Introduction
In the increasingly technological and digital world, technology has accompanied human on every step of their life .According to U.S. Assistive Technology Act 2004, any item or piece of equipment whether modified, customized that is being used to increase the functional capabilities of an individual with disabilities is considered in the category of Assistive Technology. Without Assistive technology these people might be excluded or ignored which hinder their overall development.
Who can be benefitted from assistive technology?
At some point of life everyone need to use assistive technology, while some require this temporarily as if after an accident or illness. Assistive technology can be used in action for a long period too or throughout an individual’s whole lifespan. This technology is mostly needed by:-
Specially-abled children and adults with certain disabilities
Old-aged people
It comes in long term effect for people with health conditions that stay for
long term, like diabetes, dementia.
Benefits of Assistive Technology
Personalized Learning based on individual: – Assistive technology helps transforming learning experiences based on an individual’s needs. Special students with disabilities such as dyslexia are benefitted from tools like text-to-speech software. This tool is efficient in converting spoken words into written text. The students area able to process information effectively, thus enhancing in their knowledge so that they can actively participate in
class.
Improved academic performance: – Recent stats have shown assistive technology has significantly contributed in improving the academic performance. It has reduced the barriers to learning, allowing the students achieve full potential. This helps in increased motivation and better overall academic outcomes.
Enhanced Productivity: – AT tools such as speech recognition software and screen enlargers enhance productivity by improving efficiency and producing personalized result for an individual. With the help of Assistive technology employees are able to perform their greater accuracy and speed thus better performance in their work sphere.
Health and safety: – AT also plays a vital in ensuring health and safety. Medicinal management tools and adaptive devices for individual so that they are able to manage their health conditions with daily life.
Removal of Barriers: – Actively taking part in social activities is a must to do part of human life. AT provides a way for those who want to interact and participate socially. For example, (VRS) Video relay services and (RTT) Realtime text helps an individual with hearing impairments in communicating effectively over a phone.
Why there is a need of products like Assistive Technology?
AT’s one of the most significant benefits is that it enhances the ability of self sufficiency. Some devices such as wheelchairs, hearing machines and screen readers allow the individuals to cope up with their daily tasks that might otherwise be impossible for them to carry out without others help. By reducing person’s reliance on others to assist them with carrying out tasks, Assistive Technology allows the individual to take full control of their lives and participate more socially.
Conclusion
Assistive Technology is a powerful tool that has proved to be a boon for individuals with disabilities in many ways. AT promotes self-sufficiency and improved communication skills creating more ways for people to participate socially. And as a seeming advancements in tech fields continue to evolve, the potential of AT to transform lives will grow too making world more accessible for the needful ones.
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