Page 125 - The Indian Optician Digital Edition November-December 2021
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FIGURE 2: LOW VISION AIDS USED AS
ASSISTIVE DEVICES (MISHRA SK & BARIK M)
health organizations’ (WHO) classification of academic learning, hand writing, motor skills
disability known as international classification of and fast reading, solving math questions and
functioning, disability and health (ICF). ATs play enhanced scientific skills. Additionally, one can
2
an important role in the rehabilitation of such see a marked improvement in the cognitive
patients. As per global statistics more than one functions like cause-effect relationship,
billion people would require one or more types improved attention span, and problem-solving
of AT(s) to improve their handicap. This is likely capabilities, etc.
to go higher and higher in the coming years.
Unfortunately, only 10% people with disabilities There are two types of assistive technological
are aware or have access to assistive technology devices: those which enhance the little
devices. WHO did its bit to launch global remaining visual function and, those which help
cooperation on assistive technology six years improve other intact senses to help overcome
back and published a list of fifty such devices overall functionality in an individual with the
including sixteen devices used to counter visual visual handicap. An example of the former is
handicap. 3 low vision aids (LVA) and the latter is ultrasonic
mobility cane.
ATs help improve visual impairment and
therefore overall performance in the activities of Researchers reviewed more than 15 databases
daily living (ADL) like; socialisation, self-esteem, and found over 1000 research articles. Among
and improved quality of life. Some researchers these, about 50 papers were with concrete
reported that when children use augmented solutions. In this article, identification of health
assistive technology, they can perform varied needs, leisure living safety, communication,
functions which are otherwise impossible to family relationship and social involvement, etc.
accomplish. ATs not only help in the improved were addressed. Researches strived to improve
ADL but also bring about improvement in adoption of technologies where they can
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