Assistive technology fair holds annual event
Clifford Harmon
Issue date: 10/29/09 Section: News
Lock Haven University's Parsons Union Building hosted this year's third annual fair on assistive technology on Friday, October 23rd.
Assistive technology devices are designed to help students and people with disabilities accomplish everyday task such as reading, writing, spelling, etc. There are nearly 40 devices available to date, all ranging in price but most are affordable.
"The devices are specifically designed to help teachers who have Special Ed classes," said Dr. Latha Bhushan, associate professor, Department of Special Education. "Teachers who have students with disabilities in all age groups are who benefit most from these technologies."
Among the devices on display was the I.D mate OMNI, an "all-in-one" talking bar code scanner that updates every six months. This device aids a visually impaired individual with the identification of items using the product's bar code or UPC. I.D. Mate Omni cost $899.00.
Also on display was the Classmate reader. This piece of technology aids those who have trouble reading or following along with readings in class by reading text aloud, and highlighting sections it is reading so students can follow along easier. The Classmate reader cost roughly $480.
The Opal portable video magnifier also helps students who have trouble seeing small text often found in many textbooks today. You simply place the device on the book and it enlarges the font directly on the screen. This device cost $795.00
Early childhood students were not forgotten. On display for their age group were Switch Toys. These toys can be used by those who have motor conditions that do not allow squeezing or other skills required to work toys. Each toy comes equipped with a switch connected to it, which has to be connected to a click button switch for the product to work. Switch Toys range in price from $30 to $70.
"These toys are perfect for Adam," said Cathy McFadden, mother of student with disability. "Adam had a stroke about a year ago, paralyzing the right side of his body. So because he can't squeeze things and play with toys the way most kids do, these are like the perfect toy for him."
Assistive technologies range from high tech to low tech, and help improve the quality of life for individuals with or without disabilities in both academic and non-academic environments. If you cannot afford a device there is help. The Pennsylvania Assistive Technology Foundation (PATF) is a non-profit organization that provides low-interest loans to people with disabilities and older adults so that they can buy the assistive technology devices and services they need.
"Our joint goal is to make the quality of life not only easier, but affordable for people to," said Bhushan.
Assistive technology devices are designed to help students and people with disabilities accomplish everyday task such as reading, writing, spelling, etc. There are nearly 40 devices available to date, all ranging in price but most are affordable.
"The devices are specifically designed to help teachers who have Special Ed classes," said Dr. Latha Bhushan, associate professor, Department of Special Education. "Teachers who have students with disabilities in all age groups are who benefit most from these technologies."
Among the devices on display was the I.D mate OMNI, an "all-in-one" talking bar code scanner that updates every six months. This device aids a visually impaired individual with the identification of items using the product's bar code or UPC. I.D. Mate Omni cost $899.00.
Also on display was the Classmate reader. This piece of technology aids those who have trouble reading or following along with readings in class by reading text aloud, and highlighting sections it is reading so students can follow along easier. The Classmate reader cost roughly $480.
The Opal portable video magnifier also helps students who have trouble seeing small text often found in many textbooks today. You simply place the device on the book and it enlarges the font directly on the screen. This device cost $795.00
Early childhood students were not forgotten. On display for their age group were Switch Toys. These toys can be used by those who have motor conditions that do not allow squeezing or other skills required to work toys. Each toy comes equipped with a switch connected to it, which has to be connected to a click button switch for the product to work. Switch Toys range in price from $30 to $70.
"These toys are perfect for Adam," said Cathy McFadden, mother of student with disability. "Adam had a stroke about a year ago, paralyzing the right side of his body. So because he can't squeeze things and play with toys the way most kids do, these are like the perfect toy for him."
Assistive technologies range from high tech to low tech, and help improve the quality of life for individuals with or without disabilities in both academic and non-academic environments. If you cannot afford a device there is help. The Pennsylvania Assistive Technology Foundation (PATF) is a non-profit organization that provides low-interest loans to people with disabilities and older adults so that they can buy the assistive technology devices and services they need.
"Our joint goal is to make the quality of life not only easier, but affordable for people to," said Bhushan.
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