Tutorial Eight: Assistive technology
Provide a definition of assistive technology (your Cook and Hussey reading may be helpful with this)

Assistive technology is a generic term that includes assistive, adaptive, and rehabilitative devices and the process used in selecting, locating, and using them. AT promotes greater independence for people with disabilities by enabling them to perform tasks that they were formerly unable to accomplish, or had great difficulty accomplishing, by providing enhancements to or changed methods of interacting with the technology needed to accomplish such tasks. Although, Cook & Hussey (2001)^[1] report this term is usually not used for rehabilitative devices and for devices that able-bodied find useful. According to disability advocates, technology is often created without regard to people with disabilities, creating unnecessary barriers to hundreds of millions of people.
Retrieved 11 June, 2008, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assistive_technology

Describe one piece of equipment introduced in the assistive technology tutorial. Provide information on size, cost and functions.

The Glitter roll music box/switch is a switch that provides multi-sensory stimulation. When the clear cylindrical roller is turned a colourful array of sparkling pompoms and glitter tumbles inside and music plays.
It requires 2AA batteries and comes with a 1/8 inch jack and a 1/8 inch connector cord for activation - which is the universal size to connect to other power boxes. It is 14"x7"x5" and is approximately $99.95 US. For NZ prices the wholesaler can be contacted. The glitter roll music box can be used as an external capacity switch when connected.

How does your chosen piece of equipment increase functional capacity for the user? Provide examples here from the tutorial and lecture.

The glitter roll music box/switch provides a functional element for its users. This is because when connected it can be used as a switch to turn objects on and off. This is of practical use in schools facilitating involvement among its users as it can be used in a number of activities, such as baking - if connected into the power box and then connected to an appliance (eg, blender) the user has the capability of turning this on and off by rolling the switch.