About the name of the blog

Do we need forks? is a name that reflects my philosophy about technology - the first question we should ask is "Do I NEED this?" Will it make my life and meaningful occupations easier, or better in some way?
As a student (first time around), I remember reading a scene from a play set in the 1600s, where French nobles were wondering what to do with a fork. The social context meant that forks were unnecessary. In that time, people would bring a knife, use a spoon for liquids, and hands for everything else. In a different social context where people are concerned about hygiene, a fork seems relevant. Or you could just wash your hands really well before each meal.
This philosophy about technology relates well to frameworks of occupational therapy. We look at the person - do they really need this technology? - the occupation - how meaningful is this occupation and do they need technology to make it easier to participate in? - and the environment, which includes social factors - is this technology going to fit with their environment?

Sunday, May 15, 2011

Assistive Technology

Definition
Here is a definition of assistive technology and assistive technology device from section 3 of the Assistive Technology Act of 1998 in the United States of America:


2) ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY—
The term ``assistive technology´´ means technology designed to be utilized in an assistive technology device or assistive technology service.

(3) ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY DEVICE—
The term ``assistive technology device´´ means any item, piece of equipment, or product system, whether acquired commercially, modified, or customized, that is used to increase, maintain, or improve functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities.


Assistive Technology Act of 1998, Pub. L. No. 105−394, 112 Stat. 3627, S. 2432 (1998


In my own words, this means any tool that you use to help you carry out your day-to-day activities, like a baby mug, or a laser pointing device to help you use the computer.

Equipment description
What is it? iPad2
Cost? Starting $499
Functions? Two cameras, HD video recording, Height  24 cm x 18.5 cm, 8.8 mm deep and only 601 gms.  Up to 64 GB storage.  Wi-fi. Bluetooth.  Touch-screen interface, as well as support for playback of closed-captioned content, VoiceOver screen reader, full-screen zoom magnification, white on black display, mono audio.

The apps on the iPad helped users in a high school setting take part in computer games, especially if they didn't have precision motor skills, because they could use the touch screen to make gross movements.

Here is an app for the iPad that helps with fine motor skills: Dexteria
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