Definition of Assisstive Technology: Any item, piece of equipment or product system whether acquired commercially off the shelf, modified, or customised that is used to increase or improve functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities. (Cook & Hussey, 1995).
In this tutorial we looked at a number of different assistive technology devices and equipment from a company called Star Educational (https://www.star-educational.co.nz/). Below I have given some details of one of the devices that I thought could be very beneficial for people who are unable to use a mouse for a computer.
The device is called the Natural Point Smart Nav3. The device has software that is downloaded onto the computer and then has a small sensor that sits on top of the computer monitor. This sensor picks up a signal from a 0.3 inch reflective dot. The movement of this dot is used to control the mouse. When it is held in one spot for two seconds (can be set to make time longer or shorter) it acts as a double click of a mouse would. This reflective dot can be attached to a person’s forehead, glasses, hat etc as long as it is aimed towards the sensor.
This piece of equipment allows people who are unable to use their hands, the ability to use a computer. It is ideal for people who have very limited movement, such as a person with a spinal injury whose only movement is their head and neck area. It allows people to have more independence, is a way of communicating, provides a form of leisure and meaningful occupation.
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