Technical Aids or assitive technology devices

The technical aids for communication must allow the client to reach a significant level of independance.  Regular off the shelf equipments may sometimes compensate efficiently certains disabilities and be considered assistive technology devices, but they are not systematically covered by the Program.

The assistive technology devices covered by PMATCOM falls into five (5) categories :

Speech aids

Devices designed to enhance the use of natural speech (e.g. voice amplifiers).

Augmentative and alternative communication aids

Devices designed to replace or augment speech.  They are mostly used with a communication software.  According to the needs and abilities of the clients, writing (alphabet), pictures, symbols or photos may used to enable the client to convey messages.  Equipment in this field (with or without speech out put) come in different sizes.

Adapted telephones

Equipment or accessories that allow telephone use and adapted phone services at home for people over 12 years (e.q. adapted telephones with breath control tubes, adapted telephone with scanning access software).

Computer access

Devices or accessories that enable the fonctional use the computer for writing or communication activities.  This type of tehnology is booming.  There are many alternatives to the regular keyboard and regular mouse (e.g. oversized keyboard, key guards, on-screen keyboard software, head-pointing devices, etc.).

Environmental control devices

This technology allows user to remotely control certain electronic or electrical devices at home(lights, tv, sound systems, etc.). These aids improve the user's autonomy and help him stay at home with less caregivers.