Assistive Technology Services For People Who Are Ageing With Intellectual Disabilities 

Assistive technology services improve disabled people's lives in many ways. People use assistive products to reduce their usual problems without any extra effort. They can also participate in simple day-to-day activities. Assistive technology has also helped create various products like wheelchairs, spectacles, hearing aids, etc. All these products are essential to make aged people with intellectual disabilities lives easier. There are numerous advantages to using these products. 

What Are The Assistive Technologies Used By People With Disabilities? 

The primary purpose of assisting technology is to provide people with the convenience of managing their disabilities. Various assistive products are available in the market for people to use. The best thing about using them is that you don't need much effort. 

Several people can get benefits from assistive technology. These include aged people, people with intellectual disabilities, dementia, and other problems. Different assistive products are used for managing various issues. 

Here are some most common assistive technologies that people use-

• Mobility aids: Mobility aids help people move from one place to another. Aged people with intellectual disabilities face some problems. So, the devices will be of great help. These include wheelchairs, walkers, prosthetic devices, scooters, etc. 

• Hearing aids: Another assistive technology that helps people is hearing devices. Hearing devices ensure that the user hears things more clearly. 

• Cognitive aids: Intellectual disabilities limit a person's mental abilities. These devices help the users to manage their lack of cognitive skills. Some examples are improving attention, understanding, and memory.

• Software and hardware: Assistive technology in computer software and hardware can make people's tasks like reading and hearing on devices more convenient. 

• Physical modifications: Some physical alterations in a building can also create a helpful environment for people with intellectual disabilities. Making ramps, innovative stairs, etc., are some examples. 

What Are Three Types Of Assistive Technology?

Assistive technologies are of different types. Every assistive product or device has its purpose. Older adults with intellectual disabilities can benefit a lot from these devices. They are divided into different categories according to the goal. 

• Developmental and cognition: An individual with intellectual disabilities struggles hard as they lack cognitive skills. That is why cognitive aids are essential for them. Some products are memory aids, reminder applications, audiobooks, note-taking tools, text-to-speech, and specialized apps. 

• Mobility and positioning: Another type of technology is mobility and positioning. People with disabilities often need some products, like wheelchairs, scooters, canes, etc., to move from one place to another. All these products are included in this type of assistive technology. 

• Environmental adaptations: Intellectual disabilities make people vulnerable when doing some daily tasks. Various assistive products help them adapt to the environment without any problems. Lifts, ramps, remote control systems, and related devices can be of great use. 

What Is Assistive Technology In Special Education? 

Special education is offered to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. These educational institutions are different from the usual ones. They use many assistive products to enhance the way of learning for the students. The essential devices are as follows-

• Audio players and recording systems: Children who need special education cannot learn through conventional learning methods. That is why assistive products like audio players and recording systems can help them learn quickly. Now, text-to-speech technology is also present for them. 

• Time devices: Educators use time devices to make students understand how the timings of a particular assessment work. This way, the students learn the value of time in their life. The duration of every task might vary. The students need to complete them according to the time left. 

• Reading guides: Reading guides are the best tools for people with intellectual disabilities. They can easily read stuff using these guides without any trouble. 

• Writing software: Any student can use the writing software quickly. Some children cannot write because their cognitive skills are limited. 

• Graphics organizers: Graphic organizers are exciting and unique. Children love using them and also work according to the tasks mentioned. 

What Are Some Examples of Assistive Technology Services?

The most common assistive technology services are as follows-

• Text to speech 
• Voice recognition 
• Tablets and iPads
• Word prediction application 
• Literacy software 
• Electronic books 
• Digital notes 
• Digital recorders 
• Electronic spell-checking apps 
• Visual search engines 

Conclusion 

People with intellectual disabilities can enhance their lives by using assistive technology. It depends from person to person to choose the tools to help them achieve their goals. All these tools and devices are designed according to the needs of an individual struggling with disabilities.