Tutorial Eight-Assistive technology

This week we looked at assistive technology man! it was ACTUALLY interesting. we had these two guest speakers! gasp. it was cool to hear how helpful assistive technology is. We had a chance to "play" with some of the assistive equipment and an exercise using the talking photo frame. we were to give instruction on how to make a smoothie...and it must have been successful because when we put someone to the test...the smoothie was choice as!
The talking photo album. The purpose of this equipment is to increase occupational capacity by partaking in activities with use of the device. It enables the client to successfully make something with more independence or withhold a conversation with someone by simple showing them a picture and pressing a button. It enables them to give direction without having to verbally announce or physically mime. I often deal with children on the ward and in a home environment where communication is a problem. This piece of equipment would be ideal for clients with autism, dyslexia, auditory deficit, develop mental disability. It allows them “a freedom of speech” (Beukelman 2010) and aids in communication. 
It can be used in numerous ways:
- prepare disabled children for a transition to a new school or residential school where you could include photos of the new location and staff with explanations of what each photo shows.
- to create life stories with young people showing a record (of photos and voice recordings) of people and places they have lived
- to support a young person explain what they like and dislike about their life/placement which could feed into a young persons review meeting (Marshal, 2008)      
-Interact with the doctors and nurses at the hospital prior to discharge. 
-It is a way to document the improvement or decline in function of a client tested by how often they are using and relying on the album.
References:

Marshal. B. (2008). Resource to help disabled children participate. Talking photo albums. Retrieved on May 11th 2011 from http://sites.childrenssociety.org.uk/disabilitytoolkit/toolkit/resource.aspx?id=59

Beukelman, D., & Ray, P. (2010). Communication supports in pediatric rehabilitation.Journal of Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine, 3, 279–288.

also for further info on the talking photo frame go to: http://sites.childrenssociety.org.uk/disabilitytoolkit/toolkit/resource.aspx?id=59

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