Assistive Technologyf a c t s

AIDS FOR DAILY LIVINGWhat is assistive technology? Assistive technology, or AT, is any tool thatallows individuals with disabilities to usetheir own unique abilities to reach theirgoals. AT can range from low-cost toolssuch as a jar opener to more complexdevices such as a power wheelchair or com-munication aid.

Infants, children, adults, and older personswith any type of disability can be aided bythe use of AT.

What is an aid for daily living?This type of AT device is any piece ofequipment or adaptation that increases anindividual’s participation or independencein daily activities such as eating and groom-ing as well as routine tasks such as gettingout of bed and cooking dinner.

Who is able to benefit from the use ofdaily living aids?These aids are probably the most widelyused category of AT because almost every-body can benefit from them. Anyone whohas ever used a gripper to open a stubbornjar lid has experienced the power of AT! Anumber of products originally designed forpeople with disabilities have been em-braced by the public because they makecompleting a task easier and more comfort-able.

Where can I purchase aids for daily liv-ing?These devices can be found in drug stores,

kitchen and hardware shops, and manyother stores that you visit everyday. Thereare also specialty catalogs offering hun-dreds of clever tools and gadgets. Theseaids are easily accessible, usually do notrequire a prescription, and tend to beaffordably priced.

What are some examples of AT devicesfor daily living?• Silverware with long, enlarged handles• Shower bench• Long handled hair brush and comb• Dressing stick• Reacher• Medicine planner• Weighted drinking glass• Doorknob extension• Bed rail

When are these products of most use?Daily living aids are used from the momentpeople wake up until the time they go tobed. In the morning, the use of a bed railprovides support as a person gets up from alying down or seated position. Lunch mayinclude the use of large handled utensils sothat gripping the silverware is easier. In theevening, the zipper pull helps in gettingdressed for a night out with friends. Thebook holder keeps reading material openand at a comfortable distance. And as thelast lights are turned out at night, a largelamp switch makes that once difficult tasksimple.

There isn’ta person

anywherethat isn’t

capable ofdoing

more thanhe thinks

he can.

- Henry Ford

Is it possible to create my own aids fordaily living?Absolutely. Many commercial aids can bereproduced at home with minimum diffi-culties. For example, a length of rubber tub-ing slipped over a utensils handle maymake it easier or more comfortable forsomeone with limited grip to hold. Also,items created for one task can sometimes beadapted and used for another.

What are some questions to ask whenshopping for daily living aids?• What activity am I trying to make

easier?• What am I able to do?• Will this product work for me?• Does this product perform the function

intended?• Will I need assistance to use this AT

device?• Will rearranging my environment elimi-

nate the need for this daily living aid?

Delaware Assistive Technology InitiativeCenter for Applied Science & EngineeringUniversity of Delaware/Alfred I. duPont

Hospital for ChildrenPO Box 269, 1600 Rockland Road

Wilmington, DE 19899-02691(800) 870-DATI or (302) 651-6790

TDD: (302) 651-6794FAX: (302) 651-6793

dati@asel.udel.eduwww.dati.org

DATI fact sheetsare available on the

following topics:

w Adapted Toysw Aids for Daily

Livingw Aids for Low

Visionw Assistive

Listening Devicesw Augmentativeand AlternativeCommunication

w Computer Accessw Seating,

Positioning andMobility

w Switches andEnvironmentalControl Unitsw Tools forLearning

2

This Bath+Safe Adjustable Shower Seat has aremovable back and arms to assist in sitting orstanding.

Easie Eaters Curved Utensils by Milestones arelightweight and easy to grip. They are angled topromote success with hand-to-mouth feeding.

Book Butler’s Book Holder features two spring-loaded arms that open automatically and lock tohold a book flat. Pages slip easily from one arm tothe other.

Good Grips Button Hook has a built up handlethat features flexible ribbing to adapt to any grip.

Dynamic Living’s Ulu Knife is a rocker knife thatincreases dexterity and leverage, making fine cutssimple and chopping easier.