Assistive technology devices

By definition, assistive technology devices include technology which is designed to be used in assistive technology or an assistive service.

An assistive technology device's goal is to enhance the rehabilitation as well as reduce the dependency of persons somewhat or greatly disabled in a specific way. It may also be used to help the same person to accomplish regular daily tasks.

Nearly all of the devices could be specially redesigned to help individuals with all levels of sight to communicate better. What this means is that if a person is unable to see, or has very low vision, such a device's user interface may be adopted to suite his or her specific needs.

Examples of this may include devices with screen reading software, scan and read software, reading machines as well as note takers for the (completely) blind. Other similar available interfaces are easy-to-read keyboards, keytops as well as magnification devices which help people with really low vision.

Reading Machines, Software Programs and Other Assertive Technology Devices

As it has been noted before, these devices may enhance a disabled person's communication with friends and family, use a computer to do work, surf the web, read e-mails and e-books, as well as play games.

Ahead lies a list of (explained) components which would typically be a part of such a device.

Assertive technology software programs change the properties of the computer screen's display settings so that a portion of the screen can be focused upon and enlarged, the colors and contrast could be drastically sharpened, etc.

Stand-alone reading machines may be used to read any type of printed content. They typically transform written information to synthetically spoken words.

Similarly to the previous stand-alone device, screen reading software programs may be used to read screen content.

DAISY (Digital Accessible Information System) book software allows a disabled person to enjoy books delivered through this medium as well.

Easy to read keyboards have very large buttons with over-sized and colorful print on them, which in turn makes them perfect devices for people with low vision.

Educational software (mostly games) for children (and adults) is also considered an assertive technology in its own right.

Screen enrlargers are designed to magnify the entire computer screen, while also blocking the harmful UV rays.

Keytop enlargers are basically stickers for the keyboard with larger print on them.

Apart from the ones mentioned in the list, seating and positioning aids are also considered assistive tech devices. They are devices specifically designed to help disabled person move about more effectively.

These may also include alternative car handling devices for people who are not able to use their legs; in which case additional equipment is installed into a car in order to allow its driver to only uses his or her hands to fully control it.