Tute 8

With this tutorial we are to look assistive technology. We need to provide a definition, a description and provide and example.
Lets look at breaking it down; according to the Collins New English Dictionary assistive means - to give help or support, and technology means the application of practical or mechanical sciences to industry or commerce, and the scientific methods or devices used in a particular field.
I take from this that scientific devises, possibly IT as well, are to give help and support those that need it.
Cook and Hussy (1995) mentioned that assistive technology is "any piece of equipment or product system whether acquired commerically off the shelf, modified or customised that is used to increase or improve functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities". and that its functional outcome can really only be measured by it's success.

The device I would like to look at is the Wii for stroke rehabilitation.
On line through the Noel Leeming web site a wii console can be purchased from $129.99with a basic pack 'friend and fun pack' through to $379.99 with a 'sports and sports resort pack'.
the basic console looks this below;

wii image (n.d.).                                                                               

The sports model can be used is many ways to encourage the rehabilitation for stroke sufferers.

wii images (n.d.).

As you can see by these images above, the wii is fun to use and would help in hand-eye co-ordination and the rebuilding of neruo pathways within the brain and body.

This is really good youtube clip

retrieved April 20, 2011 from http://youtu.be/V8L_FB9oWws

While searching the net I came upon another blog that highlighted nicely what can be done with high-tech devises;  http://topnews.net.nz/reports/213652-high-tech-video-game-gadgets-may-help-stroke-victims-recovery



Collins New English Dictionary. (1997). Harper Collins Publishers, Glasgow.wii [images] (n.d.). retrieved April 20, 2011 from nz.bing.co images

Cook, A.M., and Hussey, S.M. (1995). Assistive technologies: principles and practice. St Louis. Mosby - Year Book Inc
wii [image] (n.d.). Retrieved April 20, 2011 from http://www.noelleeming.co.nz/games-gaming/nintendo-wii/nintendo-wii-consoles/wii-console-white-with-wii-sports-and-wii-sports-resort/prod108750.html