Assistive Technology Terms & Definitions
Augmentative Communication = when speech is not fluent or understandable enough to communicate effectively, a student may benefit from using some type of communication device or devices. Communication devices include such things as symbol systems, communication boards and wallets, programmable switches, electronic communication devices, speech synthesizers, recorded speech devices, communication enhancement software, and voiced word processing.
Assistive Listening = Assistive devices to help with hearing and auditory processing problems include: hearing aids, personal FM units, sound field FM systems, Phonic Ear, TDDs, or closed caption TV.
Assistive Technlogy = Any item, piece of equipment, or product system, that is used to increase, maintain, or improve the functional capabilities of children with disabilities - (PL 105-17, KAR 1:230
Assistive technology certainly includes computers, but it also refers to a number of other types of accommodations and adaptations which enable individuals with disabilities to function more independently. Computers are an important type of assistive technology because they open up so many exciting possibilities for writing, speaking, finding information, or controlling an individual's environment.
But computers are not the only avenues to solving problems through technology. There are many low tech solutions for problems that disabilities pose.
Examples of inexpensive, low tech solutions include wrist splints, clip boards for holding papers steady, or velcro tabs to keep positioning pads in place.
Computer-Based Instruction = Software can provide the tools for written expression, spelling, calculation, reading, basic reasoning, and higher level thinking skills. The computer can also be used to access a wide variety of databases.
Confidentiality - Protecting all personally identifiable information, data and records that are collected, kept and used by the school district about a student. Confidentiality requirements also apply to DISCUSSIONS about a student and the students record.
Mobility = Any of a number of devices to help them get around in the school building and participate in student activities. Mobility devices include such things as self-propelled walkers, manual or powered wheelchairs, and powered recreational vehicles like bikes and scooters.
PECS = Picture Exchange Communication System (at a glance):
Phase I
Teaches students to initiate communication right from the start by EXCHANGING A SINGLE PICTURE for a highly desired item.
Phase II
Teaches students to be persistent communicators- to actively SEEK OUT their PICTURES and to TRAVEL to someone to make a request.
Phase III
Teaches students to DISCRIMINATE PICTURES and to select the picture that represents the item they want.
Phase IV
Teaches students to use SENTENCE STRUCTURE to make a request in the form of I want (name of desired item).
Phase V
Teaches students to RESPOND to the question What do you want?
Phase VI
Teaches students to MAKE COMMENTS about things in their environment both in response to a question and spontaneously.
Expanding Vocabulary
Teaches students to use ATTRIBUTES such as colors, shapes and sizes within their requests.
Self Care = Assistive devices which assist with self care include such things as robotics, electric feeders, adapted utensils, specially designed toilet seats, and aids for tooth brushing, washing, dressing, and grooming.
Social Interaction and Recreation = Some adapted recreational activities include drawing software, computer games, computer simulations, painting with a head or mouth wand, interactive laser disks, and adapted puzzles.
Switch = A switch is an electro-mechanical device that is used to activate or deactivate an electrical signal. By opening or closing a contact, a switch can provide a single electrical connection to provide transmission of a single impulse. There are literally thousands of different kinds of switches available,. Here are the basic type of switches:
A) Grasp switches
- Grip and Puff - A squeeze of the handle generates a puff of air, activating the switch.
- Grasp - Squeezing this momentary switch closes the contacts internally.
B) Joystick Switches
- Large Joystick and Pushbutton - Larger controls are located on a 10 inch by 6 inch base.
- Hand Joysticks - These are joysticks intended for use by the hand.
- Chin Joystick - These joysticks can be activated via chin movement.
- Tongue Switch - A minimal amount of tongue movement is required to control this switch.
C) Leaf Switches
- Leaf Paddle Switch - A large contact surface is mounted on a stem.
- The switch is activated when pushed in one direction.
- Leaf Stick Switch - Bending the flexible stem of this switch activates the switch.
D) Low Pressure switches
- Membrane Switches - These switches are activated by touch and require low pressure.
- Wafer - This device consists of five membrane switches which allow for directional control.
- Star - Multiple switches are incorporated into this large cross-shaped configuration.
- Light Touch Switches
- L.T. Switch - This switch can be operated by a person with little strength.
- Micro Lite Switch - This a small pushbutton switch requiring very little pressure for activation.
- Contact Pad Switch - This switch is activated by touch of the skin; no pressure is required.
- Ellipse Switches
- Touch Switch
- Pushbutton
- Rocker
- Sip and Puff
- Tilt
- Wobble
E) Muscle twitch switches
- Finger Flex Switch - This switch is activated by the bending of the finger.
- P-Switch - This switch can be located at various points of the body
and is activated through muscle contractions.
- Twitch Switch - This switch is activated by muscle twitch.
F) No Contact switches
- Untouchable Buddy - This switch activates when a hand or other body part is in close proximity.
- Cylindrical Touch Switch - This switch is sensitive to touch and requires
no pressure for activation.
- Fiber Optic Switch - This switch is designed for use by individuals with limited finger movement.
- Adjustable Proximity Switch - This switch is activated when a hand
or body part is detected within an activation range near its sensor.
- Adjustable Photoelectric Switch - When a beam of light is broken, this switch is activated.
- Eye-Blink Switch - This infrared switch is activated with the blink of the eye.
- Voice Activated Switch - This switch is activated when the user
speaks into a microphone worn near mouth.
- Vibration Switch - This switch can be placed on a table and activated
by light finger tapping on the table.
G) Push button switches
- Adjustable Pinch Switch
- Small Push Buttons
- Jelly Bean Switch
- Buddy Button
- Large Pushbuttons
- Pillow Switch
- Microlite Switch
- Body Switch
- Rocking Lever Switch
- Treadle
H) Rocker switches
- Rocker Paddle - This flat switch can open and close two circuits.
- Rocking Plate - This plate switch can open and close two circuits.
I) Sip and Puff switches
- Sip and Puff (Long and Short) - These pneumatic switches are
controlled by the intake and outflow of air via the user's mouth.
- Lip Switch by Adaptive Switch Lab., Inc.
- Grip and Puff - Air movement can be provided by the user breathing or through a hand grip.
J) Tilt switches
- Mercury tilt switch - The orientation of the switch causes the mercury
to flow, opening or closing the contacts.
K) Wobble switch
- Device controlled by a sweeping motion of the hand
Then, the switch can activate the device in these various ways:
DIRECT response = with the click of the switch, the user gets one immediate response
TIMED scanning = the option cursor moves from one selection item to the next
TWO SWITCH - STEP SCANNING = One switch moves the option cursor from one selection item to the next. The second switch selects the desired item or action as it is highlighted.
Visual Aids = Devices that assist with vision include screen readers, screen enlargers, magnifiers, large-type books, taped books, Braillers, light boxes, high contrast materials, thermoform graphics, synthesizers, and scanners.