Assistive Technology: form, function and emotional response
by Denise, November 19, 2009 3:11 PM | 1 comment | Add a comment | Send to a friend
Yesterday I was invited to speak at the RSA (Royal Society for the encouragement of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce) at an event organised by ATcare to discuss the complex subject of Assistive Technology (AT).
Speaking to a packed room of people from design, industry, health and social care, it was my job to talk about my experiences of using AT, how it is perceived and how it could be changed for the better.
You can find out more from my presentation below:
You can find out more from my presentation below:
Assistive Technology: form, function and emotional response
Having done my bit, I was happy to take my seat and listen to the other speakers covering topics such as market research, inclusive design and behavioural economics. This was followed by a lively panel discussion chaired by the RCA's (Royal College of Art) Jeremy Myerson and workshop session.View more presentations from enabledbydesign.
Interestingly there was a real consensus that the language used, to describe products that support independent living, really does need to change. Many agreeing that the term Assistive Technology is useful for people working in the field, but not necessarily to the general public.
I'd be really interested to hear your thoughts on Assistive Technology, both in terms of the language used and how it could be improved, as well as the presentation. Thanks!
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As a trainee OT I don't really like the term assistive equipment either but I'm not sure what a better one is? It is literally equipment which assists people with daily tasks, but as a phrase it seems a bit clunky and it is not immediately obvious to what it refers. I really hate 'environmental control' too which OTs use to describe the multi-functional devices used to control light switches, door releases, tv, radio, etc from one unit... but Environmental Control sounds to me like a pseudonym for a rat catcher! Anyone have any better ideas or descriptions they use?