Assessing Student's Needs for Assistive Technology (ASNAT)

Chapter 8 – Assistive Technology for Vision and Hearing
♦ Cochlear Implants-Although the cochlear implant itself is medical because it requires surgery, the
peripheral equipment and the training and maintenance may be considered assistive technology
devices or services.
Alerting Devices
There are a variety of alerting devices that may utilize a visual or tactile signal or an amplified auditory
signal to notify the student who is deaf or hard of hearing that something has happened or needs their
attention.
♦ Alert Signalers-There are a variety of systems that can be positioned next to or connected to sound
output devices, such as the phone, the doorbell, and the fire alarm. These devices amplify the
existing auditory output to about 85 dB. Eighty-five decibels is equal to the sound of a gas lawn
mower.
♦ Door Knock Signaler-This device hangs on the door and responds to either the vibration or the
sound of the knock. The output is a flashing light. These are particularly useful in hotel rooms
♦ Visual Signaling Devices-Signaling devices are used to alert the person who is deaf or hard of
hearing to various sounds. Those that provide visual cues use some form of blinking light; either a
strobe, a light bulb, or a regular lamp. These devices connect a lamp with a sound output item to
provide a visual cue. When the item makes noise the light flashes. The signaling device can hook up
to a doorbell, telephone, smoke and fire alarms, carbon monoxide detectors or alarm clock. Some
systems can hook-up to several devices. There is a system called "Baby Crier Signaler" that blinks
when the baby cries. Almost any machine that uses noise for a signal can be fitted with a light
system to indicate the need for attention.
♦ Vibrating Alarm Clocks-The clock has a separate plug in bed vibrator. When it is time for the
alarm to ring, the bed vibrator shakes the whole bed. The vibrator itself is usually the size of a
hockey puck and fits under the pillow. However, there are some that are 8 1/2” by 11” by 2”. The
vibrators can be set to produce either a pulse or steady vibration. These clocks vary in size from the
small travel size to the bedside clock with a large digital display.
♦ Vibrating Watches-Many watches beep to signal the hour or to remind the wearer of a meeting.
There is a watch with a vibrating alarm and hourly alert options.
♦ Vibrating Pagers-These come with a variety of options. Some will just vibrate and give the phone
number to call. Others vibrate and offer an alphanumeric window on which the caller can leave a
detailed message. Some pagers use the Internet to send the message and others use a special
keyboard, back at the office, to send the message.
Assessing Students’ Needs for Assistive Technology (2004) 221