Tutorial Seven - Assistive Technology

“Any item, piece of equipment or product system whether acquired commercially off the shelf, modified or customized that is used to increase or improve functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities” (Public Law,1976 , as cited in Cook & Hussey, 1995).

Describe a piece of equipment introducted in your tutorial.



Wobble Switch -


What is Assistive Technology

Function: this is a switch which acts as a control mechanism (like an on/off switch) to activate a appliance/object (e.g. communication aid, laptop, a remote controled toy etc).
The wobble switch can be used by a range of people with disabilities, but it especially intended for those with poor motor control. It is a 4 inch wand which can be easy activated by hitting it in any direction (using a swiping motion). Wobble Switchs cost approximaely $300(NZ)however funding may be available for individual's with a disability through Ministry of Health (Enable/Accessable) or ACC (depending on the individual). The wobble switch is adaptable, and can be attached to a goose neck (long bendy wire) which can attach to a desk/wheelchair so it can be within easy reach.

How does the Wobble Switch increase functional capacity for the user?
The Wobble Switch is an excellent way of allowing persons with disabilities the
ability to control the environment around them independantly. Through activating the switch, another piece of assistive equipment can be activated giving this person a way of interacting with others in a participation focus, developing independance or increasing alertness over time.

For example, an individual with cerebral palsy who suffers from inabiility to communicate and decreased Range of Movement (ROM) due to contractures in both arms, would be able to activate the wobble switch through bumping it with his head, and this could be attached to a communication device, which would allow him to communicate with his peers, aid worker, family etc.

The OT would teach the Individual specific competiencies with using the device, from both a functional and operational use to strategic and social use. This means teaching them about how to use the tool, when to use it and developing ways to use it in social contexts.