ABSTRACT
Defining the Issues .......................................................................................................... 340 What Is a Disability? ..................................................................................................... 340 What Is Assistive Technology? .................................................................................... 341 Availability of Services ................................................................................................. 342 Examples of Assistive Technology .............................................................................. 343 Selecting an Assistive Technology Device .................................................................. 344 Developing a Plan ........................................................................................................ 344
The Child User’s Desired Outcomes ........................................................................ 344 The Child User’s Abilities ......................................................................................... 345 The Child User’s Preferences .................................................................................. 345 The Child User’s Environment .................................................................................. 345
Considering the Future ................................................................................................ 347 Computer Products ......................................................................................................... 347
Keyguards ................................................................................................................... 348 Head Pointers .............................................................................................................. 348 Joysticks and Trackballs ............................................................................................. 349 On-Screen Keyboards ................................................................................................. 349 Word Prediction ........................................................................................................... 350 Screen Enlargement .................................................................................................... 350 Text-to-Speech ............................................................................................................ 350 Speech-Recognition .................................................................................................... 351
Discrete Speech vs. Continuous Speech ................................................................ 351 Augmentative and Alternative Communication ........................................................... 351 Educational Software ................................................................................................... 352 Switches and Mounts ................................................................................................... 352
Training ............................................................................................................................ 353 Similarity Awareness .................................................................................................... 354
Technological Advances ................................................................................................. 355 Simplifying Use ............................................................................................................ 355 Universal Design .......................................................................................................... 356 Channels of Distribution ............................................................................................... 357
Conclusion ....................................................................................................................... 357 Resources ....................................................................................................................... 358 References ...................................................................................................................... 358
DEFINING THE ISSUES
Many people associate adaptive equipment with a mysterious territory of wheelchairs, hospitals, inability, and dependence. They may believe adaptive equipment is cumbersome, complex, expensive, and used only by people with disabilities. Such perceptions reinforce differences among people rather than similarities.
