High tech assistive technologies involves technologies that require a little bit more training and maybe a bit more cost. Here are a few high tech assistive technologies we found as we were searching for assistive technologies to use with people with physical disabilities.
1. The DynaVox Maestro - Here is a youtube video about a girl (Elle) with cerbral palsy who uses the computer technology to aid in her daily communication. According to the manufacturers website the Dynavox Maestro "gives individuals with speech and language disabilities the confidence to make their voices heard in every situation by putting the focus on communication, not the method by which that communication is achieved. Sleek, stylish design combines with powerful communication tools and cutting-edge technology to empower successful and efficient day-to-day communication." (http://ca.dynavoxtech.com/products/maestro/)
So cool!
2. Mac - Mac is dedicated to ensuring all persons have access to their products. Aside from the universal design of Mac products (described below) such as slow keys, sticky keys, mouse keys, multi-touch trackpad, keyboard shorcuts, and inkwell - there are many apps that students with physical disabilities can use to access.
I would like to focus on a product called SwitchXS
According to the apple website "Switch XS provides virtually complete access to Mac OS X and all standard Mac applications for people who can only use one or more switches. By using scanning, the software offers full mouse and keyboard emulation. With each click on teh switch the user selects an action". This opens so many doors for so many people! Check out the video below!
A great site for more information about assistive technology products that Mac has come up with to ensure inclusion among users with disabilities is atmac.org.
There is even a series of personal stories about accessibility and assistive technology and how it has changed people's lives! Check it out under 'resources'.
Another great Mac website is their Assistiveware website which provides tons of information about products available. www.assistiveware.com
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