Assistive
Devices for Neuro-developmental disabilities especially Locomotor variety
Dr. Shovan Saha
Assoc. Prof, Dept. of Occupational Therapy,
In the past several years there has been a great
increase in the use of assistive technologies by persons with disabilities so
that they can pursue self care, educational, vocational, and recreational
activities.
Assistive technology is an important concept and
refers 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. It is defined as per the Public Law 100-407, the Technical
Assistance to the States Act in the
Despite the growth in interest, application, and
training, there has been a lack of carefully articulated principles in the
emerging assistive technology field. The common approach has been to focus on
currently available devices with little synthesis of principles and practices.
For years, professionals have used different types of
low – tech devices, such as reachers, button hooks, pencil grips, and other
pieces of equipment, to promote functional independence in patients. Assistive
technology is an extremely dynamic approach for patients with permanent
disability and contributes as an adjunct to various conditions with relatively
temporary disabling conditions. However, within the past 10 to 15 years, with
the technologic advances in the society, professionals have increasingly used a
wide range of electronic devices, from simple switches to complex robotics, to
promote functional independence. This expansion in the use of assistive
technology opens new doors, create opportunities, and enables individuals with
disabilities to realize functional goals that were previously unattainable.
Searchable database on ABLEDATA lists about 19000
assistive technology products that is in circulation in
According to the Census of India, 2001 estimates of
people with locomotor disability is at 6,105, 477 and is the largest in the
world. The circumstances of the
disabled persons, along with poverty, ignorance and a general apathy, force them
to a position where it becomes virtually impossible for them to participate in
even the most routine activities. Assistive technology is a relatively new
concept in Indian context, it is loosely structured, and no sufficient
legislations to monitor the process of circulation and outcomes. The Govt. of
India PWD Act, 1995 (Section 28, 42, 44, 45, 46, 48) although spells out
initiative in regards to assistive technology, but ground realities are very
different.
Through the presentation, an attempt would be made to
generate awareness among professionals about the various facets of assistive
technology and the recent trends, and sensitize them about the potential of
assistive technology in alleviating the cause of people with locomotor
disability in our country.
Shovan
Saha
Associate Professor & Head, Department of Occupational
Therapy,