The Developmentally Disabled and the Use of Technologies An … S. Judson The topic of the developmentally disabled (DD) population using … working, shopping and …

The manuscript for this book was a result of work done at CERTEC, the Centre of Rehabilitation Engineering at Lund’s Institute of Technology in Sweden. The entire book and Website cover a broad range of topics, one of which is Developmentally Disabled (DD) people and how technology can improve their lives. Jönsonn and Svensk discuss natural and artificial intelligence among other topics. Especially poignant is the development of Isaac (named after Isaac Newton). Isaac is a project developed in 1994 to assist the (DD) person navigate the world and achieve maximum independence. In addition, caregivers and educators are also assisted. A DD Isaac user is provided a personal digital assistant, which is individually programmed, and equipped with a digital camera and global positioning system (GPS). What this technology will do for DD people is compared to what the electric wheelchair has done for the physically handicapped. Bodil and Svensk discuss legal and social changes that have affected the DD population in Sweden over the last 50 years with the conclusion that Isaac will provide the DD person more sophisticated technology than that of the business community; the philosophy being that those most in need of the technology shall receive it first. Isaac will allow DD people to come and go freely in their community using public transportation, working, shopping and socializing

The Developmentally Disabled and the Use of Technologies Judith S. Judson 4 Opened in September 2001, the plain language Papunet pages project is geared toward communication specifically for those with speech impairments. The project has been implemented at the Communication and Technology Centre Tikoteekki of the Finnish Association on Mental Retardation. Professional support groups make recommendations on and oversee content and technical development.

The goal of the project is to assist special groups in living lives equal to the mainstream population in today’s information society. The project focuses on providing information via the Internet to those with speech impairments, caregivers (users of plain language), DD teachers and professionals in the field. The pages are published in Finnish and Swedish and contain symbols to enhance the written word, incorporating daily life information, book reviews, stories, etc. Website Trigg, Shelley. “Harnessing The Power Of Computers To Better The Lives Of People With Developmental Disabilities.” Rehabilitation Review Volume 8, No. 1, January 1997.

This concept has since been re-thought and computers are being used more to foster collaboration and social interactions, which has proven to increase self-confidence, interpersonal and communication skills. This has occurred by pairing students in groups of two or three to work on computers. Computer tasks that encourage social interaction are used such as organizing tasks that allow the individuals to take an active part in problem solving and controlling the equipment; motivation of each person for one-on-one tasks; and looking for ways to encourage those working alone to interact and communicate with others.

When a DD user is perceived by his or her peers as having “mastered” a task, s/he becomes a revered “expert” within the group. As a result, individuals have shown they feel a great sense of accomplishment and self-esteem is enhanced, promoting and encouraging greater independence in daily life.

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