Issues with the Assistive Technology Device’s Implementation
Screen Reader JAWS
JAWS uses speech to help a person understand what is on the computer.
-It allows the user to quickly lookup information using the research It button (Van Dijk et al. 32).
-Skim reading saves time, allowing a visually impaired person to read a large text in a few minutes.
-The JAWS reader costs between $ 800-1000 and hence most visually challenged people cannot afford it (GATFL, n.pg).

– JAWS also face compatibility issues since some websites are designed without considering people with disabilities.

JAWS is applicable to visually challenged people

-implementation of JAWS in the classroom requires successful installation and tech training of the instructor; both of which are costly and time taking (GATFL, n.pg).

Kurzweil

Reads aloud words on computers, tablets and smartphones

-By integrating digitized speech, Kurzweil engages the learners improving their learning experience (Van Dijk et al. 42).

-Kurzweil can be integrated with popular browsers like Mozilla hence help the students to easily navigate the internet (GATFL, n.pg).

-Kurzweil is a complex program and it may discourage the teachers and family of the child from adopting it.

-It is expensive hence not affordable to everyone.

Designed for learners with dyslexia.

Its successful implementation requires the training of tutors and workers and as well it necessitates regular refresher courses and this takes a lot of time (Van Dijk et al. 32).

Power wheelchairs

Eases movement for people with mobility impairments

-Power wheelchairs give the user the option to use their functioning body part to control the chair.

-They exist in a wide range of varieties hence one can choose one which meets their personal tastes and preference (Van Dijk et al. 94).

-Usually, power wheelchairs are not foldable and hence may be a source of tress while using public transport.

-The cost of purchase, maintenance and repair of power wheel chairs is significantly high and this may not be affordable to many people (GATFL, n.pg).

Power wheelchairs are for people who have difficulties in moving from one place to another due to injury or disability

Implementation of a power wheelchair requires the user to be trained on how to use it and the maintenance practices to observe (Van Dijk et al. 97).

Adjustable Head pointers

Used for turning pages, drawing, painting or pushing in switches.

-They are cheap therefore nearly everyone who needs them can afford.

-They are easy to use hence easy to learn.

-Users rarely achieve maximum accuracy using the analog head pointers and lead to low typing speed (Laurin et al. 40).

Perfect for people with limited hand use.

Implementation of the head pointer requires adjustment of the headband and the cranial strap to fit various head sizes (GATFL, n.pg).

Canes

Increases a patient’s base of support and improvs their balance

-They are available in variety to meet individual needs (Laurin et al. 27).

-Improves the patient’s confidence and sense of safety.

-They can lead to falls and injury if not properly used.

-Canes may interfere with limb movement during balance recovery (Laurin et al. 39).

Used by people with mobility impairments

Implementation requires giving the patient an appropriate cane and ensuring it is of the correct height (Singleton, 34)

Handheld magnifiers

Used to provide magnification capabilities for ease of reading

-Ease of use hence one does not have to undergo any training to learn how to use (Laurin et al. 32).

-Affordable to everyone.

-The handheld magnifiers can be lost easily due to the small size and high portability.

-A magnifier without a built-in light may cast shadow on the paper making it difficult to read (GATFL, n.pg).

Used by people with slight visual problems.

Finding a suitable handheld optical device is usually a challenge since they are so many in the market.

Cited Works

“Assistive Technology Devices.” Georgia Assistive Technology for Life. N.p., 2016. Web. http://www.gatfl.org/assistive.php

Laurin, Kathleen, and Jill Sherman Pleasant. “Low-Tech Assistive Technology.” Helal et al. The Engineering Handbook of Smart Technology for Aging, Disability, and Independence (2008): 129-142.

Van Dijk, Jelle, et al. “Empowering people with impairments: How participatory methods can inform the design of empowering artifacts.” Proceedings of the 14th Participatory Design Conference: Short Papers, Interactive Exhibitions, Workshops. Vol. 2. ACM, 2016.

Singleton, Kimberly-Joy Griffith. Assistive technology: An analysis of secondary level educator’s perceptions. Diss. University of West Georgia, 2016.

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