Some persons with disabilities use personal assistive devices. Here are a few examples:
Wheelchairs
Canes
Walkers
Assistive listening devices (FM systems)
Laptops with screen-reading software or communicating capabilities
Smart phones (i.e. wireless handheld devices)
Hearing aids
Your university may also provide assistive devices such as loaner wheelchairs, stair lifts, FM systems, laptops or computer adaptive technology.
Tips
Here are a few more examples of assistive devices you may come across when communicating and interacting with persons with disabilities on campus.
Persons with vision loss may use a digital audio player to listen to books, directions, art shows, etc.
Some persons who are deaf or hard of hearing use teletypewriters (TTY). This machine enables telephone-like communication using text. Calls placed to or from a non-TTY user can be made through the Bell Relay Service.
Persons who are blind may use a white cane to assist with safety, mobility and independence. The cane is used to check for objects in a person’s path, changes in walking surfaces and dangers like steps and curbs.
Some persons with breathing difficulties carry portable oxygen tanks.
Persons with learning disabilities or difficulties with memory use personal digital assistants for storing, organizing or retrieving personal, school or employment information.
Persons with physical, learning or speech disabilities may use laptops to access information, take notes or to communicate.
Some persons with speech disabilities may use a variety of communication devices, such as voice-output systems or pictures/symbols to communicate.
Did You Know ?
In 1921, an English photographer, named James Biggs who became blind following an accident, had an idea of painting his cane white so that it could be easily seen at night.
The white cane has become an internationally accepted symbol of blindness and nine Canadian provinces, including Ontario, have legislation restricting the use of the white cane to those who are legally blind.
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