
Mid-Tech:
simple AC power/batteries required
training requires demonstration and
written directions (small learning curve)
opportunities for practice needed to
obtain functional use
Typical Criteria for AT Levels
High Tech:
power is required in the form of a
rechargeable battery with power cord
extended/extensive training is required
(usually by a knowledgeable expert
opportunities for learning over time
required
Takes time, energy and effort for the
student and the support team over time to
achieve function /independent use
(Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology
Society of North America--RESNA)
AT: areas of impact on
school environment
C-MERVIT
Communication
Mobility
Education
Independence
AT: Life skill area:
Communication
Low Tech
Communication boards, books, or wallets
Mid-Tech
Static display devices, manual overlays (Go
Talk, Cheap Talk, Hip Talker)
Single message devices (big Mac, Step by
Step)
High Tech
Dynamic display AAC systems such as
Freestyle, Dynavox, ECO2, iPad
AT: Life skill area:
Mobility
Low Tech
Curb cuts, canes, walkers, leg braces,
Manual wheelchairs
Mid- Tech
Battery assisted transfer systems,
Power chairs
High Tech
Power lifts, adapted autos and vans
AT: Life skill area:
Education
Low Technology
Adapted pencils, key guards, slant
boards, head-pointers, page fluffers
Mid- Technology
Switch operated toys, calculators,
electronic games, Neo, Lite Writer
High Technology
Computers, word processors, adaptive
software and hardware systems for
input and output
AT: Life skill area:
Independence
Low Technology
Grab bars, adapted utensils, reachers,
“Velcro”, elastic shoe strings, visual
supports
Mid- Technology
Money scanners, simple environmental
control systems, vibrating alarm
clocks, automatic doors
High Technology
Complex environmental control
systems, voice activated systems
AT: “Golden” Rules
Multidisciplinary Team Approach
Assessment / Evaluation
Training and program planning
Evaluation and follow-up review
User and Family Input and
Involvement
Final “golden rule”….
“Never
use a high tech
solution for a low tech
problem…but never
underestimate your
abilities and potential!”