Well according to the USA Assistive Technology Act (1998) an assistive technology device is defined as "any item, piece of equipment, or product system, whether acquired commercially off the shelf, modified, or customised, that is used to increase, maintain, or improve functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities".
This is a very board definition of technology that are used to assist people. It covers equipment such as an easy reach as well as advanced technology systems such as complete home automation. I like that this definition the DIY aspect as sometimes you need to adapt the equipment yourself to suit your needs. I can imagine "modified" or "customised" referring to the things that someone, like the client or the therapist has adapted for their own assistance. For example when I was on placement, my therapist and I modified a kettle pourer to become a phone holder for one of the clients who had difficulty holding a phone in his hand.
In one of our classes when we looked at assistive technology, we were lucky enough to have a guest lecturer. Dave Speden came to talk to us about he uses assistive technology in OT practice at school for children with disabilities. It was incredible to see the different types of equipment used with different conditions. We also got the opportunity to play around with some of the equipment he uses to aid the children in their learning
In class we looked at heaps of different assistive technologies such as switches, a smart board, communication devices, an IPad and an electric wheelchair. These are only some of the many different types of technologies available to aid clients and therapists.
The piece of assistive technology that I have chosen to talk about is the Nintendo Wii.
This YouTube clip shows the Wii, in an elderly rehab setting. They called it WiiHab!! How cute is that =)
Size
"The Wii is Nintendo’s smallest home console to date; it measures 44 mm wide, 157mm tall and 215.4 mm deep in its vertical orientation, slightly larger than three DVD cases stacked together. The included stand measures 55.4mm wide, 44mm tall and 225.6 mm deep. The system weighs 1.2kgs, which makes it the lightest of the three major seventh generation consoles. The console can be placed either horizontally or vertically." (Nintendo Wii, 2011).
Cost
The price of a Nintendo Wii can vary depending on whether or not you by the most current version or an older one. The cost also depends on what deals are currently running in stores, for example the stored could be selling the console with two games. The current price of a Nintendo Wii in NZ (includes two games) can be found here.
Functions
The Wii has many functions. Here are a few of them.
- Remote Control
The Wii remote is the primary controller for the console. It uses a combination of built-in accelerometers and infrared detection to sense its position in 3D space when pointed at the LEDs within the Sensor Bar. This design allows users to control the game using physical gestures as well as traditional button presses. The controller connects to the console using Bluetooth. - Memory
The Wii consoles contains 512MB of internal flash memory and features an SD care slot for external storage. An SD card can be used for uploading photos as well as backing up saved game data. - Internet connection
The Wii console is able to connect to the Internet through its built-in Wi-Fi or through a USB-to-Ethernet adapter, with both methods allowing players to access the established Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection Service. - Nintendo DS connectivity
The Wii system supports wireless connectivity with the Nintendo DS without any additional accessories. This connectivity allows the player to use the Nintendo DS microphone and touchscreen as inputs for Wii games. - Parental Controls
The console features parental controls, which can be used to prohibit younger users from playing games with content that would be considered unsuitable for their age level.
The Wii would increase occupational capacity for the user as they would be able to play active games like golf and tennis, which would help the remain active and relatively fit as well. They would also be able to use the Wii as a socialisation method because they could have Wii parties =) The person would also be able to feel that they are doing something with their day as Wii has a variety of games for a person to play.
Assistive Technology Definition. (1998). Retrieved May 12th, 2011 from http://www.section508.gov/docs/AssistiveTechnologyActOf1998Full.pdf
Nintendo Wii. (2011). Retrieved May 16th, 2011 from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wii
