BUSINESS TECHNOLOGY
Assistive Device Assignment
1. Research the Internet to find information on assistive devices. Assistive devices include any device that challenged individuals might use to help them learn and function more effectively. By current estimates, more than 4,000 assistive technologies have been designed. Those devices include everything from wheelchairs to a wide assortment of high-tech tools, including:
hearing aids and amplification devices that enable hearing-impaired individuals to hear
glare-reduction screens, screen magnifiers, and Braille note-taking devices that enable visually impaired people to participate more fully
voice-recognition software that turns the spoken word into type on a computer screen so users unable to move their limbs can take part
technologies that enable severely challenged people to control their computers simply by following letters and commands on the computer screen with their eyes.
Many companies today are turning their research and development to assistive technologies. Most programs and devices that are developed are designed to work on personal computers in a Microsoft Windows environment. Assistive devices help people with challenges learn, understand, and participate in environments that would otherwise be unknown to them, thus enabling them to maintain a higher quality of life.
2. Select an assistive device that interests you. Report your selection to Mrs. Reese for approval. Write a one-page, double-spaced, 12-point font summary of the information you found on your selected assistive device.
3. Prepare a PowerPoint presentation to teach your classmates about your assistive device. If possible, show examples of how the assistive device works. Your presentation should have at least one picture of the assistive device. The presentation should be a minimum of 5 slides (title slide, definition of the assistive device, examples of how the assistive device can be used, who would benefit from this assistive device, the cost of the device and where it could be purchased).