Tutorial Eight: Assistive Technology

Assistive technology can be defined as the use of any mechanical item, equipment or product that can be modified, customised or purchased commercially or privately to improve and increase a disabled individual’s functional abilities (Sabata, Shamberg & Williams, 2008).

From my interpretation of the above statement I gather that assistive technology (this could be any form of device), be it technology, standard fixtures or dress aids can be used on completion of an occupation by someone with an impairment. As the world around us today is accepting and adapting to the needs of those suffering from a disability, assistive technology is becoming more and more prominent in todays society.

Earlier this month I was introduced to a piece of equipment that intrigued me. This piece of assistive technology is a ‘Pal Pad’ it has the same function as a switch, in fact it can be described as a ‘flat switch’.

-Size and dimensions: The Pal Pad comes in three different sizes. The Mini Pal Pad is 5cm x 5cm (2” x 2 “), the Small Pal Pad measures 6cm x 10cm (2.5 × 4”) and the Large Pal Pad measures 11.5cm x 15cm (4.5” x 6”), making it one of the largest adaptive switches available. The Pad is available in four colours, red, green, yellow and blue.

It only requires 34g of force to activate Pal Pad switches. They can be operated with the slightest touch whether from directly above or at a shallow angle. Pal Pads can be plugged into communication aids, battery operated devices or computer interfaces.

Pal Pads are flat switches, approximately 1/4 of a centimeter thick, yet are very rigid and durable. They are designed to be tolerant of rough usage. Pal Pads come with a foam rubber backing you can attach to the back to minimise slipping.

-Cost: According to STAR Mobility & Disability Centre the large Pal Pad is priced at $124

-Function: The main function of the Pal Pad switch is to turn on and off any piece of equipment. This type of switch would be ideal for those users who are distracted by audible clicks or those who require a very low profile switch and can exert very little pressure. The Pal Pad can also be used as a means to teach someone that if you touch here (the top of the pad) then this will turn on/off.

-When I first saw the Pal Pad it was connected to a child’s toy. It was a dinosaur and when you touched the pad the dinosaur walked. The Pal Pad would be good for a child with fine motor dysfunction. This would give them the opportunity to engage in play just like those children without impairments do.

-Examples of assistive switches in use.  

 Pal Pad

 

 Above is a example of a adapted switch. It is not the Pal Pad switch but it does the same thing. 

References:

Sabata, D. B., Shamberg, S. & Williams, M. (2008). Optimising access to home, community and work environments. In M. V. Radomski & C. A. Trombly Latham (Eds.), Occupational therapy for physical dysfunction (6th ed.), (pp. 952-973). Baltimore: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.