tutorial seven~ ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY

Assistive technology is used to give function to people who have lost this as the result of an impairment(physical, physiological or anatomical) and an environment designed to suit the dominant population resulting in the individual being disabled. Assistive technology is available in many forms- devices, services, strategies and practices.
During our tutorial we looked at a number of assistive devices that are used with children from Kimi Ora School. The definition of an assistive device from the Cook & Husey (1995) reading defines assistive technology as....
"Any item, piece of equipment, or product system whether acquired commercially off the shelf, modified or custimized that is used to increase or improve functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities".

An example of an assistive device is the Buddy Button. These can be purchased from http://www.star-educational.co.nz/ for $110.00.They are available in a range of colours and designs.

Use to activate- -
electrical appliances via an environmental control unit
battery operated adapted toys and games
a computer through a switch interface
AAC device through a switch port.

Specifications-
63mm activation surface
Height 18mm
Equipped with a 2m cable

The Buddy Button can be used to switch on and off appliances. I've seen this switch being used in a school to make scones. This can be useful to teach children about cause and effect, hand eye co-ordination and decision making skills but over all the buddy switch provides the user with a sense of CONTROL .The buddy button provides audible and tactile feedback to the user and if the user has poor contol over upper extremities there is a bigger buddy button avialable from the same website.