Assistive technology

Assistive technology (AT) device

Any item, piece of equipment, or system used to maintain or improve functional capabilities. It includes low-tech and high-tech tools.

Low-tech:

simple and inexpensive, with no electronics (built-up handles, picture boards).

High-tech:

electronic or computer-based (speech devices, eye gaze, environmental controls).

Plate (pressure) switch

A large flat surface pressed by any body part (hand, elbow, knee, head). Sensitivity can be adjusted. A common first choice for clients with gross movement who can't use small buttons.

Pneumatic (sip-and-puff) switch

Activated by sipping or puffing on a tube. For clients with good breath control but little or no limb or head movement (high-level SCI, C1-C4). Needs tube positioning and good respiratory control.

Phonation (voice) switch

Activated by a sound such as "ah." For clients with a reliable voice but no movement. Needs consistent volume and timing and can be triggered by background noise.

Tilt (mercury) switch

Activated by tilting the head or a limb. For clients with head control and little hand function.

Keyguard

A cover with holes over the keyboard that prevents accidental key presses in clients with tremor or poor aim.

Sticky keys and filter keys

let a client press modifier keys one at a time. ____ ignore repeated or accidental presses.

SCI level and device | C1-C4

sip-and-puff, head array, eye gaze, voice, ECU.

SCI level and device C5:

some arm control, so a modified joystick or hand access with adaptive equipment

C6-C7:

mostly able to use standard or slightly modified controls.

If the stem describes someone typing with one hand, a head pointer, or a mouth stick and struggling with shortcuts or capital letters, the answer is

sticky keys

If the stem describes tremor, spasticity, or accidental repeated letters, think

filter keys or a keyguard.