She also provides a brief overview of the guide. Patsy has been a speech-language pathologist working with children with severe speech and physical impairments for the past 11 years. A recent survey conducted by the International Electronics Commission indicated that 9 out of 10 of us cannot program our VCRs. Each day, however, we all use a variety of pieces of technology. Every time we ride in a car or make a phone call or cook diner, we are using technology.
Technology can help people with disabilities even more.
Assistive technologies, from wheelchairs to computers, can help everyone to move, express themselves, and carry out other aspects of their daily lives as easily and as independently as possible. Assistive technology can include adapted toys, computers, seating systems, powered mobility equipment, augmentative communication devices, adaptive switches. There are literally thousands of commercially available and home made assistive technology solutions to improve an individual's ability to learn, compete, work, and interact with family and friends. Assistive technology is a means rather than an end in itself. An adaptive switch to activate a toy is a means to more independent play.