The impact of assistive technologies on the lives of disabled people

The careful and creative application of modem materials, electronics and computer technologies has had a profound effect on the quality and quantity of life for disabled people. The greater visibility of disabled people in public and commerce has changed attitudes and perceptions of disability. To a great extent it is the advent of technology - properly applied - that has enabled many disabled people to be fully functional. In fact, one could argue that once a person with impairments has the proper "tools" they are no longer "disabled." We only have to think of spectacles for visual impairments as an obvious example. This philosophy is illustrated by many examples of assistive devices and adapted environments which have provided the means for total social inclusion for people who in the past have been patronised and excluded - against their own best interests and wishes.