Assistive & Adaptive Technology PDF

Assistive Technology And Adaptive Technology *What is Assistive Technology ? *Assistive technology is defined as being any item, piece of equipment, or product system used to increase, maintain, or improve functional capacities of individuals with disabilities. *Assistive technol...

Assistive Technology And Adaptive Technology *What is Assistive Technology ? *Assistive technology is defined as being any item, piece of equipment, or product system used to increase, maintain, or improve functional capacities of individuals with disabilities. *Assistive technology (AT) promotes greater independence by enabling people to perform tasks that they were formerly unable to accomplish, or had great difficulty accomplishing, by providing enhancements to, or changing methods of interacting with, the technology needed to accomplish such tasks  Examples of Assistive Technology: Advanced technology walking products to aid disabled persons who would not be able to walk or stand at all (ex: exoskeletons). Powered exoskeleton. Powered exoskeletons are motorized orthoses placed over a person’s limb with joint parts corresponding to those of the human body. Their purpose is to facilitate standing and walking, as well as assist in rehabilitation.  Exoskeleton is comprised of robotic 'limbs', and a backpack containing the suit's battery and computer system. The person straps into an exoskeleton made of carbon fiber and steel, which weighs 45 pounds When a person attempts to move, nerve signals are sent from the brain to the muscles, and very weak traces of these signals can be detected on the surface of the skin. The suit identifies these signals using a sensor attached the skin of the wearer, and a signal is sent to the suit's power unit telling the suit to move in unison with the wearer's own limbs  The user gives the suit commands using two high-tech crutches: pressure on both tells the motorized legs to stand up, pressure on one means to step with the opposite leg Can help the wearer to carry out a variety of everyday tasks, including standing up from a chair, walking , climbing up and down stairs, and lifting heavy objects. Primary outcomes include gait outcomes, functional improvement, and safety (e.g., fracture, pain, cardiopulmonary episodes); secondary outcomes include neurologic improvement, motor strength, bladder and bowel function, spasticity.  Examples of Assistive Technology CONT,: Standing products to support people with disabilities in the standing position (ex: standing wheelchair) The definition of a stand-up wheelchair is an assistive device similar to a standing frame that allows a wheelchair to rise from a seated to a standing position to interact with people or objects at eye level of the user. They can be either manually operated or power operated with a hydraulic lifting or another mechanism to achieve regular mobility and to stand the person up. They are usually used by people with mild to severe disabilities Physical Benefits of Standing Wheelchairs Circulation – Altering posture allows the blood to circulate around the whole body. For instance, sitting down in one place will cause the blood to stagnate and cut down blood flow to other areas of the body. Spasticity – Remaining in one place, like sitting down, could cause muscle spasticity. Switching position will help loosen up the muscles and decrease spasticity. Bowel Function – Inadequate bowel performance is a regular problem among wheelchair users. But, based on many scientific studies, standing up exercises might substantially improve bowel performance. Even while using a standing wheelchair the outcomes are similar. Pressure Sores – Pressure sores happen from steady force on one spot of the body. Having the ability to stand upright in a wheelchair assists with the distribution of your body weight and promote healing of bed sores. Contractures – Sitting down for an extended time might cause the joints as well as muscles to tense up. Standing up allows the muscles to be stretched out and exercised, reducing the level of tightness you feel in joints and muscles. Bone Density – Certain research reveals that standing wheelchairs could improve bone density. The reason being that standing up places extra pounds on your bones compared to sitting down. Psychological Benefits of Standing Wheelchairs Independence – Standing upright is the basis of reclaiming self-reliance. A couple of illustrations are having the ability to get to cupboards, replace light-bulbs, and looking at a reflection at a normal level. Fatigue – Sitting down or lying down for extended periods is a known result in tiredness. Muscle tissue could atrophy and very easily become tired. Standing up helps to workout these muscles groups and minimizes fatigue. Depression – Depression is usually a result of feeling an absence of control over some circumstances. Therefore it is not surprising why individuals restricted to a wheelchair might experience depression symptoms. But, having the capability to stand up, even with support, will help get back a level of control helping to minimize depression. Well Being – Wellbeing is considerably improved by utilizing a standing wheelchair. You will