PROS AND CONS

Like anything else, AT has both pros and cons. Depending on how much experience you've had with each level of AT can greatly influence your opinion on whether it's useful, or if the bad outweighs the good. Here I will list a few of the pros and cons I have come across during my research, and some that I have experienced myself while dealing with AT.

Pros

Lack of insurance coverage

AT devices are generally not covered by insurance. You can buy your own insurance one some devices when you purchase them, but that usually only covers manufacturer's issues. This does not cover lost, damaged, or stolen devices.

Training and support

For some people, figuring out how to use new devices can be frustrating and sometimes it feels impossible. There are no official training classes for these devices that are available upon purchase, leaving the consumer to figure it out for themselves. If the consumer has no other means of communication, and can't get their device to work, they will only become more frustrated with the device as time goes on.

Durability

It seems as time goes on, technology gets smaller, thinner, and more lightweight. As this happens, it also gets less durable. If you drop an iPad, it's very likely to crack, which can sometimes cause the screen to not work at all.

Malfunctions

All technology is subject to malfunctions. Whether it is the tablet itself that is having issues, or an app that recently got updated and now has a glitch in the system. There is no way to avoid malfunctions.

Size

Little things like iPads and calculators are not hard to find a spot for in your home, but what about a motorizd wheelchair? Or the Ekso-Skeleton? Although they are very useful, these devices are much bigger and harder to find a place for.

Cons

Most are affordable

Many forms of Assistive Technology are very affordable, especially the low-tech options that are out there. For children, a lot of schools are offering assistive technology that stays at the shcool. While this doesn't help you at home, it does help the child at school.

Apps are easily customizable

Apps on an iPad or other tablet are easy to customize. You can add clip art pictures to help someone or you can even take your own pictures on a lot of apps and can add them with a caption under them so the child can see familiar items.

They look cool

A lot of kids would not want to carry around a note book and pencil to constantly write down what they want, but they are more than willing to carry around a smart phone or an ipad where they can push a button and it tells you exactly what they want. This way, the child still feels like they fit in with those around them, and are getting the assistance that they need.bg78v5cytrwxz5e2aescrdv6b7t98noiu l.m

Multi-purpose

Ipads and tablets are not only used for communication for children with disabilities, but can also be used to find information via the internet. This can help kids learn as well as communicate.

They get you places

Wheelchairs are one of the most common forms of assistive technology. Wheelchairs, motorized or manual, are used to get from point A to point B.

Range of availability

In this day and age, assistive devices are not very limited. There is an assistive device for just about any disability and any functioning level.