Assistive

Technology

PRESENTED BY-
AKASH BHARDWAJ
MCA SEM-4TH
What is Assistive Technology?

Assistive technology is
anything we find
helpful in our daily life.
It includes a range of
technologies, which
enable people to build
on their abilities and
participate as fully as
possible at home,
school, work and in
their community.
 What is Assistive Technology?

 Formally, assistive technology is defined as any item, piece

of equipment, or product system, whether acquired
commercially off the shelf, modified, or customized, that is
used to increase, maintain, or improve functional
capabilities of people with disabilities.
 These devices can range from an adapted pencil to
sophisticated microprocessors.
Purpose…

The purpose of assistive technology is to help

physically disabled individuals overcome their
disabilities and to help them participate in and
complete tasks they would not otherwise be able to
perform. It helps in overcoming functional
limitations associated with disability.
Background

Assistive technology doesn’t have to be high-tech,

but it should serve the purpose of “assistance” and
can include anything from a stick one uses to reach
for something to a walker or a wheelchair, or more
complex items such as environmental controls or
adapted vehicles.
This means that assistive technology has existed
since the first homo sapiens picked up a branch to
help himself over rough terrain.
Background contd..

In 1808, Pelligrino built a typewriter to help his

blind friend Countess Carolina Fivizzono write
legibly. Since then, there have been sporadic
attempts to strengthen the assistance provided for
the disabled. The use of devices like wheelchairs,
hearing aids, and various software applications like
voice-assisted computers for the blind have boosted
the creativity and ability of a largely dependent
population. Perhaps, one of the greatest inspirations
for assistive technology was provided by Louis
Braille, who developed a language for the blind in the
year 1821.
Background contd..

The invention of the telephone was one of the biggest

contributions to the way humans communicated.
Assistive technology involved combining this device
with a text telephone, known as telecommunications
device for the deaf, enabling long distance
communication for the deaf people.
In 1998 Nokia released LPS-1 Loopset. Based on
induction technology, the Loopset allows hearing aid
users to talk on digital mobile phones.
Present scenario…

Nowadays, televisions, remote controls, calculators

come with additional equipment like speech
recognition controls making the devices more user-
friendly for the disabled. Ergonomic keyboards, on-
screen keyboard, narrator software, foot-operated
computer mouse, speech recognition software, touch
screens and touch pads, learning disability
equipment , medical equipment and Braille
technology are all examples of the extent to which
this technology has evolved.
Present scenario contd…

Personal Emergency Response Systems (PERS), or

Telecare (UK term), are a particular sort of assistive
technology that use electronic sensors connected to an
alarm system to help caregivers manage risk and help
vulnerable people stay independent at home longer. An
example would be the systems being put in place for
senior people such as fall detectors, thermometers (for
hypothermia risk), flooding and unlit gas sensors (for
people with mild dementia). Notably, these alerts can be
customized to the particular person's risks. When the
alert is triggered, a message is sent to a carer or contact
centre who can respond appropriately.
The Future…
Two key trends that can
be seen in future in
assistive technology are-
increased customization
and increased portability.
Consumers, especially
those with disabilities,
have a much greater
need for flexibility in how
they interact with
computers and
technology.
The Future contd…

Some emerging trends in assistive technology-

Tongue Drive System (TDS): Enables people with
high-level spinal cord injuries to manoeuvre a
powered wheelchair or control a mouse-driven
computer cursor using simple tongue movements.
Cushion Pressure Mapping: Allows for the
development of more comfortable and usable
wheelchairs by mapping pressure points on seat
cushions of various materials.
The Future contd…

Implanted Electrode Technology: Experimental

technology which can actually be implanted in the body
and, when used with external programmable control
units, it can help provide function to paralyzed limbs.
Auditory Menus and Deaf911 Phone: Exciting
experimental technology currently under development
for people with visual and manual limitations (Auditory
Menus) and hearing loss (Deaf911 Phone).
Robotics technology: Robots that retrieve and deliver
objects.
Accessible Bluetooth headsets for people with manual
limitations.
 Conclusion

Assistive technology has eased a lot of effort for

those who had difficulty in performing conventional
tasks. In fact, some people were rendered helpless by
their inability to use certain body parts.
Although assistive devices can make accomplishing
tasks easier, technology alone cannot mitigate all the
difficulties that accompany a disability. It must be
individualized because similarly disabled persons
can have very different needs, wants, and
preferences.
 Conclusion contd…

Assistive technology is a big boon for mankind and

its use should be popularized and widened in scope
to assist and help disabled individuals, not only to be
independent, but also to give them the chance to let
out their talent and creativity and contribute to the
world.
 References

 http://www.e-bility.com/arataconf06/papers/human_perspe
ctives/hp_bringolf_paper.doc
 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assistive_technology.html
 http://www.download3k.com/Press-Assistive-Technology-
Past-Present-and-Future.html
 http://www.albritton.us/AThistory.html
 http://www.disabled-world.com/news/events/novem
ber2009/assistive-technology-expo.php
THANK YOU