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Assistive Technology: Solutions for Independent Living
| For individuals with disabilities, everyday tasks can be a challenge. Assistive technology allows people with disabilities to meet those challenges successfully, and to live richer, more independent lives. In 1998, Congress recognized the rights and needs of persons with disabilities by passing the Technology-Related Assistance for Individuals with Disabilities Act, or Tech Act. Six years later, Congress amended the Tech Act, and in 1998 replaced it with the more comprehensive Assistive Technology Act of 1998 ("AT Act"). The AT Act acknowledges that disability is a natural part of the human experience, and in no way diminishes the right of individuals to live independently, to enjoy self determination, to make choices, to pursue meaningful careers, and to enjoy full inclusion and integration in the economic, political, social, cultural and educational mainstream of American society. Congress also acknowledged that for some individuals with disabilities, assistive technology may be necessary to: • enable individuals to have greater control over their lives; • participate in, and contribute more fully to, activities in their homes, schools, work environments, and communities; • interact to a greater extent with individuals who do not have disabilities; and • otherwise benefit from opportunities that are taken for granted by individuals who do not have disabilities. These acknowledgements created significant progress in the development of assistive technologies, thereby yielding substantial benefits for individuals with disabilities, regardless of age. Options for Home Long Term Care Today, a wide variety of assistive technology provides tools to assist with tasks of daily living and improve functional capabilities. For example, an automated medication dispenser can alert a child or adult when it's time to take a prescription. Assistive technology can include mobility and travel assistance, such as wheelchairs, walkers, and adapted car seats, or home-workplace adaptations such as wider doorways, ramps, grab bars and adaptive switches. Computer hardware and software, such as voice recognition programs, enable a person with disabilities to interact better with others. Additional options include cognitive aids, speech and writing aids, and other daily living aids such as medical alert systems and healthcare monitoring systems that benefit home long term care. Ideal technology options, and how one may respond to assistive technology, can be determined best by assessing an individual's skills, likes, dislikes, and environmental needs. An assessor will review each individual's strengths, weaknesses, and daily needs via a personal assessment in his or her home, work, and—if appropriate—school environments. Assistive technology may be used by anyone considering options for long term care at home. In addition to people with disabilities, the elderly can benefit greatly by technology that allows them to age in place, such as health monitors, medical alert systems, general safety monitoring and emergency alert systems. Safety Monitoring Systems for Success SimplyHome, a provider of safety monitoring, offers ideal assistive technology systems as a cost-effective solution that allow individuals to live independently in their own homes. The comprehensive SimplyHome System and paging pendant PERS (Personal Emergency Response System) Plus system can benefit anyone seeking assistive technology for long term care at home. "We assist individuals by assessing their needs and creating customized, cost-effective plans tailored to specifically meet those needs," says Allen Ray, CEO of SimplyHome. Assistive Technology Improves Lives and Maximizes Independence When properly applied in a supportive care environment, assistive technologies lend a hand to allow individuals with special needs to maximize their productivity and independence, thereby improving quality of life for the individual and benefiting all of society. For more information, visit: http://simply-home.com |
About the Author
Bryan Sullivan is the Executive Vice President of Write Away, Inc. - Editorial and content firm based in Weaverville, NC. He is the Feature Editor of Action Pursuit Games Magazine, Editor of Grilled Magazine. He also often writes for regional & national publications about local history, farming, culture and food. He graduated with a degree in communications from Alfred University in New York State and then went on to attend culinary school in NYC where he graduated in the top percent of his class. He proceeded to work in high-end restaurants in New York City, Martha's Vineyard, MA and Naples, FL. Bryan currently lives in Asheville, NC with Liisa and their Black Lab, Annie.
For more information, visit:
http://simply-home.com
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