Types of Assistive Devices

Assistive devices help individuals with special needs lead more independent lives. Tailored to the disability, they range from hearing aids to voice-activated software. The aging of the baby boom generation has sparked some of the most innovative assitive technology.

Definition

• An assistive device is an innovation specifically designed for individuals with physical impairments and age-related diseases. They include computer accessibility devices, mobility aids and communication aids.

Computer Accessibility Devices

• Assistive devices have been developed as both computer software and hardware. Among them are speech recognition software, keyboards with larger keys and brain-computer interfaces, such as BCI2000 software, which allow a paralyzed patient's thoughts to control the computer.

Mobility Aids

• Mobility aids have advanced far beyond wheelchairs and walkers. New technology includes robot-assisted walking devices for patients undergoing lower limb therapy and cars equipped with wheelchair ramps and special seating and controls.

Communication Aids

• Assistive devices help people communicate with synthesized speech communicators and personal digital assistants. Symbol-based systems enable speech-impaired individuals to express words and sentences by selecting signs or symbols.

Emerging Assistive Devices

• Emerging technology aims to help seniors remain in their homes. The "Smart Suit" is clothing embedded with biosensors to monitor an individual's health. "Talking Medicine Cabinets" remind people with memory problems when to take drugs. "Virtual Hospitals" allow off-site doctors to assist in or even perform surgery using robotic systems.