Tutorial Seven: Assistive technology

" . . .we shall use the term assistive technology to refer to a broad range of devices, services, strategies and practices that are conceived and applied to ameliorate the problems faced by individuals who have disabilities." (Cook & Hussey, 2000).

A piece of equipment introduced in the assistive technology tutorial was a 'talking tin'. It is a small, circular piece of plastic, that one can use to record sound onto, then play it back to hear it. Sound can be recorded for up to 30 seconds, then it can be played back to be heard each time the button on top is pushed down. These caps are smaller than the top of a can, and are very cheap. They can be purchased from Star - Educational- Special Technology and Resources. The link to look at these items is below

http://www.star-educational.co.nz/view_details.php?detail=true&cat=21&subcat=&id=33

Talking Tins YELLOW , 2 Pack


Yellow - 10 second version single message version.

Message can be re-recorded - reuse time and time again!

Features:
• Press the PLAY button to hear your message
• Two RECORD Buttons provide message protection
• Built-in magnets on underside - will attached to any steel tin
Fits all standard UK, US and Euro tin diameters, including Ring Pulls.

Adapters available for bottles, sprays and plastic storage containers.

Size: 79mm Diameter x 22mm.

Batteries are included, fitted and replaceable


These talking tins increase functional capacity for the user, particularly for people who have impaired vision. An example from the tutorial was that people can put them on their tinned food as a form of a label. They can record the name of the food inside the can, put the talking tin on top, then whenever they want to know what is inside a tin, they can simply push down the button on top, and hear their voice recording of what the contents are.