Major Project Theme
This blog post will contain my major project theme. The decision for the topic of my major project theme has hugely been influenced by my initial idea, being that it is a component of Human-Computer Interaction (HCI). With the help of draw.io I have designed the image above to convey the idea of this essay, titled 'The benefits and applications of assistive technology'.
The Benefits and Applications of Assistive Technology
Assistive technology is a rapidly evolving field that has revolutionized our perception of disabilities. The University of Washington describes assistive technology as a range of technology designed to aid individuals with disabilities in performing tasks that they might otherwise be unable to perform. These may include, but are not limited to, hardware, software and peripherals that provide support for individuals with disabilities and provide them access to computers and information, as well as devices for mobility, such as wheelchairs and walkers (University of Washington, 2023). This essay will explore the advantages and various other applications of assistive technology.
Assistive technology serves several functions; one of which is in visual enhancements. These visual devices aid the navigation of blind people and those with low vision. An example of such devices is text-to-speech (TTS).
"Text-to-speech (TTS)is a type of assistive technology that reads digital text aloud. It is also known as “read aloud” technology. Text-to-speech technology is a kind of Assistive Technology that reads aloud digital text appearing on a regular computer screen, working as a reader for blind or visually impaired individuals. It can function as an educational enhancement tool for students who need support with their reading, writing, and comprehension skills" (Barry, no date).
"Text-to-speech software can take voice commands or, with a click of a mouse, select text to a screen to convert it into audio. Text-to-speech systems can also make use of OCR or optical character recognition technology. What it does is lift text or photos from a scanned document or image, then turn it into paper-based documents, making it into a searchable, edit-friendly, digital format" (Barry, no date). These devices are also beneficial for people who struggle with ADD, Dyspraxia, ADHD, and Dyslexia (Barry, no date).
Assistive technology also aids people with ocular impairments, through screen readers. While the Text-to-Speech (TTS) software converts written text into audio, "screen reader software converts everything that is being displayed on the screen - icons, hyperlinks, and image descriptions - to audio. Screen readers are useful for individuals who are blind or have a visual impairment and are often used in conjunction with assistive technology such as screen magnifiers and braille output devices" (University of South Dakota, 2023). Examples of screen readers are: COBRA 10, JAWS, MathPlayer, Non-Visual Desktop Access (NVDA), etc. (University of South Dakota, 2023).
Assistive technology also helps disabilities such as: autism spectrum disorders, blindness and low vision, deafness and hard of hearing, computer access problems, communication disorders, and cognitive disabilities (ATIA, 2023).
The models of Assistive Technology (AT) are: the Human Performance Model (HPM), Human Activity Assistive Technology (HAAT) model, Matching Person and Technology (MPT) model, and Comprehensive Assistive Technology (CAT) model (Akyurek, et al., 2017).
While the MPT has a well-developed structure for retrieving information through questionnaires, the HAAT and CAT models "have a hierarchical structure with four components of person, activity, technology, and context at the top level" (Akyurek, et al., 2017).
In conclusion, from pieces of technology as little as a clip-on microphone to enhance speech with large audiences, or more sophisticated technology for people with disabilities, assistive technology renders help not only in the field of medicine, but also in education and basic life practices.
References
Akyurek, G., Kars, S., Celik, Z., Koc, C. and Cesim, Ö.B., (2017) 'Assistive technology in occupational therapy'. Occupational Therapy-Occupation Focused Holistic Practice in Rehabilitation.
ATIA (2023) What is AT?, Assistive Technology Industry Association. Available at: https://www.atia.org/home/at-resources/what-is-at/ (Accessed: 09 May 2023).
Barry, D. (no date) Benefits of Assistive Technology, Remtek Systems LTD. Available at: https://www.remtek.systems/en/news/benefits-of-assistive-technology (Accessed: 08 May 2023).
University of South Dakota (2023) Libguides: Assistive Adaptive Technology: Software/Apps, Software/Apps - Assistive Adaptive Technology - LibGuides at University of South Dakota. Available at: https://libguides.usd.edu/c.php?g=752874&p=7660525#s-lg-box-wrapper-28552051 (Accessed: 03 May 2023).
University of Washington (2023) What is assistive technology?, What is assistive technology? | DO-IT. Available at: https://www.washington.edu/doit/what-assistive-technology (Accessed: 03 May 2023).
Vectorjuice (2021) Free vector: Web accessibility program abstract concept illustration, Freepik. Available at: https://www.freepik.com/free-vector/web-accessibility-program-abstract-concept-illustration_12291244.htm#query=assistive%20technology&position=2&from_view=search&track=ais (Accessed: 03 May 2023).
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