Technology and

Individuals With
Physical
Disabilities
By: Natali Ortiz
Technology and Individuals with Physical Disabilities, Health Disabilities, and
Related Low-Incidence Disabilities
-Technology in schools are grouped into five categories:

1. Technology Productivity Tools (iPads, computers)

2. Information Technology (World Wide Web)
3. Instructional Technology (computers or televisions)
4. Medical Technology (artificial limbs, inhalers, nebulizers, gastronomy tubes)
5. Assistive Technology (positioning and seating devices, mobility devices)

Most students, disability or not, mostly use the first three types of tech. Students

with health or physical impairments often require the last two.

Computer Access
Students with physical or health disabilities may need to use computers or tablet devices for
communication, academic tasks, and socialization. There are multiple different adaptations that can
be made to the computer or tablet for the student.

Input Adaptations: Output Adaptations:

Standard input devices are the keyboard and Computers have three types of output adaptations:
mouse visual, auditory, and the printer.

Alternatives: Alternatives:
-option to increase the time a key is pressed -text-to-speech software
-keyguard (prevents accidentally pressing a -larger monitor
wrong key -printer that prints in Braille
-alternative keyboards (larger,smaller, or
differently configured)
-on screen keyboard and controls it using
trackball, joystick, touchpad, touch screen, eye
gaze system, or switch.
Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)
Some individuals with physical or health disabilities may not be able to communicate using their own
voice and needs AAC

AAC refers to multiple forms of communication as an alternative for those who cannot communicate
verbally.

Some examples:

Communication behaviors, gestures, sign language, picture symbols,

alphabet, communication devices, and computers.

The goal of AAC is not to find one solution, but to enable students who need it to successfully
be able to communicate and interact effectively
Positioning and Seating Devices
It is highly important that a student with physical or health disabilities to have proper positioning
and seating so they can access to activities, curriculum, and assistive devices.

There are a variety of different chairs and inserts for chairs or wheelchairs. It is important for the
student to have proper positioning not only to help the student move efficiently but to avoid and
reduce deformity. For students who has limited mobility, they may need to be changed frequently in
their positioning to avoid stiffness or soreness.

Prone stander- supports standing position

Can increase muscle strength and can improve circulation

Mobility Devices
Mobility Devices helps a student with physical or health disabilities to move from one place to
another.

Most common mobility devices are wheelchairs, used either manual or power. Self-operated
wheelchairs gives the individual independence.

- power-operated scooters

Students who need less support may use walker, canes or crutches.
Environmental Control and Assistive Technology for Daily
Living
Environmental Control Unit (ECU)- a device that can allow the user to control items that use electric
outlets like televisions, telephones, electric appliances, etc.

The ECU helps so the user can manipulate their surroundings independently and without
complexity.

Assistive Tech:

Adapted toothbrushes

Adaptive hairbrushes if they cannot grasp well. They have elongated handles, built-up handles, or
Velcro straps. There are also dressing aids that have hooks to make it easier to dress.

Students who are unable to move move their arms may use a mechanical feeder
Assistive Technology for Play and Recreation
Children who cannot manipulate toy may have battery-operated toys

Some schools have adapted sports teams like wheelchair basketball or wheelchair soccer.

Some also may be able to use adapted tricycles or bicycles.

Works Cited
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CGjMd-o9S3o

https://www.essentialaids.com/dressing/dressing-aids.html