Conceptual models provide a theoretical basis for advancing scientific knowledge and improving professional practice. Although numerous assistive technology-related models have appeared in the literature, there has been no systematic effort to assess them. Six conceptual models are reviewed here: Cook and Hussey's Human-Activity-Assistive Technology model; the World Health Organization's Intern...

For people with disabilities, many aspects of daily life can be inaccessible. Legally, various disability laws, such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (1990) and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (1997) mandate that reasonable accommodations should be provided for employees and students with reading disabilities. Computer-based assistive technologies are one way to provide ac...

“Access technology” (AT) is a term used to discuss assistive and adaptive technologies. While these terms are often used interchangeably, “access technology” is proposed insofar as the idea of “assistive” may be understood as redundant and condescending, since every technology can be perceived as assistive in one way or another (Ladner, 2010). The United States Assistive Technology Act (Technol...

Many assistive technologies, although designed to enhance quality of life, become a headache for users. Price, fit, and comfort level are chief assailants in the total acceptance of certain assistive technologies – for many AT users, “one size fits all” doesn’t. By utilizing software developed to integrate Microsoft Kinect, openSCAD, and MakerBot 3D printers, we strove to develop a system inten...

Assistive monitoring analyzes data from sensors and cameras to detect situations of interest, and notifies appropriate persons in response. Customization of assistive technology by end-users is necessary for technology adoption and retention. We introduce MNFL, the Monitoring and Notification Flow Language, developed over the past several years to allow lay persons without programming experienc...

Most students diagnosed with disabilities in Thai special education schools received assistive technologies, but this did not guarantee the greatest benefits. The purpose of this study was to survey the provision, use and needs of assistive technologies, as well as the perspectives of key informants regarding a model of providing them in special education schools. The participants were selected...

Assistive technology has become one of the most powerful tools in assisting people with disabilities fight for social equality both in Puerto Rico as well as in other cities worldwide. In spite of this, the availability of assistive technology equipment does not constitute reason enough for people with disabilities to have all the technology resources for making them independent and productive ...

The combination of increasing life spans and low birth rates is accelerating the pace at which share older adults in population worldwide rising. As people age, their autonomy tends to decrease leads frequently need use support equipment perform daily living activities. Governments, all levels, are establishing programs enable this live with dignity home, receive more proper care, participate l...