Assistive Technology

A clear global trend is emerging to use ‘Assistive Technology’ as the preferred term for the devices and systems that forms the care services of LifeTec Queensland.

Assistive Technology is defined as follows:

The South Carolina Assistive Technology Program provides a detailed definition of Assistive Technology and the types of Assistive Technology available. Further information is available at http://www.sc.edu/scatp/what.htm.

• Aids for daily living: Devices that help in daily living and independence. Examples include modified eating utensils, adapted books, pencil holders, page turners, dressing aids, adapted personal hygiene aids.
   
• Alternative and augmentative communication:  Devices and systems that help people with speech impairments or low vocal volume  communicate: speech generating devices, communication software, voice amplification aids.
   
• Mobility aids: Devices that help people move within their environments: electric or manual wheelchairs, modifications of vehicles for travel, scooters, crutches, canes and walkers.
   
• Seating and positioning: Adapted seating, cushions, standing tables, positioning belts, braces, cushions and wedges that provide body support to help people perform a range of daily tasks.
   
• Computer access aids: Headsticks, light pointers, modified or alternate keyboards, switches activated by pressure, sound or voice, touch screens, special software, and voice to text software.
   
• Environmental controls: Electronic systems that help people control various appliances, switches for telephone, TV, or other appliances which are activated by pressure, eyebrows or breath.
   
• Home/Workplace modifications: Structural adaptations that remove or reduce physical barriers: ramps, lifts, bathroom changes, automatic door openers, expanded doorways.
   
• Prosthetics and orthotics: Replacement or augmentation of body parts with artificial limbs or other orthotic aids such as splits or braces.
   
• Sensory aids for vision/hearing impaired: Aids such as magnifiers, Braille and speech output devices, large print screens, hearing aids, visual alerting systems, telecommunication devices.
   
• Recreation: Devices to enable participation in sports, social, cultural events. Examples include audio description for movies, adaptive controls for video games, adaptive fishing rods, cuffs for grasping paddles or racquets, seating systems for boats.