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Adaptive Technology Provides Independence

For Rupan, the technology allows him to be a bigger part of the crowd. He can send emails more easily to his friends allowing him to stay connected outside of school.

For people with disabilities, adaptive technology provides a level of autonomy and self-reliance that has a life-changing affect on their lives. The technology that currently exists in this area, and that is being developed, is astounding. Communication tools, for example, can allow a person to touch a computer screen in order to ‘speak’ and interact, enlarged keyboards offer ease of use, and a revolutionary computer screen can be operated by eye movement alone. Sip-and-puff devices can select and navigate a computer by controlling breath inhalations and exhalations. Reg Bartsch, Electronics Technologist with Adaptive Technology Services at the Saskatchewan Abilities Council, works with our clients to find the right adaptive technology that can open the door to independence and an easier, encouraging, and richer life experience.

Barb Sambasivam utilizes the Adaptive Technology Services for her 13-year-old son Rupan who has Cerebral Palsy. Barb explains that the adaptive technology Rupan uses for the computer such as an Intellikeys keyboard with keyguards, RollerPlus joystick mouse, and an adapted software program allow Rupan to be more independent, in particularly at school. The keyguards make it easier to hit one key at a time and not two or three keys at once while the software program with word prediction allows for less keystrokes.

Rupan can do his schoolwork by himself and Barb believes this is crucial to building his confidence and self-esteem amongst his peers and in the classroom. “It is important that the other students see him as being able to do his work just like they do, only in a different way.”

For Rupan, the technology allows him to be a bigger part of the crowd. He can send emails more easily to his friends allowing him to stay connected outside of school. He adds that his favourite piece of equipment is the joystick mouse because it moves around the computer faster than a regular mouse.

Reg explains more about other types of adaptive technology that can create significant independence for people with disabilities. For example, if you can blink your eye regularly, you can control a switch. If you can control a switch you can, potentially, control parts of your environment--you could turn lights on and off, change the channel on your television, or adjust your thermostat. Being able to touch a screen and say ‘hello’ or ask for something you need is empowered personal control.

Some of the key services available through Adaptive Technology Services include assessments, testing, and equipment set-up. For Barb, one of the most valuable aspects of the service is the opportunity to have Rupan pre-test the different types of adaptive technology, “I like that we can try things before actually buying something that in the end may not work well for Rupan. I would urge other parents and people with disabilities to see what is offered with Adaptive Technology Services. It has been a great help to us.”