Assistive Technology
In the early part of the 20th century the life span was much shorter and there was no need for assistive technology the way there is today. Since assistive Technology is becoming so common and even necessary, it has greatly eveolved with the times. This page will tell you a little about the evolution of assistive technology.
The term assistive technology was first used in 1988 in the Technology-Related assistance for Individuals with Disabilities Act, also known as the Tech Act. Despite being amended in 1994, the Act was repealed and replaced in 1998 with what is now known as the Assistive Technology Act (The AT Act)(Katsioloudis/Jones 2013). The AT Act of 1998 describes assistive technology as "technology designed to be utilized in an assistive technology device or assistive technology service" (Assistive Technology Act, 1998). Furthermore, an AT device is any "item used to increase or improve functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities" (Assistive Technology Act, 1998). A technology service is defined throughout the AT Act as "any service that directly assists an individual with a disability in the selection, acquisition, or use of an assistive technology device (1998).
March 30, 1874- Audiophone Bone Induction Amplifier
The Audiophone Bone Conduction Amplifier was the earliest type of hearing aid that was not a cone in the ear. Instead, hearing was amplified through the conduction of sound through bone.
July 4, 1987- First portable hearing aid
The first portable electronic hearing aid used Alexander Graham Bell's brand new telephone technology and an attached battery.
July 18, 1982- First Braille typewriter
The first brailler machine was invented by Frank Hall. Individually hand-made brailler machines were built at the Perkins School for the Blind. First braille writer invented by Frank M. Hall
November 28, 1898- Akouphone invented
The Akouphone, invented by Miller Reese Huchinson, miniaturized hearing aids so they could fit into purses.
October 5, 1935-Audio books
The invention of Thomas Edison's phonograph allows the production and use of talking books for the blind
June 1, 1936- First speech synthesizer
From this first invention called the Voder, both text-to-speech and speech-to-text technologies emerged.
March 20, 1948- Development of transistor hearing aid
First transistor hearing aids were pioneered by Bell Laboratories. This was a first big step in the miniaturization of hearing aids.
March 29, 1950- Electric wheelchair developed
The electric wheelchair was designed by Canadian George Klein with the help of the National Research Council of Canada.
December 12, 1968- First English text-to-speech system developed
First English text-to-speech synthesis developed by Noriko Umeda at the Electrotechnical Laboratory in Japan, based on earlier work in the late 1950s.
July 15, 1975- Six channel hearing aid now available
The six-channel hearing aid, developed by Daniel Graupe, allowed the audio signal of a hearing aid to be separated, thus allowing some audio frequencies to be amplified while others were weakened.
June 19, 1976- First handheld speech synthesizer
TSI Speech+ portable calculator developed for people with visual impairments.
July 18, 1977- Adaptive Firmware Card invented
This card, invented by Paul Schwejda and Judy McDonald, allowed people with disabilities to use a computer with only one switch; it also permitted the use of an alternative keyboard.
September 21, 1981- Computers first used in classroom
The first computers used with students who struggled with learning often were used for drill and skill programs, tutorials, and computer simulations.
January 26, 1983- DynaVox founded.
Founder Gary Killiany developed "EyeTyper," a device that allows people to communicate with eye movements. They have since developed many other types of augmentive communication
July 1, 1991- First smart board invented
Smart Technologies was founded in 1987 by David Martin and Nancy Knowlton as a spin-off from a company that sold 3M projectors. The first Smart Board came to market by 1991. This Canadian company has revolutionized how all children learn, but this technology is especially helpful for children with behavioural difficulties and autism spectrum disorders.
August 26, 1991- AlphaSmart keyboard invented
AlphaSmart keyboard was designed because teachers wanted an inexpensive, lightweight, tough keyboard for students to use. Inventors Ketan Kothar and Joe Barrus got the idea by hanging around on the internet talking to teachers.
September 9, 1992- Computer systems include speech synthesizers
Speech synthesizers are used in computer text-to-speech programs to help people with reading disabilities or visual impairments access written material.
June 15, 1996- FM amplifications for students with hearing loss
FM systems that deliver sounds directly to a hearing aid and FM sound fields are two types of auditory technology. The first benefits individual students who have hearing loss; the second benefits students with hearing loss or auditory processing disorders, as well as other students in the classroom. (Stevens, 2013)
April 20, 2009- SmartTable invented
SMART technology is now available to benefit students with motor challenges while they sit at a table.