Assistive and Adaptive Technology
What is Assistive and Adaptive Technology
Assistive and Adaptive Technology is the term used to cover all hardware,
software and peripherals which can be used to make life easier for the disabled
user. It includes a very broad spectrum from the very specialised i.e. screen
readers for the visually impaired to products which most people use but that
some of the disabled find extra helpful i.e. scanners and tape recorders
request).
What are the benefits?
A correctly selected choice of hardware, software and peripherals can allow
users to access information and produce their work independently and to do
existing tasks more efficiently.
What are the problems?
Each individual has their own specific needs, and therefore their own equipment
needs, and sometimes those needs change. It is not a matter of providing
everything to everyone in the hope that spending money solves problems; packages
must be selected with care, training and ongoing support must be provided.
Sometimes the best solution to a problem is free and doesn’t involve any
technology at all!
Do you do training?
Yes. Most students will be trained by their local university who will have Student
Support teams employed to do this. However we will happily supply training to
anyone who needs support within their own home, providing funding has been
approved by the relevant authority. If you are unsure whether you are covered
please do call us and we will liaise with your funding body to clarify the
situation for you.
I have more questions what should I do?
Call us! We welcome all questions and will always do our best to answer them.
Where appropriate we will refer you to your funding body or other relevant party;
we will provide the names and numbers of the people you need to speak with and
wherever possible remain a point of reference for you.