Biomedical Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
• For participation;
• To protect, support, train, measure, or substitute for body functions/structures
and activities; or
• To prevent impairments, activity limitations, or participation restrictions (ISO
9999).
The ISO 9999 contains five different types of assistive products:
1. Products that support a function, but are not used as such in the performance of
an activity (e.g., nebulizers, oxygen units)
2. Products that are used in the performance of an activity and that support a func-
tion or an activity (e.g., walking aids or assistive products for activities of daily
living)
3. Products that are a substitute for a function/structure or protect a function/
structure, may support a function, are not used in the performance of an activity
but can be seen as a prerequisite for participation (e.g., a wig or a cap)
4. Products that are primarily used for training
5. Assistive products that are used to measure/monitor a function/structure, the
performance of an activity, or an environmental or personal factor.
Products that are primarily used for training are the ones most pertinent to cognitive
functioning, particularly those specific to assistive products for training in cognitive skill
defined as assistive products designed to enhance the abilities that underlie reasoning
and logical activities (e.g., memory, attention, concentration, and conceptual and applied
thinking).
Although some may question the suitability of classifying cognitive support technolo-
gies as “products for training,” nonetheless this is where they are included. ISO 9999 is
used in several national databases of assistive products, including AbleData, which is dis-
cussed in Section 6.4.
Cognitive support technology (CST) is a special class of AT products designed to
increase, maintain, or improve functional capabilities for individuals whose cognitive
changes limit their effective performance of daily activities. CSTs have become more com-
monplace and diverse (Braddock et al. 2004; Gillette and De Pompei 2004; De Pompei et al.
2008; Bharucha et al. 2009; Sablier et al. 2009).
Broadly defined, CST could refer to very familiar, basic products used by people with
and without disabilities to support memory, organization, or other cognitive functions,
such as planner books, calendars, labels, post-it notes placed strategically, wristwatches,
and shopping lists. Simple and low-cost devices such as magnifying lenses, index cards,
and timers/alarm clocks can promote independence and improve the individual's quality
of life. Technologies supporting interaction with people or information (telecommunica-
tion technologies) are also important resources for individuals with cognitive disabilities
and they include telephones, pagers, and the Internet.
There are also specialized devices designed expressly for use by individuals with cogni-
tive disabilities and their caregivers. These specialty products have features that can
• Maintain, organize, and facilitate access to information;
• Present suggestions, instructions, or corrections to the user either on demand or
at prescribed times;
