Assistive Technology For Children
Expert-defined terms from the Professional Certificate in Pediatric Occupational Therapy course at LearnUNI. Free to read, free to share, paired with a professional course.
AAC stands for Augmentative and Alternative Communication, which refers to metho… #
Related terms include Alternative and Augmentative Communication, Communication Aid, and Assistive Technology. The goal of AAC is to help children express their needs, wants, and thoughts, and to promote effective communication with others.
Adaptation refers to the process of modifying a device, tool, or environment to… #
This can include physical adaptations, such as installing ramps or grab bars, or technological adaptations, such as using software to modify the functionality of a computer. Related terms include Accessibility, Accommodation, and Assistive Technology.
Adaptive Equipment refers to devices or tools that are designed to help children… #
Examples of adaptive equipment include wheelchairs, walkers, and specialized utensils for eating and dressing. Related terms include Assistive Technology, Adaptive Devices, and Orthotics.
Alternative Access refers to methods of accessing and using technology that are… #
For example, a child who has difficulty using a mouse or keyboard may use alternative access methods, such as a joystick or voice commands. Related terms include Assistive Technology, Adaptive Equipment, and Accessibility.
Assistive Technology (AT) refers to devices, tools, or software that are designe… #
Examples of AT include wheelchairs, communication devices, and computer software that reads text aloud. Related terms include Adaptive Equipment, Accessibility, and Alternative Access.
Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) refers to methods of communicat… #
Examples of AAC include picture communication symbols, electronic devices that produce speech, and gestural communication, such as signing. Related terms include Alternative and Augmentative Communication, Communication Aid, and Assistive Technology.
Cognitive Disability refers to a condition that affects a child's ability to thi… #
Examples of cognitive disabilities include autism spectrum disorder, Down syndrome, and intellectual disability. Related terms include Developmental Disability, Intellectual Disability, and Learning Disability.
Communication Aid refers to a device or tool that is used to facilitate communic… #
Examples of communication aids include picture communication symbols, electronic devices that produce speech, and hearing aids. Related terms include Alternative and Augmentative Communication, Assistive Technology, and Augmentative and Alternative Communication.
Computer Access refers to the ability to use a computer and access its functions… #
For children with disabilities, computer access may require the use of adaptive equipment, such as a specialized keyboard or mouse, or the use of alternative access methods, such as voice commands. Related terms include Assistive Technology, Alternative Access, and Accessibility.
Developmental Disability refers to a condition that affects a child's developmen… #
Examples of developmental disabilities include autism spectrum disorder, Down syndrome, and intellectual disability. Related terms include Cognitive Disability, Intellectual Disability, and Learning Disability.
Disability refers to a condition that affects a child's ability to perform daily… #
Examples of disabilities include physical disabilities, such as cerebral palsy, cognitive disabilities, such as intellectual disability, and sensory disabilities, such as blindness. Related terms include Handicap, Impairment, and Disorder.
Electronic Aid to Daily Living (EADL) refers to devices or systems that are desi… #
Examples of EADLs include alarm systems, telephone systems, and computer systems that can be controlled using alternative access methods. Related terms include Assistive Technology, Adaptive Equipment, and Alternative Access.
Environmental Control refers to the ability to control and interact with one's e… #
For children with disabilities, environmental control may require the use of adaptive equipment, such as a specialized remote control, or the use of alternative access methods, such as voice commands. Related terms include Assistive Technology, Alternative Access, and Accessibility.
Eye Gaze Technology refers to devices or systems that use eye movements to contr… #
Examples of eye gaze technology include eye tracking systems and gaze controlled computers. Related terms include Assistive Technology, Alternative Access, and Accessibility.
Functional Assessment refers to the process of evaluating a child's ability to p… #
This can include assessing a child's cognitive abilities, physical abilities, and communication abilities. Related terms include Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, and Speech Therapy.
Handicap refers to a condition that affects a child's ability to perform daily t… #
Related terms include Disability, Impairment, and Disorder.
