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In this course,
we will adopt and promote the inclusive history-blind definition
of AT introduced previously.
 Our definition
will certainly include, but not be limited to:
- Mobility
devices including wheelchairs (manual and powered), walkers,
ambulation aids, canes and crutches.
- AAC (Augmentative
and Alternative Communication) devices for non-vocal
individuals
and people with central language impairments.
- So-called
sensory aids, devices for persons who are blind and/or deaf,
including “blind
mobility” systems
to facilitate navigation in the absence of vision, reading
machines that convert print text to synthesized
speech, “refreshable” Braille displays which can be used
to replace visual electronic text readouts, tactile and visual “sensory
substitution” devices
to augment or replace hearing, speech-to-text systems which translate
limited or unlimited speech to visual text displays in almost-real time
for people
with hearing loss, and specialized alternatives to telephone conversation,
also for deaf persons.
- Special-purpose
technologies to lower barriers in all phases of education.1
- Adapted
interfaces for computer users with disabilities.
- Adapted
driving controls.
- Job accommodation
systems.
- Assistive
devices for activities of daily living such as eating and dressing.
- Limb
prostheses and orthoses.
- Functional
electrical stimulation systems, i.e., controlled application
of pulsed electric current
to recruit
neuromuscular activation as needed
to return function in individuals with upper motor neuron
lesions such as traumatic spinal cord injury.
- Cognitive
supports, computer software that provides step-by-step
guidance
for independent
performance
of daily task by people with
impairments of memory.
- “Environmental
control systems” (ECUs) which facilitate remote
control of aspects of the home or intuitional setting
for individuals with conditions that reduce mobility and/or
manipulation.
- Any mass-market devices which by design or luck reduce
operating barriers for some people with disabilities.
Notes
1 See ATAP
Guiding Principle 2 from Zabala.
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