In chapter one of the book Assistive Technology: Principles and Practise is states that “One widely used definition is that provided in the PL (public law) 100-407, the Technical Assistance to the States Act in the United States. The definition of assistive technology is: Any item, piece of equipment or product system whether acquired commercially off the shelf, modified, or customized that is used to increase or improve functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities.” (Cook & Hussey 2000) This definition covers a wide range of equipment used for everyday life, leisure and productivity. When an individual is faced with an injury, disability or illness to be able to take part in meaningful occupations equipment must be adapted, modified or customised for the individuals needs. This equipment could be made specifically for the individual or the individual’s own equipment could be modified slightly. There is a huge range of assistive technology available for individuals however cost and availability of this equipment is sometimes a barrier. Assistive equipment makes occupations of these individuals more functional and capable.
The apple Ipad is an extremely useful tool for Occupational Therapists in practise. It is a very affordable tool for the many functions and opportunities that it creates. On the following website for the apple store it states information about size, cost and functions of an Ipad.
The websites address is http://store.apple.com/nz/browse/home/shop_ipad/family/ipad.
The different models of the ipad are similar in sizing. This is an example of the sizing for the Wi-fi Model : “Height: 9.50 inches (241.2 mm), Width: 7.31 inches (185.7 mm), Depth: 0.37 inch (9.4 mm), Weight: 1.44 pounds (652 g).”(Apple Inc, 2012) The price of the Ipads range between $729 to $1228. On top of this cost is the cost of applications. Some applications are free and some have a small set up cost. . The standard
functions that come with the ipad are camera, video recording, wireless and
cellular internet and built in applications such as; Mail, Messages, Itunes,
Newsstand, Maps, Music and Reminders. From here you are able to build your own applications suitable for the individual using the iPad. There are many apps used by OTs with different functions; whether it’s helping with communication, reading, writing and fine motor skills etc. The applications are also suitable for different disabilities and learning needs. I found this blog online where people are able to update apps they have found useful. The OT iTool Kit resource is a review of apps and resources for OT's working with children and adults.
http://otswithapps.wordpress.com/
As more apps are developed the use of an Ipad as assistive equipment grows. In class we used ipads as a way of enabling communication when creating a smoothie with other group members. The ipad increased our ability as ‘non verbal’ students to communicate to each other. I found this to be very interesting and a worthwhile task. As we had free time to explore the ipads I found out that it had many uses. I don’t have a great understanding of Ipad apps however as I research more into an ipad I find that it has many apps with different purposes. When looking up ipads and Occupational Therapy I found the following YouTube clips which show cased different ways in which Ipads can be used for Therapy. I look forward to using Ipads in the future in my own practice and am excited to learn about the different apps available for occupational therapists.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AaRvU0oYG3g
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qqvtvBn3hzU
References:
Apple Inc. (2012). Apple Store. Retrieved from http://store.apple.com/nz/browse/home/shop_ipad/family/ipad
Cook, A.M.,& Hussey, S.M. (2000). Assistive Technologies:principles and practice. St Louis:Mosby
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