Assistive Technology

Assistive Technology, as defined by Standards.gov (2011) is “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 the functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities”

From this definition I would interpret that assistive technology is a tool or utensil used to make every day functioning tasks which able bodied would take for granted easier for the individual with a condition or disability. These tools or utensils may be enlarged colourful switches made from a squishy rubbery material, an electric wheelchair or an iPhone app which speaks what the individual who cannot speak wants to say.

NIST (2011). What is Assistive technology?.  Retrieved From: http://standards.gov/assistivetechnology.cfm

Electric wheelchair – larger than your average wheelchair, but normally smaller wheels and sits more upright due to the motor on the bottom. Cost - $1000 upwards.

The electric wheelchair enables individuals with motor functioning abilities in their hands but not the rest of their body to move around independently. If the user doesn’t have motor functioning skills in their hands, they can tap their head to pads on either side of their head which will move the wheelchair for them.

This Youtube video provides an example of an INVACARE electric wheelchair and shows the design, the wheelchairs capabilities and various different aspects of the chair such as its variability. This relates to occupational transition as this wheelchair is allowing those who have previously been in wheelchairs which do not provide sufficient design features or functions to be able to access difficult terrain or move in the way that the electric wheelchair does. Therefore showing a transition from one chair to another which enhances the users’ abilities.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_syLLTpu3kw&feature=fvst

This blog (Orbit Medical) provides information regarding different types of electric wheelchairs. For example, portable electric wheelchairs, folding electric wheelchairs, mid-wheel electric wheelchairs, rear wheel electric wheelchairs and heavy duty electric wheelchairs. They also mention that they can help you get one of these wheelchairs and to contact them today. This relates to occupational justice as  many people including those with disabilities can access blogs and will be provided with information that others may be able to get from a shop or seminar, however those with disabilities may not have the means of accessing the shop or seminar, yet all are equally able to access the information through the internet, for example the blog provided below.

http://orbitmedical.blogspot.co.nz/2011/09/types-of-electric-power-wheelchair.html