Assistive Technology Activities for Individuals with Special Needs

Assistive technology is a broad term that includes any device or piece of equipment that can be used to help a person perform a certain activity or enhance their ability to function. An adaptive device is any tool or device that has been modified in a specific way to make it easier for a person with a disability to use.

For people with disabilities, there are many different devices that can be used to allow them to participate in more activities, enhance learning, improve communication, hearing, and mobility, and facilitate daily life. Assistive technology is essential for helping people with disabilities succeed, live independently, and become self-reliant.
 

How Technology Can Be Utilized

Disabilities encompass a range of classifications, including physical, visual, intellectual, auditory, and communication difficulties. People with disabilities face many challenges, which may seem simple but are crucial in daily life, such as holding a pencil. The severity of these disabilities can range from mild to severe, potentially impairing quality of life, independence, and all aspects of health, from physical to emotional and social. Today, assistive technology plays a vital role in the lives of everyone, especially those with disabilities.
 

The Role of Assistive Technology in Communication

Communication is one of the challenges faced by many people with disabilities, such as those with hearing impairments. Difficulty in communication can lead to several other challenges, including the inability to express emotions and needs, difficulties in learning at school, and challenges in social interactions.

Thanks to technology, it is now possible to work with speech/language therapists to improve communication skills, translate words into sign language or vice versa. These specialists often use assistive technology.
 

Examples of Assistive Technology

• Electronic Communication Boards: These devices resemble tablets or can even be tablets using a specific app or program. A communication board offers the person a set of letters, words, numbers, and images. They can then select them to communicate with others. Depending on their ability, they may need instructions from a speech/language therapist to successfully use the communication board.
• Speech-Generating Devices: There is a more advanced version of the electronic communication board that actually generates speech. The person types words and sentences or taps them on the screen, and the device converts them into speech that others can clearly understand.
• Eye-Tracking Devices: This type of device is preferred for children who are unable to use their arms, hands, or fingers to tap on the images on the communication board. These individuals can benefit from an eye-tracking device, which monitors where the eyes move and look. When the child looks at a particular word or image on the communication board, it is selected without needing to physically tap the surface.
• Writing Devices: Many individuals lack the fine motor skills needed to hold a pencil or press individual keys on a keyboard. Written communication is important for children who cannot speak easily or at all, and it is also essential for academic work. There are many devices available that can make it easier for a child to write.
• Hearing Devices: Hearing loss is a problem that affects millions, resulting in difficulty acquiring information and communicating. However, technology has made significant strides in providing devices to improve hearing ability. Various advanced hearing devices, for example, can facilitate hearing for those with partial hearing loss.

Benefits of Assistive Technology

Using assistive technological devices can offer numerous benefits to people with disabilities, including:

• Better academic performance.
• Increased participation in activities and recreation.
• More engaged social life.
• Improved communication with others and better responsiveness.
• Greater ability to express emotions.
• Enhanced self-confidence.
• Increased independence and self-reliance.
• More opportunities.

In conclusion, assistive technology offers invaluable support to people with disabilities, allowing them to overcome barriers and enhance their quality of life. By providing tools and devices that cater to their specific needs, assistive technology not only improves their ability to communicate, learn, and participate in various activities but also fosters independence and self-esteem. As technology continues to evolve, it holds the potential to further empower individuals with disabilities, creating a more inclusive and accessible world for everyone.