Assistive Technology, Devices Flashcards
Alternative and augmentative communication (AAC)
Type of high or low technology device to assist or replace verbal/gestural communication, assist individuals with verbal deficits express basic needs, emotions, thoughts, and/or converse with others
AAC pointing device
Physical input device used to point at the desired location on a standard or graphic keyboard, beneficial for persons with decreased manual dexterity
Assistive technology: control enhancer
Equipment used to improve the control an individual has for using direct selection assistive technology
Types include:
- postural supports (laptray, lateral supports)
- hand/arm devices (orthotic, strap, pointer)
- head-mounted devices (stick, pointer, headrest)
Environmental control unit
Computerized or mechanized systems that enable a person with physical limitations to independently control or interact within their environment, may be activated by:
- voice
- eye gaze
- switch
Assistive technology: output
Devices that communicate the outcome of data processing from an information processing system, examples include:
- braille
- voice
Assistive technology: input controls
Devices used to enter data and perform control functions on computers or other electronic devices, examples include:
- joy stick
- trackballs
- touch screens
High-tech communication board
Type of electronic or computerized augmentative communication device that produces a synthesized voice
Allows a user with verbal deficits to express thoughts, needs, emotions, and to converse with others
Discrete control
Relates to the specificity of activating an assistive technology device
Can be binary or involve a single event, such as:
- on/off (binary)
- open/close (binary)
- changing TV channel (single event)
- calling telephone numbers (single event)
Deactivation
The release of a control interface used to turn off a specific assistive technology feature
Evaluation of the effort and movement required to release the control interface should be considered in the selection process
Concept keyboard
Type of keyboard that utilizes pictures, symbols, or whole words instead of letters and numbers
Alternative input
Hardware or software available for individuals to interact with a device in a nontraditional way
Examples:
- sip and puff
- eye gaze systems
- voice recognition software
- mechanical switches
Icon prediction
A feature of AAC devices that aids in recalling stored sequences of symbols and narrowing the field of choices to allow a person to communicate more efficiently
Mobile assistive robots
Assistive technology device that can move and complete relatively complex tasks as directed by the client
Types include:
- w/c mounted
- mobile base mounted
Mobile robotic platforms
Assistive device that has wheels, a robotic arm, and a tray
Can perform manipulative tasks, monitor the user, and/or provide cognitive and physical support
Teleoperated robot
Type of robot that requires the client to use multiple controls the robot in space
The robot makes no decisions and only responds to the commands of the client
Asynchronous telehealth technology
Therapeutic interventions that do not occur live and may include:
- video clips
- sensor technologies
- online use of standardized assessments
Synchronous telehealth technology
Use of live, interactive audio and visual technology for health management that may include:
- videoconferencing
- telephone
Fully autonomous robot
Type of robot that complete high-level tasks without the client providing instructions
The robot will make decisions independently related to the subtasks and functions
Low-tech communication board
Type of inexpensive AAC that does not require electronic or computer assistance
Consists of letters, selected words, of pictures to assist individuals with verbal deficits express basic needs and emotions
Rehabilitative technology
The application of technology in the intervention of persons with disabilities with a focus on compensation, facilitation, or restoration of functional skills to support participation in occupations
Assistive technology
Devices that have the potential to compensate for loss of function, facilitate independence, and restore functional skills
Control interface
A device that allows a client to interact with assistive technology
Selection set
Choices that are available on an AT device that a user may select from
Types include:
- direct: user selects a target and controls the device as a one-step process
- indirect: user must complete more than one step to control the device
AT transmission method
Refers to the signal communication between a piece of AT and an household appliance
Options include:
- radio frequency
- wireless technology
- infared frequency
- house wiring
- ultrasound