be on “an equal level” while speaking or interacting with other people. You can even make eye contact, pose for photos, and hug in a standing position and more  Seating products that allow for safe, comfortable seating (ex: therapeutic seats) Walking aids (ex: canes, crutches, walkers) Wheeled mobility products (ex: wheelchairs, scooters, scooter lifts, stair lifts)  Which assistive devices can help for walking? Mobility aids are often prescribed for individuals following a stroke to assist with safety, stability when moving (e.g. walking). These equipment's can assist the individual achieve greater independence. There are various mobility aids that are available including: Walking canes and walking sticks Roller walkers Wheelchairs Quad walkers  Which assistive devices can help with bathing? 1- Grab bars Grab bars can be installed in the shower and/or next to the bathtub. Holding on a grab bar will provide support during: Stand up and sit down Go in and out of the shower or bathtub Grab bars can be installed on the wall or clamped directly on the bathtub. It is very important to install the grab bars firmly and at the right height or place to ensure safety.  Which assistive devices can help with bathing? Cont, 2- Bath chair or bath bench : This helps to save energy. Sitting in the bath or shower is a good idea if there is balance difficulties following stroke 3- Transfer bath bench A transfer bath bench can make it easier to move in and out of the bathtub. You sit on the bath bench and lift your legs over the edge of the bathtub. Most people find this way easier than stepping over the over the edge of the bathtub while standing.  Which assistive devices can help with bathing? Cont, 4- Anti-slip rubber mats Anti-slip rubber mats can be placed inside and outside of the shower/bathtub to help prevent falls. These mats provide a surface that is not slippery when it is wet. 5- Tap turners Tap turners can make it easier for you to turn taps on and off. They add additional leverage when opening and closing taps.  Which assistive devices can help with bathing? Cont, Long handled brushes and sponges Long handled brushes and sponges allow you to wash your back or clean your toes without bending down or stretching too much Which assistive devices can help with toileting? Toileting is a task involving many steps: Entering the bathroom Getting on/off the toilet Managing clothing Cleaning yourself Each of these steps can represent a challenge for an individual who has had a stroke. The use of assistive devices can help you to perform these tasks more easily and more safely.  Which assistive devices can help with toileting? Cont, 1- Urinals Urinals can be suitable for individuals who find it difficult to go in the bathroom or to transfer to the toilet. Urinals can be used in lying or sitting. They may be convenient for day and/or night use. Two types of urinals are available: male urinals (bottles) and female urinals. Urinals should not be use for bowel movement  Which assistive devices can help with toileting? Cont, 2- Bed pans A bed pan can be used if there is difficulty getting up from bed safely to go to the bathroom. Bed pans are designed to be used for bowel movements or urinating. Note: Bed pans and urinals should be washed regularly to prevent odors and for cleanliness.  Which assistive devices can help with toileting? Cont, 3- Bedside commode A bedside commode can be used in the bedroom when it is difficult for you to access the bathroom or if you have difficulty reaching the bathroom on time. You can also use a urinal and/or a commode in another room. It is possible to adjust the height of a commode. It is important that your feet touch the ground (preferably flat) when you sit on the commode. Make sure that the breaks are on when transferring on to your commode. This will ensure safety and reduce the risks of injuries.  Which assistive devices can help with toileting? Cont, Getting on/off the toilet There are also many assistive devices that make it easier to get on/off the toilet. 1- Fixed grab bars Fixed grab bars are recommended for people who are able to walk into the bathroom and sit on the toilet while using only one hand for support. The grab bar has to be installed on a wall close to the toilet. 2- Fixed toilet frame A toilet frame can be fixed to the floor around the toilet. This is suitable when there is no wall close to the toilet and/or the person needs two hands to hold on to something to get on/off the toilet.  Which assistive devices can help with toileting? Cont, 3- Raised toilet seat A raised toilet seat increases the height of the toilet pan. This makes it easier to sit down on the toilet and stand up. The adequate height should allow the user to place his/her feet flat on the floor while seated on the toilet. 