Assistive Technology

Cook & Hussey (2000) define assistive technology as “any item, piece of equipment or product system whether acquired commercially off the shelf, modified or customized that is used to increase or improve functional capabilities of individual with disabilities” (p.5). This definition is self explanatory in that assistive technology is anything that can aid the function of someone with a disability. Some times obtaining an item that has been made by a manufacturer may be more than adequate for that person, however there are occasions where a persons disability may be unique or have unique characteristics in which an item will need to be modified or designed from scratch for them specifically.

The technology I have chosen is the iPad. The new version, which hasn't long been released, costs about $729 from the Apple iStore and is pretty much the same in stores such as Noel Leeming and Harvey Norman. The dimensions of the iPad are: Height: 241.2 mm (9.50 inches), Width: 185.7 mm (7.31 inches) and Depth: 9.41 mm (0.37 inch). This makes it very easy to transport and use at any time, and any place.
There are many features of the iPad ranging from being used for a camera, video recorder, storage of photos and other files, connecting to the internet and downloading apps such as ones that can help in communication, memory training and so on.
‘occupational engagement encompasses all that we do to become occupied’ (Occupational Therapy, 2012). With the iPad's vast uses and applications, it can allow someone to become more engaged in everyday meaningful occupations.

Occupational transition allows one to be able to engage in occupation that is similar to those that they previously were able to do or engage in new ones. The ipad is a great way of getting stroke patients (and other people living with disabilities) working on regaining lost function and increasing their independence.
I came across this blog that is about someone’s experience of a close family member using the iPad as a form of rehab, after suffering a stroke, working on a range issues from fine motor skills to reasoning skills to being able to communicate with others.

I also found this YouTube clip which shows how the iPads communication applications can improve ones ability to communicate and improve their speech as they try to pronounce the words after the iPad has stated it for them.

(PeninsulaRehabCenter, 2011)

Occupational justice is about recognizing that humans are occupational beings who participate in occupation as a way of life. It is important for quality of life and our wellbeing. It can define who are are (Christiansen & Townsend, 2009). Both of these links are proof that technology can definitely open up a door to endless opportunities to those that are disabled.

References:
Cloninger, J. (2011). Using the iPad 2 in Stroke recovery - my family's experience. Retrieved 17 May, 2012, from http://the-gadgeteer.com/2011/09/30/using-the-ipad-2-in-stroke-recovery-%E2%80%93-my-family%E2%80 %99s-experience/
Cook, A. M., & Hussey, S. M. (2000). Assistive technologies: Principles and practice. St Louis: Mosby
Occupational Therapy. (2012). Retrieved 16 May, 2012 from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Occupational_therapy
PeninsulaRehabCenter. (2011). Using the IPAD for speech therapy at the peninsula rehab center.
Retrieved 17, May, 2012 from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IQ17u9PyCgw.
Christiansen, C. H, & Townsend E. A, (Eds). (2009). Introduction to Occupation: The Art and Science of Living. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Education Inc