Tutorial 8

Tutorial Eight: Assistive technology

Provide a definition of Assistive technology (your Cook and Hussey reading may be helpful with this).

The adaptive devices, services, strategies and practices used to assist people with disabilities are referred to as assistive technology.

Describe one piece of equipment introduced in the assistive technology tutorial. Provide information on size, cost and functions.

Sunny sunshine switch: It lights up, vibrates and plays music when stroked. It plays 3 tunes with 8 lights flashing. If a device such as a radio is plugged in, then the stroke would also evoke the activation of the radio. This device costs approximately $110.00 NZD.

How does your chosen piece of equipment increased functional capacity for the user? Provide examples here from the tutorial and lecture.

When using switches in devices like radio, lights, blenders etc it requires fine motor control of the fingers. The sunny sunshine switch can be used by people who have gross motor control of their arms. They only need to rest their hand on it or stroke it and do not require fine motor control. Therefore, those especially children (because of the make that is colourfully adapted for them) find it easier to use as well as amusing as lights and music goes of when touched. In this way, children can become more independent by having this device to control lights, radio etc that is connected through the sunny sunshine switch.