The Illustrated Guide to Assistive Technology & Devices: Tools And Gadgets For Living Independently

by Suzanne Robitaille

Overview

A Doody's Core Title 2012

This new illustrated guide to assistive technologies and devices chronicles the use of AT/AD - technology used by individuals with disabilities to perform functions that might otherwise be difficult or impossible.

This book empowers people to use assistive technologies to overcome some of their physical or mental limitations and have a more equal playing field. It includes real-life examples about how people with disabilities are using assistive technology (AT) to assist them in daily tasks, and discusses emotional issues related to AT/AD.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781935281719
Publisher:	Springer Publishing Company
Publication date:	12/08/2009
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	224
File size:	3 MB

About the Author

Suzanne Robitaille is the founder and editor of Abledbody, a website that covers disability news and assistive technology. Growing up profoundly deaf, Suzanne learned firsthand that people with disabilities can benefit from these type oftechnologies both professionally and socially. Suzanne has written for various consumer publications and websites, including the Wall Street Journal, Business Week Online, and Media Post, among others.

Table of Contents

Foreword
Preface
1 What Is Assistive Technology?
2 History of Assistive Technology
3 Technologies for People with Visual Disabilities
4 Technologies for People with Hearing Disabilities
5 Technologies for People with Physical Disabilities
6 Technologies for People with Cognitive Disabilities
7 Technologies for People with Communications Disabilities
8 Assistive Technology and the ADA
9 How to Pay for Assistive Technology
10 The Future of Assistive Technology
Resources
Index

Editorial Reviews

"For people with disabilities, the aging, and those with low literacy, the key to success in the workplace and society is usable access, enabled by assistive technology that works in harmony with information technology. Suzanne's book combines research and personal insight to help even the most novice user make better, more informed choices about assistive technology. "--Frances W. West, Worldwide Director, IBM Human Ability and Accessibility Center

..". should be on the Top Ten list of anyone interested in Assistive Technology products."--David Ditker, Executive Director, Assistive Technology Industry Association

"Using a lively narrative style, Suzanne Robitaille takes the reader on a fascinating tour of the latest and best in assistive technology... More than a compilation of information, this is the story of a personal journey that most of us, in one way or another, will experience in our own lives."--Nick LaRocca, PhD, Vice President of Health Care Delivery and Policy Research at the National MS Society, Author Multiple Sclerosis: Understanding the Cognitive Challenges

"This comprehensive, practical, and detailed guide gives you all the information you need to choose the right options for you or your loved one."--Kim Dority, Vice President of Content and Strategy, Disaboom.com

"With her clear, energetic writing style and carefully chosen examples, Suzanne has demonstrated how people with a range of disabilities can utilize technology to optimize their independence, productivity, and creativity in every aspect of their lives."--Rosalind Kalb, PhD, Director of the Professional Resource Center at the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Author Multiple Sclerosis: The Questions You Have, The Answers you Need

"This must-have guide goes beyond descriptions of AT by including developmental histories of devices, cultural considerations, and limitations of technologies that will help interventionists develop uniquely appropriate accommodation plans for clients."--Ann Logsdon, the About.com Guide to Learning Disabilities

"This book will benefit any organization looking to become more informed and interested in anticipating the new, more inclusive future workforce on this critical topic."--John Kemp, Executive Director, U.S. Business Leadership Council

"This book is a must-read for anyone who wants to get the most at work and at home"--Daniel Hubbell, Accessibility Technical Evangelist, Microsoft Corporation

"Robitaille has written an engaging and witty guide that incorporates anecdotes with a wealth of photographs that enhance what might have been a dry catalog of current assistive technologies available... This scope of coverage makes this guide stand out among comparable works. [She] is a business writer on assistive technologies, writes an assistive technology blog, and has lived with a disability since the age of four. This gives her the perspective to speak from a professional work experience in using assistive devices at work, but also a personal one for everyday life usage of these tools. Recognizing her limitations to fully appreciate the coverage of technologies for various disabilities, she also sought the advice and help of other experts in their respective areas for assistive technologies. This book is highly recommended for public and consumer health libraries focusing on needs of those with disabilities." --CAPHIS Consumer Connections

"Bottom line: this practical guide will help you understand the broad field of assistive technology as well as enabling you to make more informed choices among assistive devices specific to your condition. It's a valuable resource not only for those who use - or need to recommend -assistive technology devices, it's also an especially helpful resource for organizations that help those with disabilities, including public libraries." --Disaboom.com

"Ms Robitaille has provided the physically and mentally challenged with a very valuable resource." --MSWorld.org --Daniel Hubbell"Accessibility Technical Evangelist, Microsoft Corporation" (05/03/2010)


"Suzanne's book combines research and personal insight to help even the most novice user make better, more informed choices about assistive technology."—Frances W. West, Worldwide Director, IBM Human Ability and Accessibility Center

.".. should be on the Top Ten list of anyone interested in Assistive Technology products."—David Ditker, Executive Director, Assistive Technology Industry Association

