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How Assistive Technology Helps
Are you less independent than you want to be because of a disability. Assistive technology (AT) enables people to live healthy, productive, independent, and dignified lives, and to participate in education, the labour market and civic life. AT can reduce the need for formal health and support services, long-term care and the work of caregivers. Without AT, people are often excluded, isolated, or locked into poverty, thereby increasing the impact of the disability on a person, their family, and society.
So what is AT? Imagine if you have limited mobility and are not able to climb a ladder, how handy it would be to disarm your beeping smoke detector via a phone app. This technology is the difference between being able to perform the task independently and needing to find someone to help. There is AT for dressing yourself independently, bathing, eating and cooking, and devices that are used for mobility issues. Don’t forget about communication, memory aids, safety devices like call buttons. There are also recreational components useful for sports, toys, and leisure activities.
Not sure if a piece of AT will help you? Plan a visit, either in person or remotely with your local Center for Independent Living, and explain a barrier to doing something yourself. Chances are there is a device to help. And if your barrier is a little more complicated, they have access to rehab professionals that can help. There are also resources available if you can’t afford to purchase an item that can help you. Remember, the right AT can give you power over your own life!