WHAT IS IT AND CAN IT HELP MY CHILD?
By Maggie Sauer, M.S., CCC/SLP
Assistive technology is a term
which sounds very technical but in reality, has some very practical applications.
For individuals with disabilities, it can provide the opportunity for them to participate
in every aspect of everyday life. It can be very simple and with more complex applications
become very technical. The most important thing is that it enables children and adults to
participate in play, school, home, and work. It is anything from a simple device to assist
someone to reach an item on a high shelf, dress or groom themselves to computers that will
speak, control appliances in the environment, open doors and access the Internet.
In 1988 a law was passed (PL 100-407 Technology for Persons with Disabilities Act),
which provided the first federally recognized definition of assistive technology. It was
defined as:
"any item, piece of equipment or product system whether acquired commercially off the
shelf, modified, or customized that is used to increase or improve functional capabilities
of individuals with disabilities. Furthermore, it is any service that directly assists an
individual with a disability in the selection, acquisition or use of an assistive
technology device."
This legislation was important because it recognized the need for assistive technology and
became the definition used in many laws passed since that time such as Individuals with
Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) as well as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Both laws provide opportunities for children to participate in their schools and
communities to the best of their abilities. Additionally, the definition recognizes not
only the tools and/or technology needed to accomplish this but the critical services that
accompany them and ensure their success. Services include:
Evaluation;
Purchasing, leasing, or providing the acquisition of assistive technology devices;
Selecting, designing, fitting, customizing, adapting, applying, maintaining, repairing, or replacing of assistive technology devices;
Coordinating and using other therapies, interventions, or services with assistive technology devices;
Training or technical assistance for an individual with disabilities and/or family; and
Training or technical assistance for professionals who provide or are involved in the major life functions of individuals with disabilities.
Assistive
technology has great potential to help children participate. However, it is not the
"miracle cure". The services described above along with the commitment of
families and parents are the real glue to making possibilities come to life. The real
question of whether assistive technology can help your child comes from an ongoing
dialogue which begins at an early age and continues through adulthood. Just as our needs,
interests and abilities change throughout life, so does the child and the family they are
born to. For this reason, assistive technology should be viewed as an ever changing
process to enhance and maintain participation in their community. Examples of this
include:
Jake age 9- when Jake was originally diagnosed with cerebral palsy, he was two
and 1/2 years old. He was anxious to participate in the environment around him and
communicate his ideas. He began with some simple communication boards and special seating.
As his needs changed and he grew, modifications were continually being made. Today, Jake
moves his power wheelchair by using a joystick with his foot. The joystick also enables
him to control his computer. He participates in a regular classroom at his neighborhood
school.
Lindsay age 10- Lindsay has Down Syndrome that effects her speech and motor
skills. She can walk but occasionally uses a wheelchair if she has to travel a long
distance. Lindsay's speech is about 80% intelligible, she only needs to be reminded to
slow down so that people can understand what she is saying. She uses a computer with
special software to help her produce words and letters more quickly. The computer will try
to guess what word she is typing and provide a list for her to choose from. In this way,
Lindsay, no longer has to type all the letters and can complete her school tasks more
quickly. She learns using lots of visual images to supplement her work, the computer
provides this type of assistance to her. Lindsay loves the Internet and typing e-mail
messages to her friends.
These are only two examples of children who use assistive technology. There are many
many more. These children along with their families and community resources will continue
to grow up and become more independent.
North Carolina has a variety of resources available to assist you in obtaining more
information:
North Carolina Assistive Technology Project - (919) 850-2787
Partnerships in Assistive Technology - (919) 872-2298 or http://www.pat.org/
Internet sites:
Check-It-Out - Web site containing information on assistive technology activities across the state and equipment available for loan http://www.check-it-out.org/
Project Generations/Tadpole - Assistive technology loan program- 1 (888) ATTRYIT or http://www.tadpole.org/
The Village - containing lots of information related to individuals with disabilities http://www.familyvillage.wisc.edu/
Telehealth Disability Links: