An Introduction To Assistive Technology

"Globally, more than one billion people suffer some form of disability and may require assistive devices for their functioning. Only 5 to 10% of them can access some level of rehabilitation services. Assistive technology is essential while providing rehabilitation services to people with disabilities or health impairment. The first edition of this book will help professionals working in habilitation and rehabilitation services, and the chapters cover various aspects of assistive technologies. The first chapter shares existing evidence on assistive technologies (ATs) that aid in rehabilitation intervention among children and adolescents with neurodevelopmental disorders. It provides the reader with a selective overview of the newest empirical contributions available in the literature on the use of AT-based interventions for enabling adaptive skills and reducing challenging behaviors in children with neurodevelopmental disabilities. The second chapter highlights the ViEW, a computer-based assistive technology for visual impairment. ViEW (Vision Enhancement for the World) is a portable device that uses a computer vision technique to extract textual information. The product can notify the nearest objects surrounding an individual with vision loss and read aloud with audio. The product will aid in teaching students at schools for the blind. The third and fourth chapters explain the existing classification for ATs for visual impairment and various devices that can be used to perform daily living tasks. This chapter is designed for people working in eye care services, teachers, trainers in schools for the blind, community based visual rehabilitation workers, or other interested persons. Chapter five presents advanced information and communication technologies (ICT) that may be used in bathroom safety without compromising personal privacy. Bathroom safety is extremely important, especially for older persons living independently at home. The chapter reviews trends in ICT development and presents state-of-the-art solutions for safe bathing, bath accident detection and prevention. Chapter six describes the applications of assistive software products in children with autism spectrum disorders, where researchers deal with multiple factors to get closer to creating a model for children with autism for use in creating interactive apps. Chapter seven sheds light on the newest contributions in virtual-reality (VR) based intervention in neurodegenerative diseases (Alzheimer's and/or Parkinson's diseases, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis or multiple sclerosis). The outcomes in the majority of VR based interventions were positive. The final chapter critically reviews the use of ATs and other relevant literature on the patient-centered design of ATs, which will ultimately help adoption pathways"--

"The QIAT Leadership Team: Gayl Bowser, Joan Breslin-Larson, Diana Foster Carl, Kelly Fonner, Terry Foss, Jane Korsten, Kathy Lalk, Scott Marfilius, Susan McCloskey, Penny Reed, Joy Smiley Zabala."

It's here: the latest edition of the one text you need to master assistive strategies, make confident clinical decisions, and help improve the quality of life for people with disabilities. Based on the Human Activity Assistive Technology (HAAT) model, Assistive Technologies: Principles and Practice, 4th Edition provides detailed coverage of the broad range of devices, services, and practices that comprise assistive technology, and focuses on the relationship between the human user and the assisted activity within specific contexts. Updated and expanded, this new edition features coverage of new ethical issues, more explicit applications of the HAAT model, and a variety of global issues highlighting technology applications and service delivery in developing countries. Human Activity Assistive Technology (HAAT) framework demonstrates assistive technology within common, everyday contexts for more relevant application. Focus on clinical application guides you in applying concepts to real-world situations. Review questions and chapter summaries in each chapter help you assess your understanding and identify areas where more study is needed. Content on the impact of AT on children and the role of AT in play and education for children with disabilities demonstrates how AT can be used for early intervention and to enhance development. Coverage of changing AT needs throughout the lifespan emphasizes how AT fits into people's lives and contributes to their full participation in society. Principles and practice of assistive technology provides the foundation for effective decision-making. NEW! Global issues content broadens the focus of application beyond North America to include technology applications and service delivery in developing countries. NEW! Ethical issues and occupational justice content exposes you to vital information as you start interacting with clients. NEW! More case studies added throughout the text foster an understanding of how assistive technologies are used and how they function. NEW! Updated content reflects current technology and helps keep you current. NEW! Explicit applications of the HAAT model in each of the chapters on specific technologies and more emphasis on the interactions among the elements make content even easier to understand.

Integrating current research with the experiences of people with cognitive disabilities, this volume examines how assistive and cognitive support technologies are being harnessed to provide assistance for thinking, remembering, and learning. The book vividly describes real-life situations in which cognitively impaired individuals use assistive supports and the advantages and limitations these individuals perceive from their use. It provides information on how cognitively impaired individuals and their families and caregivers can select the most appropriate technologies from a wide array of accommodations and resources, including individualized protocols of different forms of support to facilitate optimal functioning. The text offers practitioners a comprehensive and systematic process for ensuring their clients' effective application and utilization of this technology. This book will also provide insight for users of assistive technology and their families and caregivers to ensure optimal technology use. Key Features: Outlines an effective process for integrating assistive technologies into the activities and lifestyle of users with cognitive disabilities Explains how to match individuals with the most appropriate devices to enhance independent functioning Provides a detailed overview of neurological and physical characteristics of various cognitive disabilities present at birth or acquired through accident, illness, or aging Includes figures, checklists, assessment tools, and illustrations throughout the text for enhanced learning

This volume in The SAGE Reference Series on Disability explores issues involving assistive technology engineering and science. It is one of eight volumes in the cross-disciplinary and issues-based series, which incorporates links from varied fields making up Disability Studies as volumes examine topics central to the lives of individuals with disabilities and their families. With a balance of history, theory, research, and application, specialists set out the findings and implications of research and practice for others whose current or future work involves the care and/or study of those with disabilities, as well as for the disabled themselves. The presentational style (concise and engaging) emphasizes accessibility. Taken individually, each volume sets out the fundamentals of the topic it addresses, accompanied by compiled data and statistics, recommended further readings, a guide to organizations and associations, and other annotated resources, thus providing the ideal introductory platform and gateway for further study. Taken together, the series represents both a survey of major disability issues and a guide to new directions and trends and contemporary resources in the field as a whole.

This is the eBook of the printed book and may not include any media, website access codes, or print supplements that may come packaged with the bound book. This up-to-date book shows how assistive technology can be used in all kinds of classrooms, at all grade levels, to enhance the teaching and learning of students with a wide range of disabilities. The emphasis is on the integration of assistive technology into the curriculum. It addresses the challenges teachers face when using assistive technology to teach new skills to students with disabilities, to increase their independence and productivity, and to provide them with access to the general education curriculum. The text discusses disability categories within the context of school-related tasks and technology-based solutions to avoid misleading readers into simply pairing a certain diagnosis with a certain tech tool. The new edition of Assistive Technology in the Classroom keeps readers abreast of relevant new developments in mobile devices and assistive technology through a new chapter on how to use assistive technology to create visual supports and promote positive behavior, chapter updates on available mobile devices, expanded information on Universal Design for Learning, and additional ideas and discussion on how to match technology tools to a student’s specific needs and strengths.

Cities are the places where the greatest technological advances will take place in the near future, and important efforts are being directed towards autonomy and independence for each and every citizen. However, these efforts are rarely coordinated or integrated among governments, citizens, and private firms. In this book, assistive technology solutions are approached considering the smart cities scenario. The book discusses how assistive technologies can be adapted to this new reality. In fact, several challenges arise, stimulating the evolution of current technologies, relying on ubiquitous sensing, big data, and anytime/anywhere access and control. The book presents research under development, not necessarily with consolidated results. Even though the idea of smart cities is still not a recognized concept in most countries, its relevance and application are spreading rapidly.

Volume numbers determined from Scope of the guidelines, p. 12-13.