Tutorial 8

Assistive technology

Assistive technology is providing a means of reducing a physical impairment an assistive device for example a hearing aid (Collins English Dictionary. 2003). Collins English dictionary  2003   Harper Collins Publishers

Talking photo Album functions: Combine literacy and ICT with this Talking Photo Album. Record your stories, timetables or messages with our Talking Photo Album. Simply insert drawings or photographs into the plastic wallets and record up to a 10 second message on every page. Great for Dementia patients.  Sizes and Pricing: The larger A3 sized Talking Photo album $98  A4 size talking photo album - $98 A3 size talking photo album - $118 Custom sizes are available - varies through sizes  How the equipment increased occupational engagement for the user?  Provide examples here from the tutorial and lecture. As said by Trev from Star Mobility who gave the students a 2-hour presentation where he introduced a variety of assistive equipment. He mentioned that not only could the talking photo album used for storing photos but can be used when following food recipes and/or daily tasks that require sequencing. For example this assists a client with short term memory loss who requires prompts, they can simply push the button for the required step they are after and the ‘talking photo album’ will give simple instructions for them to follow or give a prompt that the carer has already recorded for the clients use.  Additional websites that will assist in knowing further information about what this assistive device "Talking photo album" can do. Good website that demonstrates how to use a talking photo album and its use. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gMLV409Sbdw How easy this assistive equipment is. This video demonstrates how younger children can also use them. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0UhPyj1asQA other ways of using this assistive device http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X2Rfa-6RmbE learning to read for younger children clip http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RyX31JHXr-E

Reference:

Retrieved from: STAR Disability and Mobility Centre (2011). Talking photo albums.  Retrieved from http://www.starmobility.co.nz/recordable-voice-devices-1/aids/talking-photo-album-a5.html?options=cart

Expert advise: Trev from Star Mobility