Site visit: LifeTec
LifeTec is a not for profit organisation run to provide assistance and information for those in need, in order to improve an individuals quality of life. Throughout the visit I learnt a lot about assistive technologies and their importance in society. Jamie, our guest lecturer and occupational therapist, provided insight into the many challenges faced by individuals with a disability, whether it my minor or severe.
Device + System + Design = Assistive Technology
Assistive Technology includes:
- Home health care
- Aids & Equipment
- Aids to daily living
Assistive technology contributes as a means of enhancing an individuals functionality and essentially allowing them to perform a task they were previously unable to do on their own. It also helps to increase ease and safety to which a task can be performed.
A range of different technologies can be used in the development of assistive technologies, some of which include wi-fi, infra-red, bluetooth, Iphone/Ipad applications, GPS and the 3G network.
Examples of Assistive Technologies:
LifeTec: Phone with photo buttons and large scale buttons for the visually impaired.
LifeTec: Hoist for moving physically disabled people, for example, from wheelchair to bed. This also assists with the Occupational Health and Safety for the Occupational Therapist.
LifeTec: Assisted cutting board for those with difficulties associated with their hands.
Assistive systems have also been applied to other existing technologies. For example, need specific applications for iPhone and iPad (or Apps) have been developed for those with disabilities for ease of use, learning and general assistance in communication as well as in everyday life.
Examples...
Reflection:
The site visit to LifeTec fully opened up my way of thinking in terms of the project. For a product to be successful and beneficial it needs to be inclusive to those who are both fully abled and those with disabilities. The Occupational Therapists at LifeTec demonstrated effectively how simple tasks can become extremely difficult to those effected by disability, whether it be minor (eg. slight loss of sight) or severe (completely wheelchair bound). I was particularly interested in the computer software specifically designed to assist those who struggle with typing or using a mouse, a simple task performed daily that to us is just second nature. From a hardware device above your computer monitor, this software was able to recognise your eye movements and control the cursor, instead of using a mouse with your hand. I find this to be extremely interesting and beneficial, however, while it does have potential to be an awesome product, the technology still needs fine tuning and updating.
Overall, the site visit was inspiring.
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