Assistive Technology
“For most of us, technology makes things easier. For a person with a disability, it makes things possible”
Judy Heumann
The Assistive Technology program relates to any object, part of equipment or product system that increases, maintains or improves the functional ability of persons with disability. In ELEPAP it is implemented by specialized occupational therapists and speech therapists.
The program helps children who are unable to communicate verbally or who have difficulty in verbal communication or in learning and playing, to overcome the obstacles and to evolve. The program is conducted individually, in groups or even jointly by various therapists.
The following methods are used:
- Alternative access to a computer environment (computer, iPad, tablet) e.g. using switches, alternative keyboards, mouse, touch screen, eye-tracking technology
- Alternative and augmentative communication for example using speech-generating devices, special keyboard.
- Alternative control of everyday devices
The goal of the program is to actively involve the child in everyday activities regardless of the degree of motor difficulties, so that it can acquire skills in:
- Communication
- Socialization
- Recreation
- Linguistic development
- Writing
- Education
- Autonomy
The program team members are specially trained occupational therapists who keep up to date with the new technological achievements and work in cooperation with speech therapists and special education teachers. Parents, teachers etc. are also trained so as to facilitate the child’s understanding and/or urge the child to use the new ways of communication in other settings.