“Technology is now a powerful force in the lives of most residents of the United  States... The use of assistive technology devices and services by individuals with disabilities can reduce the costs... to society, individuals with disabilities and families of individuals with disabilities by reducing expenditures associated with early intervention, education, rehabilitation, health care, transportation, telecommunication services, and other services...”  Technology-Related Assistance for Individuals with Disabilities Act of 1988, P.L.100-407

"Disability" has been described as "referring to any condition that challenges the development or functioning of an individual, such as sensory, physical, or mental impairments..." The term may be used interchangeably with "functional limitation."

World Health Organization - Definition of Disability:

Definitions: An "assistive technology device" is "any item, piece of equipment, or product system...that is used to increase, maintain, or improve functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities." An "assistive technology service" is "any service that directly assists an individual with a disability in the selection, acquisition, or use of an assistive technology device." [PL.100-407]. 

The quality of life for many people depends on our creativity in developing and applying and funding adaptive devices which may increase their ability to communicate, to control their environment, to work, and to enjoy experiences in the world which many people take for granted.

Consider:  What “Assistive Devices” does the general public use regularly?

• Car
• Phone  
  
• speed dial
  
• text messaging 
  
• Typewriter / Computer
• school desks
• elevator
• electric lights
• dish washer
• grocery store
• Can Opener,
• Door Opener,
• etc.

 According to one policy analysis report, modern technology has been a major force in improving the quality of life for people [with disabilities]. In programs throughout the United States, technological devices have been developed and adapted to assist people in many activities.

 However, the report also notes that "in spite of numerous innovative programs, resources, and expertise available in the area," many people with disabilities still do not have access to the types of technology that could improve their quality of life.

CONCEPT HIGHLIGHTS:
 

• Technology can assist a person who may have a functional limitation. It can help people to see, to hear, to move around, to communicate, to work, and to live more independently.
• Technology is not always affordable or accessible for many people who could benefit from it.
• Technology has helped us to learn how capable some people are. More people  need to hear the success stories. Policymakers need to understand how assistive technology can save money by fostering independence and by helping people to have jobs. Professionals and parents and consumers need to understand what is possible. People need to be strong and clear in their advocacy for the increased availability of assistive technology.
• Technology accommodates functional limitations.

EXAMPLES Of ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGIES:

• Manual and electronic communication aids to help a nonverbal individual to communicate and socialize with other people (augmentative communication).
• Making a switch larger or a device easier to access can increase the ability of people with physical disabilities to independently control their environment. This could range from turning the television, lights, and appliances on to answering the phone to opening doors and steering an electric wheelchair (environmental controls).
• Designing an insert for a wheelchair fitted to the shape of an individual (without compromising the ability to maximize trunk strength where applicable) can allow for maximum function and can prevent skin breakdown caused by pressure sores (custom seating systems).
• Postural supports inserted into a power wheelchair help a student to maintain an optimal functional position that reduces abnormal muscle tone. They also improves a person's ability to perform desk and table activities along with friends and classmates and allows a person to participate in educational and recreational activities.
• Independent mobility is a first step toward independent living. Many makes and models of  power wheelchairs are available in which the placement of the control can be individualized to a person's particular abilities (mobility).
• Modifications to a work site may include raising the height of a desk, or fabricating work areas, or adapting machinery to make it accessible to employees with disabilities (vocational/employment adaptations).
• A head mounted light beam for a ten year old with cerebral palsy allows her to operate a communication system that speaks for her and allows her access to a computer keyboard.
• Ramps at state parks that allow people who can't use stairs to get around to key points of interest and to the waterfront to fish.
• Lever door hardware and grab bars in the bathroom, lowered light switches and shelves, toe  space at counters and the sink, and lowered counters and paddle faucet controls may allow  someone in a wheelchair considerable independence at home (home modifications).
• Ramps at state and local parks; restaurants, theaters, retail stores, businesses, and other places of public accommodation allow access to public recreational, commercial, and business opportunities (environmental modifications).
• Lifts for public transportation
• TTYs for phone systems and pointers and switches.
• An environmental control system, including an amplifier on the phone to accommodate hearing limitations and a personal alarm system to notify health personnel if he has a medical emergency have improved one man's ability to manage his living quarters. This combination of high and low technology has given him the confidence and support to remain quite independent in his own home. "Equally important, this self-confidence has encouraged him to continue participating in activities out of his home."
•   Source: (D.D. Network News 3 (3), March 1990).

User-Driven - Non-Users cannot imagine the needs or experience of the users.   

Door Handle Examples (link) 

Creating spaces and products with Universal Design principles is generally no costlier than without. The matter is one of planning them into the original design rather than retro-fitting. The challenge is in valuing, researching, identifying and creatively responding to the needs of the widest range of potential users PRIOR to finalization of plans.

Principles of Universal Design

1. Equitable Use: The design does not disadvantage or stigmatize any group of users.
2. Flexibility in Use: The design accommodates a wide range of individual preferences and abilities.
3. Simple, Intuitive Use: Use of the design is easy to understand, regardless of the user's experience, knowledge, language skills, or current concentration level.
4. Perceptible Information: The design communicates necessary information effectively to the user, regardless of ambient conditions or the user's sensory abilities.
5. Tolerance for Error: The design minimizes hazards and the adverse consequences of accidental or unintended actions.
6. Low Physical Effort: The design can be used efficiently and comfortably, and with a minimum of fatigue.
7. Size and Space for Approach & Use: Appropriate size and space is provided for approach, reach, manipulation, and use, regardless of the user's body size, posture, or mobility.

• Respect for inherent dignity, individual autonomy including the freedom to make one’s own choices, and independence of persons
• Non-discrimination
• Full and effective participation and inclusion in society
• Respect for difference and acceptance of persons with disabilities as part of human diversity and humanity
• Equality of opportunity
• Accessibility
• Equality between men and women
• Respect for the evolving capacities of children with disabilities and respect for the right of children with disabilities to preserve their identities

Interesting Internet Sites

Home Modification Links
Universal Design Education Online