From Autism Transition Handbook
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=== Mayer-Johnson === | === Mayer-Johnson === | ||
Mayer-Johnson specializes in developing assistive technology devices that range from high to low tech aids. To browse their many products, please visit [http://www.mayer-johnson.com/category/assistive-technology www.mayer-johnson.com]. | Mayer-Johnson specializes in developing assistive technology devices that range from high to low tech aids. To browse their many products, please visit [http://www.mayer-johnson.com/category/assistive-technology www.mayer-johnson.com]. | ||
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Revision as of 21:15, 3 August 2012
Contents |
Assistive Technology Overview
The purpose of Assistive Technology is to help individuals with disabilities of all ages with various aspects of daily living. The Technology-Related Assistance for Individuals with Disabilities Act (also referred to as the Tech Act) defines assistive technology as any item, piece of equipment, or system, whether acquired commercially, modified, or customized, that is commonly used to increase, maintain, or improve functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities.
Individuals with autism can achieve greater independence and an enhanced quality of life through assistive technology by gaining the ability to perform tasks more easily. Numerous assistive technology devices are available, but finding a device that suits a person’s individualized needs is key.
What is the law?
Tech Act (Public Law 105-394) states: Substantial progress has been made in the development of assistive technology devices, including adaptations to existing equipment, that significantly benefit individuals with disabilities of all ages. Such devices can be used to increase the involvement of such individuals in, and reduce expenditures associated with, programs and activities such as early intervention, education, rehabilitation and training, employment, residential living, independent living, recreation, and other aspects of daily living.
What types of Assistive Technology are available?
Federally funded, ABLEDATA is a searchable database that provides objective information, such as detailed product descriptions, pricing, and company information, on assistive technologies and rehabilitative equipment. Although there are almost 40,000 product listings, the site allows for efficient navigation to the desired product through systematic categories. To view the main categories, please visit ABLEDATA's categories page. The site also has a variety of resources to find local information centers, contains a library of publications as well as information on customized product designs.
Below is only a sampling of assistive technology that is available. Since assistive technology can sometimes be an expensive investment and finding the best fit for an individual is important, a variety of things must be taken into consideration.
Considerations Before Purchasing Assistive Technology
- Research the equipment that you are thinking about purchasing. Try to find out as much as possible about the product through the Internet, library, or the opinions of those who have used this product before.
- Always consider the needs of the individual that will be using the technology and get his or her input as to what he/she prefers, can use, will use.
- Equipment should not be purchased just because it is available; there should be a need.
- Does the individual have any previous experience using a similar device?
- What kind of warranty comes with the product?
- Does the individual have any challenging behaviors which might interfere with the use of the equipment?
- How much does the device cost? Is funding from an agency an option?
- Is a high tech product really necessary or can a low tech device achieve the same results?
Picture Exchange Communication System
Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) is a form of augmentative and alternative communication that utilizes pictures rather than words as a way to help individuals with autism communicate with others. Through PECS, individuals can initiate conversations and communicate their thoughts more easily. PECS is designed to build upon basic pictures so that one can communicate complete sentences, either simple or complex, through pictures. In more advanced phases, individuals can answer questions and make comments as well. The six phases are detailed on the PECS website.
Studies detailed in Autism, Augmentative Communication, and Assistive Technology: What Do We Really Know? have shown that PECS along with other types of AT invoke the potential for students to develop robust verbal skills.
MyVoice
MyVoice is a digital version of a picture board that allows individuals to express their thoughts and needs through pictures paired with recordings. It is an alternative and augmentative communications aid that can be used on an iPod, iPad, iPhone, or Android.
Proloquo2Go
Proloquo2Go is an augmentative and alternative communication aid that allows individuals to better communicate with others. This application contains 14,000 symbols that are each paired with a word and picture to generate comprehensive speech. Automatic conjugation and word prediction make it easy to use on an iPad, iPhone, or iPod touch.
Switchamajig Controller
Switchamajig Controller utilizes the iPad’s touch screen to control anything that is switch-adapted.
TapToTalk
TapToTalk allows individuals to choose from a library of pictures and add any voice or recording to the picture to create individualized picture albums for communication on a variety of electronic devices (Apple products, Kindle, Nook, Android products, Nintendo DS, BlackBerry PlayBook, and PCs).
Photo Dial Telephones
Photo Dial Telephones: Photo phones allow individuals to pair pictures with speed dial buttons for convenient dialing.
Mayer-Johnson
Mayer-Johnson specializes in developing assistive technology devices that range from high to low tech aids. To browse their many products, please visit www.mayer-johnson.com.
