Assistive Technology: An Overview

What Is Assistive Technology?

The functional capabilities of a person can be enhanced or maintained with the help of assistive technology. It benefits disabled people, people with non-communicable diseases, or aged individuals to lead a productive and healthy life. Assistive technology includes tools, aids, or devices that rehabilitate the patient. Both adults and children get assistance from such devices in enhancing participation, activeness, communication, education, and employment. Assistive technology aids range from magnifying glasses to highly complex digital systems. People with mental health conditions and functional problems may also get benefitted from assistive technology.

What Are the Types of Assistive Technology Aids Used for the Visually Impaired?

Visually impaired or blind people get benefitted from assistive technology. Some examples are listed below:

• Screen-Reading Software: Synthetic speech reads the content on the computer screen using screen-reading software. The software is usually made to get compatible with most devices. Certain devices come with inbuilt screen-reading software.

• Magnification Software: It follows a mouse cursor or keyboard and magnifies the contents on the screen. Individuals can use multiple technologies using a screen reader with magnification software. If the visual impairment is mild to moderate, adequate device settings adjustments help the individual view better. In case of severe visual impairment, additional magnification software might be required.

• Dictation Software: Individuals with visual impairment and another disability that makes them unable to type may benefit from dictation software. It may also convert electronic texts to braille and help get required printouts.

• Refreshable Braille Displays: The contents on the computer screen may be electronically raised and lowered on the required areas to convert to braille characters. A combination of pins is used for this. It allows visually impaired people to write, read and save the contents. These displays are made portable and are compatible with most devices and software.

• Closed-Circuit Televisions: Closed-circuit televisions (CCTV) contain a mounted camera to transfer the magnified visuals to a monitor. The zoom lenses attached to the cameras will be able to magnify the visuals to varying degrees.

• Optical Character Recognition (OCR) System: OCR systems convert printed text into digits, making it readable by the computer. It helps visually impaired people who cannot read printed texts.

• Magnifiers: The optical assistive aids include portable video magnifiers with cameras. It helps visually impaired people read logos, signs, etc.

What Are the Types of Assistive Technology Aids Used for the Deaf?

Assistive listening devices include the following:

• Personal Amplification System: Personal amplification system contains a neck loop, earphones, or a headphone. It consists of a device that transmits sound through a microphone and transmitter to the ear-aid. The devices are portable and help deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals to listen to conversations, television, etc.

• TV Hearing Aids: These are the aids that boost the sound from television and make it listenable for those who are hard of hearing.

• Audio Frequency Induction Loop (AFIL): Audio frequency induction or hearing loops are effective in one-on-one communication. It contains loops installed in the seating area. When an audio source is connected, the sound signals are transmitted through the cable and received by the hearing aid as wireless signals. It eliminates background noise, making the speakers sound crisp and clear.

• Wireless System: Hearing aids with wireless connectivity transmit sound waves. It has become a commonly used aid these days.

• Frequency Modulated System: Frequency modulated or FM system help to hear the required sounds in a noisy environment. The speaker uses a microphone with a transmitting unit, and the listener uses a receiver to listen to the speaker’s voice. Using frequency-modulated radio waves, the speaker's voice gets transmitted with the help of the transmitting unit to the receiver's device.

In addition to the above aids, making minor changes to the aids or devices used daily by people can make the life of deaf or hard-of-hearing individuals effortless. This includes vibrating alarm clocks, doorbells with light alerts, etc.

What Are the Types of Assistive Technology Aids Used for the Speech Impaired?

Some of the aids that help speech-impaired people communicate effectively are as follows:

• Voice Amplifier: A voice amplification system helps a person with difficulty speaking louder or with an underlying medical condition restricting speaking loudly. The amplifier amplifies or enhances the voice generated by the speaker, making it audible to the receiver.

• Communication Boards: A communication board is a sheet, chart, or board with symbols, photos, or pictures. It helps individuals, especially children, struggle to express their needs through speaking. The individuals will touch the required picture to represent their interests, preferences, or needs.

• Fluency Assistance Devices: Fluency assistance devices are effective for people with a stutter (a speech disorder affecting fluency).

• Speech Output Software: Speech output software converts typed words to sound. It is made compatible with any device. The user can type the words that are needed to be communicated, which gets converted to speech by the software. In addition, speech-generating devices are also available for those who cannot verbally communicate.

What Are the Assistive Technology Aids Used to Improve Mobility?

The following aids can assist a physically disabled person in moving:

• Wheelchairs.

• Mobility scooter.

• Walkers.

• Walking canes.

• Crutches.

How Is Assistive Technology Important in the Daily Life?

Assistive technology makes the disabled or aged individuals independent and enhances their life quality. It plays a crucial role in the daily routine tasks of such individuals. Ramps, lifts, remote-controlled systems, wheelchairs with slots to hold the cup, adapted plates, switch-operated appliances, reachers, adapted utensils, and household tools are examples of assistive technology-influenced aids used in one’s daily life.

Conclusion

Assistive technology includes the use of devices that helps a disabled or aged person do tasks. The aids are of different types based on the person’s requirements. It improves the physical and mental well-being of the individual by enhancing their self-esteem and making them feel independent. Physical, cognitive, speech and other needs may be assisted or helped with assistive devices. There are assistive devices that use moderate to high technology. On the other hand, certain aids work without any technological assistance.