[PDF] Adaptive + Assistive Technology

20824_3AdaptiveandAssistiveTechnology.pdf

Adaptive + Assistive Technology

What is Engineering?

• Engineering is the process of creating technology." • Technology is changing the natural environment to satisfy our needs and wants

What is Bioengineering?

• Bioengineering is the application of engineering (technology) to living things, such as humans and plants.

• Bioengineers look at problems that occur in living things and create technology that will help with these problems.

Assistive Bioengineering

• Technology that is developed to help organisms, but DOES NOT change them. • ASSIST = HELP • Examples: - Eyeglasses - Wheelchairs - Antibiotics Assistive Technology devices and services "help individuals with special needs: & read ✢ work with numbers ! write : use a computer ! study " see # hear $ communicate

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Assistive Technology and IDEA"

http://idea.ed.gov/

Assistive Technology Device: any item, piece of equipment or product that is used to increase, maintain or improve functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities.

Low-tech • pencil grip

• adapted books • slant board • highlighters, tape • magnifiers • color coding • picture communication • sign language • picture schedule • extra time • peer support

Mid-Tech • word processor

• text to speech • spell checker • calculator • digital recorders • organizers • e-books • adapted keyboard • adapted mouse • adapted toys • CCTV

High-Tech • computer

• smartphones, smartpens • PDAs • OCR software • magnification software • speech output devices • switch, joystick access • scanning access • voice recognition • environmental control devices

Why Assistive Technology?

• promotes self esteem • improves quality of life • increases productivity • enhances performance • increases independence

Adaptive Bioengineering

• Technology developed to help living organisms and DOES change them. • ADAPT = CHANGE • Examples: - Lasik Eye Surgery - Knee replacement - New strains of crop in agriculture