4- Toilet frame with seat / Toilet seat with handles A toilet frame with seat or a toilet seat with handles provide both increased support and increased height. This can be useful for individuals who need a raised toilet seat and a toilet frame to help them move on and off the toilet. Which assistive devices can help with toileting? Cont, Cleaning yourself when using the toilet 1- Sheets of toilet paper or wet wipe sheets If there is difficulty separating the sheets of a roll of toilet paper, consider using tissues, wet wipe sheets or toilet paper that has already been separated, as these options are easier to manipulate with one hand. Safety Note The bathroom is the most frequent site of falls for people who have had a stroke. It is important to identify potential dangers and to correct them. Try to make sure that you do not hurry to the bathroom or toilet, and avoid rushing these tasks. Keep the bathroom floor dry at all times to reduce the risks of falls. Assistive devices should have non-slippery surfaces for safety  Individuals who have had a stroke may find it difficult to perform daily grooming tasks such as brushing their hair, cutting their nails or brushing their teeth ▪ Soak your hands or feet in water before cutting your nails. This softens the nails to make them easier to cut. ▪ Clippers can be easier to use than scissors. Their design makes them easier to manipulate. Some clippers have been specially-designed to allow you to cut your nails with minimal force and the design of the clippers makes it easier to grasp. Brushing teeth A tube dispenser can make it easier for you to squeeze toothpaste out of the tube. It also allows you to put toothpaste on your toothbrush while using only one hand. While brushing your teeth, you may find that using your strong hand to hold the toothbrush is easier. However, it is sometimes recommended that you still try to use your weak hands in daily task if regaining function is one of your rehabilitation goals.  Which assistive device can help with dressing? General Advice Dressing and undressing should be done in a warm, comfortable environment. This helps you focus on the task. Sit on a chair when you are attempting to get dressed and undressed You may need the help of another individual when getting dressed Try to contribute to the task as much as you can Avoid tight fitting clothes Reduce the number of clothes worn Choose clothes made from cotton and natural fibers. This is especially important for someone who spends much of his/her time sitting. These fabrics are also easier to launder. Putting on a sweater / shirt Dressing techniques Lie the garment on the your lap or in front of you on a bed, with the back facing upwards Put in your weaker arm first Pull the sleeve of the sweater or shirt over your elbow. It will prevent the sleeve from falling When the weaker arm is in, put the other arm into the other sleeve Use the strong hand to grip the back of the sweater or shirt and pull it over your head. Undressing techniques Remove clothing from your stronger arm first and then from the weaker arm. Putting on Pants Dressing techniques Dress the weaker leg first Ensure that the leg is in the garment as far as possible Then put the strong leg in Bring your pants up to mid-thigh and stand once to pull both garments up Undressing techniques Stand only to pull down all the lower garments Sit to remove them from your legs Avoid standing in socks or barefoot to prevent falls when bringing up pants. Note: Extra care is required for people who have difficulty balancing when standing. A therapist can show you how to dress without standing up if this is safer for you. For example, if you cannot stand or if you have a lot of difficulty, put pants on while lying on the bed. Long-handed reachers are useful if you have difficulty reaching clothes that are placed too high, too low or too far from you. Long-handled reachers are also useful for individuals who use a wheelchair, as they can help you take clothes off the closet or pick up objects that are on the floor A button hook can help you with buttoning and unbuttoning A long-handled shoe horn is useful if you have difficulty bending down to put on your shoes.  What is Adaptive Technology? Adaptive technology, on the other hand, is defined as any object or system that is specifically designed for the purpose of increasing or maintaining the capabilities of people with disabilities. Adaptive technology would seldom be used by non-disabled people. Special versions of already existing technologies or tools, usually used by people with disabilities such as limitations to vision, hearing, and mobility. For example, used a special car with hand controls.  Examples of Adaptive Technology — Screen magnifiers — Adapted keyboards (like keyboards that have larger keys with wider spaces in between to facilitate the visually impaired) — Telephone typewriters :The telephone typewriter (TTY) allows people who are Deaf or hearing impaired to communicate by telephone. Messages are sent using telephone lines. The Deaf/hearing impaired person types their message on the TTY keyboard. — Handheld amplifiers Examples of Adaptive Technology cont, Screen readers software are: programs that allow blind or visually impaired users to read the text that is displayed on the computer screen with a speech synthesizer or braille display. — Digital Talking Book (DTB) players: is technical standard for digital audiobooks,. is designed to be a complete audio substitute for print material and is specifically designed for use by people with "print disabilities", including blindness, impaired vision, and dyslexia