Assistive Technology Essential Human Factors

by King, Thomas W.

• ISBN13: 9780205273263
• ISBN10: 0205273262
• Edition: 1st
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 1998-09-14
• Publisher: Pearson

Summary

The Information Age has transformed the way in which humans communicate and interact with each other in almost every aspect. This new relationship between humans and technology has been an added convenience for some, and a sheer blessing for others; for those with physical and communication impairments, modern-day technology has transformed daily living into a journey toward capability instead of disability. In its examination of assistive technology, this book serves as an essential resource for clinicians, product developers, families and individuals as they recommend, select, purchase, design, and use assistive technology.Combining real experience and academic research, King examines how humans can adapt to machinery and increase the acceptance, effectiveness, and efficiency of technology. This book investigates how psychological factors (such as fear, stress, rejection, etc.) can affect the efficiency of assistive technology.Product developers, speech pathologists, audiologists, occupational therapists, rehabilitation counselors, special educators, nurses, and businesses.A Longwood Professional Book

Author Biography

Thomas W. King, Ed.D. has been the AAC Clinic Supervisor at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire since 1988, and he is an associate professor in the Department of Communication Disorders.

Table of Contents

Preface and Acknowledgments

Why a Book on Human Factors in Assistive Technology? "Jim" - A Case Example to Begin

The Importance of Human Factors

Resources in Human Factors

Tools, Transparency, and Assistive Technology

Who Are Tool Users? Transparent, Translucent, and Opaque Assistive Technologies

Assistive Technology: Special Tools for Special People? A Brief History of Assistive Technology

Component Areas of Assistive Technology

Who Are the Primary Users of Assistive Technology?

The Professionals and Others Who Work with Assistive Technology Who Uses Assistive Technology?

Case Examples

What Are Human Factors? Background

Human Factors in Assistive Technology

Human Factors in Daily Life

A Quick Human Factors Quiz - Some Practical Realities

Essential Areas of Human Factors in AT: Details and Case Examples

A Framework for Understanding Human Factors in AT: Baker's Basic Ergonomic Equation

Human Factors and Assistive Technology Goals

Human Factors and Intents of Assistive Technology

Details and Applications of Baker's Basic Ergonomic Equation

Essential Human Factors in Assistive Technology

Specific Human Factors is AT

Switches and Controls: The Pass Keys to Assistive Technology

Switches and Controls: Definitions and Examples

Specific Human Factors Regarding Switches and Controls

A Brief International Perspective on Switches and Controls

Assistive Technology and Fitts' Law

CRT, LCD, and LED Screens: The Gateways to Assistive Technology

How Screens Work - A Brief Overview

Screens in Everyday Life

Essential Human Factors Related to Screens

AT Levels, Technological Literacy, and Life Span Issues

Levels of Assistive Technology

Toward Technological Literacy

Components of AT Diagnosis and Intervention

Technology Issues Across the Life Span

Why AT Fails: A Human Factors Perspective

Factors Related to the People Who Surround the AT User

Factors Related to the AT User

Factors Related to the AT Device Itself

Appendix: Resources for More Information on Human Factors and Assistive Technology

Glossary

References

Index

Table of Contents provided by Publisher. All Rights Reserved.