No man is an island. Before each of us dies, we understand that we cannot live this life without some kind of assistance.
An assistive device either improves or maintains a person’s independence. It promotes well-being by allowing an individual to live as fully as possible. So even a pair of reading glasses qualifies as an assistive device.
Assistive products consist of more than just a pair of readers, though.
Keep reading to learn about the most common assistive devices that exist thanks to modern technology.
Assistive Devices For Freedom
If you’ve found yourself in need of an assistive device, you’re not alone. Millions of people currently live independently because of the assistive product. Here is a list of types of assistive devices commonly used today.
Assistive Devices for Daily Living
When you think of assistive devices for mobility, wheelchairs and crutches immediately may come to mind. However, there’s far more available today to help all individuals retain their independence.
More building engineers and architects are incorporating ramps along with wide hallways and doorways in their buildings. You can find grab bars in just about any public environment built within the last 20 years as well.
Individuals with limited motor skills also have adaptive utensils or switches as tools to help with eating. The same tools allow individuals with disabilities to play games and participate in life.
Assistive Devices For Seeing Clearly
Service dogs aren’t a technical development, but their training still qualifies as incredible.
Skilled dog trainers teach service dogs to remind their owners to take medication, to pick things up, and to help individuals with poor balance. Plus, the dog will serve as a companion.
Service dogs build confidence in owners since they go wherever their owner goes. Restaurants, airports, and most public places allow service dogs.
Additionally, technology has advanced the following assistive devices:
- Electronic mobility aids: these aids send ultrasonic waves in front of visually impaired individuals, telling them if something is in front of them.
- JAWS Screen reader: The Jobs Access With Speech is a screen reader that works in conjunction with a Windows OS. It reads materials aloud.
These are just a couple of the technical improvements in assistive devices for the visually impaired.
Assistive Aids For Cognitive Impairment
Individuals with cognitive impairment need help with attention, memory, and thought processing. Cognitive aids can be something as simple as a pill organizer that helps an individual organize medication.
The most recent technological advancements include Workbooks, a type of software that works in conjunction with Apple and Android devices. The Workbook organizes information efficiently for individuals with cognitive impairment.
The Watchminder 3 has also revolutionized life for the cognitively impaired. The Watchminder has cueing aids with up to 30 alarms. =
Assistive Devices for the Hearing Impaired
Cochlear implants top the list of assistive devices that have made the biggest difference for the hearing impaired.
Furthermore, a telecoil, also known as at-coil, makes hearing aids and cochlear implants more effective. The t-coil behaves like a tiny wireless receiver. In short, the t-coil eliminates background noise.
Assistance With Basic Functions
Many other technical assistive devices will help individuals with basic living like specialized devices that help with grooming and cooking.
Occupational therapists understand the best combination of tools and therapies. You can learn more here about occupational therapy.
Seek Help, Live Life
Assistive devices change lives. Individuals with disabilities can live independent lives because of assistive technology.
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