Assistive Technology Navigator

Communication

Assistive Technology (AT) can be used to help a person communicate with others in cases where a person’s speech may be difficult to understand to unfamiliar listeners, or in some cases, to serve as a primary means of communication through daily use of an Augmentative Alternative Communication (AAC) device.

Computer Access

Assistive Technology (AT) can be used to help a person use the computer. And, using the computer is a means of connecting with the world, and opens doors for greater community inclusion – what MIH is all about.

Activities of Daily Living (ADL’s)

Assistive Technology (AT) can be used to help a person with Activities of Daily Living (ADL’s) including the following:

• Ambulating & moving around the home independently
• Feeding oneself
• Getting dressed
• Personal hygiene & grooming
• Meal preparation
• House cleaning & home maintenance
• Managing medications

Phone

Assistive Technology (AT) can be used to help a person with telephone access. Maryland Relay and the Maryland Accessible Telecommunications Program support people who are unable to use a standard phone, including those who are/have:

• Deaf
• Difficulty Speaking
• Deaf Blind
• Hard of Hearing
• Limited Mobility
• Cognitive Difficulty

Hearing

There are many AT options available to support people who are deaf or hard of hearing to live more independently in their own homes in inclusive communities.

Some examples of AT for people who are deaf or hard of hearing include:

• Assistive listening devices
• Flashing light doorbell alert
• A bed shaking alarm clock
• A bed shaking smoke detector

Low Vision/Blind

There are many AT options available to support people who have low vision or blindness to live more independently in their own homes in inclusive communities.

Some examples of AT for people who have low vision or blindness may include:

• Talking alarm clock or watch to tell time
• Talking calendar let’s people stay organized with all their community activities
• Tactile labels of important buttons on appliances using stickers or puff paint
• Audio books for easy reading
• Voice activated environmental controls for independent access throughout the home

Memory/Cognition

Assistive Technology (AT) can be used to help a person with memory/cognition including the following:

• Reminders
• Task-prompting
• Alarms
• Safety
• Remote Support

Recreation

• Assistive Technology (AT) can be used to help a person with recreation. Some examples of AT that can be used to support recreation include:

• Adapted sporting equipment (e.g. fishing rods, golf clubs)
• Switch-adapted digital camera
• Switch-adapted toys
• Adapted gardening tools
• Adapted board games
• Adapted playing cards and card holders

Employment

Assistive Technology (AT) can be used to help a person with employment. Some examples of AT that can be used to support employment include:

• Alternative keyboards (e.g. ergonomic keyboard, one-handed keyboard)
• Voice recognition software
• Height adjustable desk
• Vibrating pager
• Portable reader (converts text-to-speech)
• Handheld video magnifier
• Ergonomic/adapted tools
• Motorized carts and lifting systems

Environmental Control

Assistive Technology (AT) can be used to help a person with environmental control. Some examples of AT that can be used around the house to support environmental control include:

• Switch controls for household devices, such as lights and appliances such as a blender
• Adapted remote controls for television or music
• Sensors to open doors