Tutorial Seven: Assistive Technology

"Assistive technology refers to a wide range of devices, services, strategies, and practices that are used to decrease the problems people with a disability have with doing daily tasks and leisure activities" (Cook & Hussey, 2000.)

In this tutorial seesion Dave- an occupational therapist from Kimiora school in Wellington came to talk to us about the assistive technology he uses with children with disabilities we were given the opportunity to trial and view a number of different pieces of assistive technology. One device that I thought was quite neat was the Audio photo albumn.
The virtual album allows the person to record a message in relation to the different pictures or photos on each page of the album. A fabulous tool for people who may be non-verbal, enabling them to share with others their memories or experiences they have had(with help of recording from others).This type of device will be useful for clients with communicating problems, or people who can not rememeber things e.g- clients with traumatic brain injuries. These albums are priced at around $15.oo-$29.95.

Features:
•Holds 24 - 4" x 6" photos
•Record a 10 second message for every photo
•Flash memory saves messages if batteries expire
•Batteries included (2 x AAA)
•Re-record as many times as you'd like

Talking Photo album, 2010. Retrieved on 8 June, 2010,from://www.vat19.com/dvds/talking-photo-album-record-messages.cfm


See this video on the talking photo albumn.




Reference
Cook, A.M., & Hussey, S.M. (2000). Assistive technologies: principles and practice. St Louis: Mosby.

For the purpose of my PIO assignment I will be investigating the implementation of a Wii gaming console and Wii fit for a hypothetical Mental Health Ward.