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Chapter 13 |
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AT devices that facilitate inclusion of students with physical disabilities
Not so many years ago, persons with disabilities who used wheelchairs could do little more than be pushed around by others. But things have really changed. Now persons who use wheelchairs are able to ride public buses and trains to commute to their jobs. It is commonplace to see a child in a wheelchair “running” down the hallway of a school. Persons who cannot speak with their own voice or use their limbs are working and living independently. However, many of us have no idea what is out there. Take a tour of the websites listed below to learn about AT devices that are available and meet users of the devices that facilitate their full inclusion in life.
Mobility devices:
Adaptive Switch Laboratories, Inc. was founded by a family after their son’s accident. To begin at the home page, go to http://www.asl-inc.com/, but be sure to visit the Meet Our Users page at http://www.asl-inc.com/SuccessStories/Index.htm.
Daedalus Technologies makes mounting devices for wheelchairs and accessible workstations. These are appropriate for use in public school classrooms. Clink the links in the left column of this homepage: http://www.daessy.com/.
AOK Global Products, Ltd. supplies chairs for emergency evacuations from multistory buildings: http://www.rescuechair.com/.
For proof that persons who use AT and mobility devices have serious amounts of fun, visit Wheelchair Junkie at http://www.wheelchairjunkie.com/. At some point, one or more of these websites may contain humor that younger and/or more sensitive persons may find offensive, as Allyn and Bacon has no control over the content of individual websites. But seeing persons with disabilities as whole persons is a valuable experience.
Communication devices:
Speech Technology Magazine is an online source for information about the latest products and their applications: http://www.speechtechmag.com/.
Words+ has a full range of communication devices for persons who cannot speak with their own voices. See the Speed Index on the right side of the screen at: http://www.words-plus.com.
Prentke Romich Company supplies augmentative communication products suitable for use in schools as well as other settings. The homepage is at: http://www.prentrom.com. Once there, you can click on the devices. Be sure to visit the page on Teaching Ideas and Materials to find materials for classroom use.
Mathtalk.com has software that will allow students to speak their math problems and solutions: http://www.mathtalk.com/.
Nuance supplies speech and imaging solutions for home and work, as well as school. Visit the homepage at: http://www.dragonsys.com/, and explore the various products.
For many more communication devices from a worldwide network of suppliers, visit http://www.tifaq.com/.
General resources for AT:
This was just a sampling of the AT devices available for persons with physical and health-related disabilities. There are additional devices for activities of daily living, traveling, and workplace applications. In addition, there are devices that are disability-specific for persons with sensory disabilities and mental retardation. General sources for AT are found at the websites noted below.
Not everything is about work; Enabling Devices (http://enablingdevices.com) has information about toys for special children. After reviewing the toys, visit the online catalog to see more devices (see the link on the left side of the screen).
Infogrip is a comprehensive resource for AT devices that can be used by persons with a variety of special needs at school, home, work, and play. Enjoy surfing this one at: http://www.infogrip.com/.
In the future (cue Star Trek effects): Finally, here are two websites that will pique your interest in the future of AT:
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