TECHNOLOGY TRENDS
One in five Americans, or approximately 54 million people report having some level of
disability. Assistive technology can enable people with disabilities to have greater
control over their lives, to participate in and participate more fully in activities related to
home, school, work, and community. Rapid advancements in technology continue to
provide important new tools to assist individuals with disabilities. Substantial progress
has been made in both the development of new assistive technology devices and in the
transfer and adaptation of existing technologies for the benefit of individuals with
disabilities. These tools can assist individuals across their life span.
WHAT IS ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY?
Assistive technology includes devices and services that help people in their daily lives.
Examples are:
electronic devices that make it possible to talk without using one’s voice
computers that can be used without touching the keyboard
cars and vans that are modified, making it possible for people with disabilities
to drive
remote control devices that turn appliances, television, radio, and lamps, on
and off
devices that help people with vision limitations such as magnifiers, talking
books, closed circuit television, Braille note taking computers
mobility aids such as wheelchairs, walkers, canes, crutches
devices that help people with hearing limitations such as hearing aids, FM
systems and other assistive listening devices.
Assistive technology services include assistance with learning what devices are available
and where to access services, determining what devices can help you, paying for devices,
and how and where to get devices repaired.
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TRENDS IN ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY
Increased numbers of AT products available today than 10-15 year ago
Accessibility of electronic and information technologies being addressed but
still an issue
Movement toward universal design of products, systems and the environment
Access to public technology such as accessible voting machines, ATMs,
information kiosks
Universal interface technologies that allow easy integration of multiple
technologies (e.g., augmentative communication devices, environmental
control systems, and information technologies)
Large segment of population aging and therefore will need/use more AT
Access standards guiding development of AT design
TRENDS IN TECHNOLOGY IN GENERAL
Technology devices are becoming more widespread, smaller, faster, powerful and more
portable. With these new advances in technology, access becomes an issue for people
with disabilities.
Technology advances include:
Smaller, miniaturized devices for more portability, more power
Wireless communications for voice, text messaging, data transmission,
seamless connectivity;
Broadband development for faster Internet communication speeds
Delivery of traditional services via telecommunications such as telehealth,
telework, e-government, and e-learning
Prevalence and use of personal data assistants (PDAs)
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