"This comprehensive, practical, and detailed guide gives you all the information you need to choose the right options for you or your loved one."—Kim Dority, Vice President of Content and Strategy, Disaboom

"Using a lively narrative style, Suzanne Robitaille takes the reader on a fascinating tour of the latest and best in assistive technology..."—Nick LaRocca, PhD, Vice President Health Care Delivery and Policy Research, National Multiple Sclerosis Society

."..Suzanne has demonstrated how people with a range of disabilities can utilize technology to optimize their independence, productivity, and creativity in every aspect of their lives."—Rosalind Kalb, PhD, Vice President, Professional Resource Center, National Multiple Sclerosis Society

" This must-have guide goes beyond descriptions of AT by including developmental histories of devices, cultural considerations, and limitations of technologies that will help interventionists develop uniquely appropriate accommodation plans for clients."—Ann Logsdon, the About.com Guide to Learning Disabilities

"This book will benefit any organization looking to become more informed and interested in anticipating the new, more inclusive future workforce on this critical topic."—John Kemp, Executive Director, U.S. Business Leadership Council

For people with disabilities, the aging, and those with low literacy, the key to success in the workplace and society is usable access, enabled by assistive technology that works in harmony with information technology. Suzanne's book combines research and personal insight to help even the most novice user make better, more informed choices about assistive technology. --Frances W. West, Worldwide Director, IBM Human Ability and Accessibility Center

..". should be on the Top Ten list of anyone interested in Assistive Technology products."--David Ditker, Executive Director, Assistive Technology Industry Association

"Using a lively narrative style, Suzanne Robitaille takes the reader on a fascinating tour of the latest and best in assistive technology... More than a compilation of information, this is the story of a personal journey that most of us, in one way or another, will experience in our own lives."--Nick LaRocca, PhD, Vice President of Health Care Delivery and Policy Researc

From the Publisher

"For people with disabilities, the aging, and those with low literacy, the key to success in the workplace and society is usable access, enabled by assistive technology that works in harmony with information technology. Suzanne's book combines research and personal insight to help even the most novice user make better, more informed choices about assistive technology. "--Frances W. West, Worldwide Director, IBM Human Ability and Accessibility Center

"... should be on the Top Ten list of anyone interested in Assistive Technology products."--David Ditker, Executive Director, Assistive Technology Industry Association

"Using a lively narrative style, Suzanne Robitaille takes the reader on a fascinating tour of the latest and best in assistive technology... More than a compilation of information, this is the story of a personal journey that most of us, in one way or another, will experience in our own lives."--Nick LaRocca, PhD, Vice President of Health Care Delivery and Policy Research at the National MS Society, Author Multiple Sclerosis: Understanding the Cognitive Challenges

"This comprehensive, practical, and detailed guide gives you all the information you need to choose the right options for you or your loved one."--Kim Dority, Vice President of Content and Strategy, Disaboom.com

"With her clear, energetic writing style and carefully chosen examples, Suzanne has demonstrated how people with a range of disabilities can utilize technology to optimize their independence, productivity, and creativity in every aspect of their lives."--Rosalind Kalb, PhD, Director of the Professional Resource Center at the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Author Multiple Sclerosis: The Questions You Have, The Answers you Need

"This must-have guide goes beyond descriptions of AT by including developmental histories of devices, cultural considerations, and limitations of technologies that will help interventionists develop uniquely appropriate accommodation plans for clients."--Ann Logsdon, the About.com Guide to Learning Disabilities

"This book will benefit any organization looking to become more informed and interested in anticipating the new, more inclusive future workforce on this critical topic."--John Kemp, Executive Director, U.S. Business Leadership Council

"This book is a must-read for anyone who wants to get the most at work and at home"--Daniel Hubbell, Accessibility Technical Evangelist, Microsoft Corporation

"Robitaille has written an engaging and witty guide that incorporates anecdotes with a wealth of photographs that enhance what might have been a dry catalog of current assistive technologies available... This scope of coverage makes this guide stand out among comparable works. [She] is a business writer on assistive technologies, writes an assistive technology blog, and has lived with a disability since the age of four. This gives her the perspective to speak from a professional work experience in using assistive devices at work, but also a personal one for everyday life usage of these tools. Recognizing her limitations to fully appreciate the coverage of technologies for various disabilities, she also sought the advice and help of other experts in their respective areas for assistive technologies. This book is highly recommended for public and consumer health libraries focusing on needs of those with disabilities." --CAPHIS Consumer Connections

"Bottom line: this practical guide will help you understand the broad field of assistive technology as well as enabling you to make more informed choices among assistive devices specific to your condition. It’s a valuable resource not only for those who use – or need to recommend –assistive technology devices, it’s also an especially helpful resource for organizations that help those with disabilities, including public libraries." --Disaboom.com

"Ms Robitaille has provided the physically and mentally challenged with a very valuable resource." --MSWorld.org

Accessibility Technical Evangelist, Microsoft Corporation - Daniel Hubbell