Assistive technology can be defined as "Any item, piece of equipment or product system that is used to increase or improve functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities (Cook & Hussey, 1995).
One of the pieces of the equipment that we looked at was a mounted wobble switch. This is a large switch that that is connected to a flexible goose neck on a clasp. This means that it can be connected to a table or wheelchair easily. A switch is connected to devices to activate them without using the normal switch. They allow people with varies impairments to use devices that they may not be able to normally use. It gives more flexibility and range of motion to the user. Devices could be activating electrical appliances, battery operated toys and games, or a PC with a switch interface. This type of switch is good for people with poor motor control and only able to use gross movements. All they need to do is roughly move their arm past the switch hitting it to activate their chosen device. The cost of this device is $330 and be bought through Star Education. Their sight is http://www.star-educational.co.nz
The down side of this type of switch is that it can easily be banged out of place and out of the range of movement of the person trying to use.
Reference:
Cook. A., & Hussey, S. (1995). Assitive Technology: Principles & Practice. Missouri: Mosby-Year Book Inc.
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