Assistive technology are products, devices, or equipment used to maintain, increase or improve the functional capacities of impaired individuals (Gerard, 2001). I interpret this definition as something that is put into place to help aid an impaired individual for example: Recording devices used for individuals who have impaired memory.
One of the assistive technology devices that Kev introduced to me in the tutorial was a Track Ball. This is a mouse alternative device in which is most often used by individuals who have an upper limb impairment such as: restricted movement in hands, R.S.I, arthritis, head injury affecting upper limbs, injury impairing upper limbs and impairment from birth affecting fine and gross motor skills.
This piece of equipment can increase occupational capacity for the individual using it as they don't need to physically move the mouse around in order to move the curser the way they want to on the screen. There are big buttons designed used for clicking and if the individual has poor functioning in the hands it can also be controlled by the feet. Rather than rolling the mouse on the table top it is a static device, with the ball on the top being moved using fingers, thumbs and palms.(See image below)
Here is a link to a youtube video which talks about different individuals with different disabilities. One of the individuals in this video is a administrative assistant who has Cerebral Palsy and Dyslexia. She talks about the her devices including the Track ball as one. Check it out!
For component two of this assignment: Technology Application Report, I will be using a different technology device.
References:
Gerard, D. (2001). What is Assistive Technology. Retrieved April 4, 2011 from: http://www.rehabtool.com/forum/discussions/1.html
Spectronics. (2011). A giant trackball mouse alternative for computer users enabling easy and accurate mouse movements. Retrieved April 13, 2011 from: http://www.spectronicsinoz.com/product/bigtrack
