Saturday, June 7, 2008

Tutorial Eight: Assistive technology

A definition of assistive technology

"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.

One assistive device that I looked at...

Fiber optic eye blink switch

Size: Small padded clip with small sensor box attached.

Cost: A lot. $1068 including the power box.

Functions: Works best when a eye blink is all the client can do. The sensor can be set to sensitivities to activate with a purposeful blink compared to a normal blink. It is used to control switches.

How does the blink switch increase functional capacities?

The blink switch gives the user options and a form of independence that otherwise might not have had. It facilitates the operation of radios, blenders, TV, any device that you can plug power into.


Retrieved 7th June, 2008, from http://www.spectronics.co.nz

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