Tutorial 7: Assistive Technology

Assistive Technology is "any item, piece of equipment or product system whether acquired commercially off the shelf, modified, or customized that is used to increase or improve functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities" ( Cook and Hussey, 2000, p.5)


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

One piece of equipment introduced to us in the assistive technology tutorial was a big red switch. This big red switch is easy-to-see, easy-to-activate switch with a 127mm diameter surface. This has a Activating Pressure of 85gms. This type of switch costs $101.25 (including GST). This big red switch is used to activate:
-electrical appliances via an environmental control unit
-battery operated adapted toys and games
-a computer through a switch interface
-AAC device through a switch port.

The large colourful surface makes this switch ideal for students with visual, cognitive or physical requirements. It provides a tactile and audible feedback to the user. The big red switch is designed for activation no matter where it is pressed. Because these switches are so big it is a lot easier for someone with poor fine motor skills to use than some of the normal switches.