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
Joystick
Input device consisting of a handle that pivots on a base allowing multi-directional control, often used to operate a power w/c, computer, or remote-controlled toys
Types include:
- proportional (continuous)
- switched (discrete)
Membrane keyboard
Alternative keyboard for computer access made up of pressure pads requiring limited hand and arm strength and mobility
Phonation switch
Type of single-switch interface activated by speech or sound, used to operate AD such as computers and environmental control units
Pneumatic switch
Type of single-switch interface activated by airflow detection or pressure exchange, used to operate AD such as environmental control units
Proximity switch
Type of single-switch interface activated by close proximity to a detector, used to operate AD and operate light fixtures
Mechanical switch
Type of single-switch interface activated by applying pressure to a button, pad, or lever, used to operate AD
Types include:
- paddle
- plate
- button
- lever
- membrane
AT: feature matching
A process used to determine which technologic features on an AD would best meet the client’s needs
Should consider:
- environment where device will be used
- ability of the client to use the device
- transmission method required and availability of the method
AT transmission method: infrared frequency
A type of AT transmission method in which desired household appliances are connected to EADL with infrared light transmission
AT transmission method: radio frequency
A type of AT transmission method in which desired household appliances are connected to EADL with radio frequency transmission
AT transmission method: ultrasound
A type of AT transmission method in which desired household appliances are connected to EADL with sound frequencies
AT transmission method: house wiring
A type of AT transmission method in which desired household appliances are connected to EADL with hard wiring in the home
Electromagnetic switch
Type of single-switch interface activated through energy such as radio waves or light used to operate assistive devices
Types include:
- fiber-optic sensor
- infrared
- sound
- touch
Total parenteral nutrition (TPN)
Infusion via a catheter inserted in a vein when oral feeding is not possible
Precautions during intervention:
- avoid occluding or dislodging the catheter
- ensure connections are intact before and after treatment
Divided-leg sling
Type of sling used with a mechanical lift system that provides support for the client’s torso and has straps that are positioned between the legs to prevent the client from sliding forward during t/f
Full-length body sling
Type of sling used with a mechanical lift system that provides full support from the head to the knees, and is typically used with a client who is dependent in t/f
Overhead track lift
A type of safe patient-handling equipment that is a combination of an overhead railing system and an electric lift system used to t/f a client from one surface to another
Manual portable lift
A type of lift system that requires the caregiver to pump a lever to raise and lower a client during a t/f
Secondary driving control adaptations
Adaptations made to a vehicle that allow the driver to interact with features in the vehicle (blinker, horn) that are not considered primary controls (gas, steering)
Caster cart
Type of wheeled seated mobility device that enables a child with limited LE function navigate on flat surfaces, can be self-propelled, wth option for batter operated joystick, may be difficult to maintain upright sitting for children with tight hamstrings or LE contractures
Endotracheal tube
A catheter placed into the trachea via the mouth or nose to deliver air from a ventilator to a client’s lungs
Rocker knife
Adaptive eating utensil designed to enable one-handed cutting, may be beneficial for persons with hemiplegia, peripheral nerve injury, or other condition resulting in a non-functional grasp of one hand
Swivel utensil
Adaptive spoon or fork with a moving component designed to minimize food spillage, may be beneficial for persons with decreased forearm supination or intention tremors
Pivot disc
A round flat disc placed on the floor used to assist a client who is able to bear weights during a t/f but has difficulty moving legs
Air-filled w/c seat cushion charachteristics
Bladder design with adjustable inflation level
Provides even distribution of pressure relief
Lightweight design
Potential for air pressure variability inherent in overall design
Gel-filled w/c seat cushion characteristics
Contains viscous filling
Minimized shear forces
Provides effective equal pressure distribution
Heavier and harder to maintain
May cause moisture build-up
Planar foam w/c seat cushion characteristics
Composed of viscoelastic material
Lightweight and inexpensive
Absorbs moisture
Multiple density and thickness options
Least effective option for pressure distribution
Adaptive writing surfaces for the classroom
Modification made during handwriting interventions often involving a slant board, upright easel, or white board to enhance UE control for:
- manipulation of a writing instrument
- promoting upright posture
- tracking of the hand’s movement during writing
Adaptive tools for handwriting
Instruments used during interventions in the classrooms to enhance proprioceptive feedback during handwriting
Examples:
- felt-tip pens
- vibratory pens
- crayons (scented, glittered, glow in the dark)
- weighted pens/pencils
- chalk
Front wheel drive w/c
Feature of a powered w/c in which the casters are located toward the rear of the chair and the drive wheels located at the front of the chair, designed to enhance maneuverability up and down sloped terrain
Mid-wheel drive w/c
Feature of a powered w/c that requires a third set of stabilizing caster wheels, designed with smaller turning radius which increases overall maneuverability
Rear-wheel drive w/c
Feature of a powered w/c in which the casters are located at the front of the chair and the drive wheels located toward the rear of the chair, designed to enhance maneuverability when using hand-operated controls
Good option for use over rough terrain
Sports w/c
Wheeled mobility device designed to enhance maneuverability and speed during athletic and leisure activities
Features include:
- light-weight frame
- specially designed wheels
- all terrain options
- overall stability
Benefits of light-weight manual w/c
Enhanced self-propulsion
Decreased strain on UE
Ease of loading and unloading for transportation
Manual w/c
Self-propelled or attendant-pushed w/c available with a wide variety of customizable options
What are the specific requirements for ramps as presented in the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA)?
Any portion of an accessible route with a grade greater than 1:20 (5%) must be considered a ramp. Transitions of greater than 0.5 inch between two connected surfaces require a ramp. Ramps must use the least grade possible, and the grade may not be greater than 1:12 (8.3%) for new construction. A landing is required when a ramp has a continuous vertical rise exceeding 30 inches in height. For existing construction, two criteria apply when a grade of 8.3% cannot be achieved. First, a ramp with a grade of 1:10 (10%) is allowable as long as vertical rise is limited to 6 inches or less before a landing is provided. Second, a ramp with a grade of 1:8 (12.5%) is allowable as long as the vertical rise is limited to 3 inches or less before a landing is provided. Ramps must have a cross grade no greater than 1:50 (2%). Ramp width must not be less than 36 inches.
WC measurements
- Distribute the weight over the widest possible surface
- Keep the chair as narrow as possible
- Width
- measure the widest parts (hips or thighs) and add 2 inches - Seat depth
- base of back/butt to inside of bent knee, minus 1-2 inches for clearance - Floor to seat
- thigh to bottom of heal
- foot plates need to clear by 2 inches - Back height
- lumbar for sport
- inferior scapula for free arm movement
- top of hear for recline/tilt
