ASSISTIVE AND ADAPTIVE TECHNOLOGIES IN EDUCATION The use of assistive technology and adaptive tools by a person with disabilities can greatly increase their quality of life by increasing confidence, self-sufficiency, and independence. Assistive technology is the term for all assistive, adaptive as well as rehabilitative deceives that help people with disabilities. There are four classifications of Cerebral Palsy, each relates to how the muscles in the body are affected, and two common terms used to describe how the muscle tone is affected by the cerebral palsy. Hypotonia – low muscle tone, causing a loss of firmness and strength. Hypertonia – High muscle tone, causing rigidity and spasmodic movement. Different Types of Cerebral Palsy Spastic …show more content…
There needs to be sufficient room and light to accommodate Samantha’s needs. It is also imperative that all assistive and adaptive technologies are constantly monitored, for effectiveness and efficiency to Samantha’s and any individual’s needs. Technology is always changing and therefore those supporting Samantha should always be up-to-date on what support is out there for her. There is a lot of debate on what and whether there is a difference between assistive and adaptive technology. The best description I found is the following quote from Virginia Commonwealth University describing the difference: “Adaptive technologies refer to special versions of already existing technologies or tools, usually used by people with disabilities such as limitations to vision, hearing, and mobility. For example, in the early 1900s, FDR used a special car with hand controls because he was paralyzed from polio (an interesting vehicle-look it up!). Assistive technology is a broader term encompassing any light-, mid-, or high-tech tool or device that helps people with disabilities perform tasks with greater ease and/or