Irish Association of Supported Employment

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• Irish Association of Supported Employment
• Annual Conference
• The Benefits of
• Assistive Technology In The Workplace
• Siobhán Long
• National High Tech AT Training Service
• E mail slong_at_enableireland.ie

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Assistive Technology

• Is a tool
• To support individuals
• to achieve their potential..
• Ultimate goal
• Access all areas

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For most people, technology makes things
easier. For people with disabilities however,
technology makes things possible.

• (MP Radabough, US IBM National Support Center for
  People with Disabilities)

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Overview

• What is Assistive Technology?
• AT as a tool for work
• Funding and Legislation
• Information Resources

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Definition of Assistive Technology Device

• Any item or product whether acquired
  commercially, modified or customised that
  increases the independence of individuals with
  disabilities.
• (adapted from Technical assistance to the States
  act in U.S.)

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In an average workplace

• 60 of employees will benefit from adjustments to
  their workstation
• 10 of employees will be left-handed
• 15 wont be able to read 10 point font without
  eye strain
• 10 will have dyslexia or specific
  reading/writing difficulties

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Who can benefit from Assistive Technology?

• Current employees
• Prevent acquisition of work related injury
• Retain staff who acquire injury
• New/prospective employees with a disability

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• Computer Access
• Communication
• Environmental Controls

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Using Computers

• Conventional Input Methods
• Alternatives to Keyboard Input
• Alternatives to Mouse Input
• Voice Recognition
• Windows Accessibility Features

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Alternative Keyboards

• Alternative Keyboard Layout
• Qwerty
• Alphabetic
• Chording Keyboard/frequency of use
• Specialised Keyboards
• Ergonomic Keyboard
• Expanded/mini Keyboard

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On screen keyboards
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Mouse Alternatives
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• Trackballs
• Joysticks
• Touch Pads
• Head Mouse
• Touch Screen

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Windows Accessibility Features
www.microsoft.com/enable
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Ergonomic Considerations
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Voice Recognition Software

• Text Input
• Hands Free
• Successful Use
• Speech Consistency
• Good Literacy Skills
• Familiarity with PCs
• Patience

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Literacy Support Software

• Penfriend
• Co-writer
• Texthelp

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Screen Magnifiers
1x magnification
2x magnification
4x magnification
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Screen reading software
Kurzweil 3000 www.kurzweiledu.com
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Free screenreader www.readplease.com
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Communication Devices
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Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)

• Technologies and supports which enhance an
  individuals ability to communicate more
  effectively
• Voice output devices may incorporate PC functions
  such as word processing, or may interface with PC

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Environmental Controls
Doors, windows, lights, telephones
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Funding Supports for the workplace www.fas.ie

• Workplace Equipment Adaptation Grant
• Personal Reader Grant
• Wage Subsidy Scheme
• Job Interview Interpreter Grant
• Supported Employment Programme
• Disability Awareness Training Support Scheme

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Legislation

• Safety, Health and Welfare At Work Act 1989
• Employment Equality Act 1998 Reasonable
  Accommodation
• Equal Status Act 2000 Discrimination on 9
  grounds including disability
• Equality Act 2004 Appropriate Measures
  Disproportionate burden

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Assistive Technology at workInformation
Resources
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www.enableireland.ie/at
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www.gateway2at.org
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Thank youYour Questions are very welcome?????