Tutorial Eight

Provide a definition of Assistive technology.
“Any service that directly assists an individual with a disability in the selection, acquisition or use an assistive technology device.”

“The science or study of the practical or industrial arts applied science and method, process, etc. For handling a specific technical problem.”


Describe one piece of equipment introduced in the assistive technology tutorial. Provide information on size, cost and functions.

Communication device =1000-$5000 New Zealand Dollars.
The self contained tech/talk augmentative communicator has 6,8 or 12 levels which a client and therapist use to record and playback distinct messages. Up to 48 to 96 messages can be stored and vary from “Will you do something” to “ I am worried”.
It is easy to operate by pressing the 8 squares available on the dash board.


How does your chosen piece of equipment increased functional capacity for the user? Provide examples here from the tutorial and lecture.

This assistive talking machine would be excellent for a person that can’t express how they may be felling or show what they want to do.
It would assist a person with limited physical function, although would need some some hand functions to be able to push the buttons. Some cognition to know what you want.
This assistive device doesn’t need others to help it function it can be functioned solely by the user.