Life Tec.

"Assistive technology is a device or system that provides people with practical solutions to everyday life activities."

The beauty of technology that adheres to those with more specialised needs, is that it generally suitable for all target markets.

Assistive Technological Aids can be categorised accordingly. 

• Aids for daily living:
   
• Alternative and augmentative communication:
   
• Mobility aids:
   
• Seating and positioning:
   
• Computer access aids:
   
• Environmental controls: 

• Home/Workplace modifications:
   
• Prosthetics and orthotics:
   
• Sensory aids for vision/hearing impaired:
   
• Recreation:

I was surprised at the extent of technology available for carers, to allow awareness of patients at all times.  For instance the  bed side mat that detected weight and therefore would alert the carer if the patient had gotten out of bed via an alarm system.  This particularly sparked my interest as I had a grandfather with alzheimer's disease and I know how people affected by memory loss can often go walkabouts. This is probably an area of assistive design that I would be interested in continuing my research in.

In contrast to this, milder weaknesses were also catered for at Life Tec with the simple Jar Key being available. This is a utensil I constantly have to use to open jars due to weakness in the wrists. This simply exemplifies that whether mild or intense, the prevalence of assistive technologies are very important.