Hearing Impairment refers to a condition that affects a child's ability to hear #
Examples of hearing impairments include deafness and hard of hearing. Related terms include Auditory Impairment, Hearing Loss, and Deafness.
Intellectual Disability refers to a condition that affects a child's ability to… #
Examples of intellectual disabilities include Down syndrome and autism spectrum disorder. Related terms include Cognitive Disability, Developmental Disability, and Learning Disability.
Learning Disability refers to a condition that affects a child's ability to lear… #
Examples of learning disabilities include dyslexia and dysgraphia. Related terms include Cognitive Disability, Developmental Disability, and Intellectual Disability.
Mobility Aid refers to a device or tool that is used to help children with ph… #
Examples of mobility aids include wheelchairs, walkers, and canes. Related terms include Assistive Technology, Adaptive Equipment, and Orthotics.
Occupational Therapy (OT) refers to a type of therapy that is designed to help c… #
OT can include physical therapy, cognitive therapy, and communication therapy. Related terms include Physical Therapy, Speech Therapy, and Assistive Technology.
Orthotics refers to devices or tools that are designed to support and correct th… #
Examples of orthotics include braces and splints. Related terms include Assistive Technology, Adaptive Equipment, and Mobility Aid.
Pediatric Occupational Therapy refers to a type of therapy that is designed to h… #
Pediatric OT can include physical therapy, cognitive therapy, and communication therapy. Related terms include Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, and Speech Therapy.
Physical Disability refers to a condition that affects a child's ability to move… #
Examples of physical disabilities include cerebral palsy and spinal cord injury. Related terms include Mobility Aid, Orthotics, and Assistive Technology.
Physical Therapy (PT) refers to a type of therapy that is designed to help child… #
PT can include exercise therapy, balance therapy, and coordination therapy. Related terms include Occupational Therapy, Speech Therapy, and Assistive Technology.
Picture Communication Symbols (PCS) refer to a system of symbols and pictures th… #
PCS can be used in conjunction with other communication aids, such as electronic devices that produce speech. Related terms include Alternative and Augmentative Communication, Communication Aid, and Assistive Technology.
Prosthetic Device refers to a device or tool that is designed to replace a missi… #
Examples of prosthetic devices include artificial limbs and hearing aids. Related terms include Assistive Technology, Adaptive Equipment, and Orthotics.
Rehabilitation Engineering refers to the process of designing and developing dev… #
Rehabilitation engineering can include the development of custom prosthetic devices, adaptive equipment, and alternative access methods. Related terms include Assistive Technology, Adaptive Equipment, and Accessibility.
Sensory Disability refers to a condition that affects a child's ability to perce… #
Examples of sensory disabilities include blindness and deafness. Related terms include Hearing Impairment, Visual Impairment, and Assistive Technology.
Speech Therapy refers to a type of therapy that is designed to help children wit… #
Speech therapy can include articulation therapy, language therapy, and fluency therapy. Related terms include Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, and Assistive Technology.
Switch Access refers to methods of accessing and using technology that involve t… #
Switch access can be used by children with physical disabilities or cognitive disabilities. Related terms include Assistive Technology, Alternative Access, and Accessibility.
Telepractice refers to the use of technology, such as video conferencing, to pro… #
Telepractice can be used to provide occupational therapy, physical therapy, and speech therapy. Related terms include Telehealth, Telemedicine, and Assistive Technology.
Universal Design refers to the process of designing devices, systems, and enviro… #
Universal design can include the use of accessible materials, simple language, and intuitive interfaces. Related terms include Accessibility, Assistive Technology, and Inclusive Design.
Visual Impairment refers to a condition that affects a child's ability to see #
Examples of visual impairments include blindness and low vision. Related terms include Sensory Disability, Hearing Impairment, and Assistive Technology.
Wheelchair refers to a device that is designed to provide mobility and support f… #
Wheelchairs can be manual or power-driven, and can include custom features, such as adjustable seats and armrests. Related terms include Mobility Aid, Orthotics, and Assistive Technology.