Week 5 · Theme 1, Lesson 5 Supporting People of Determination · 3 lessons
1
Technology that helps people
ICT P4 Term 1, Theme 1: pp. 26–29
GoalExplain what assistive technology is and give examples that help people of determination.
New words
assistive technology · special tools that help people of determination do things they find difficultpeople of determination · people who have a different way of seeing, hearing, moving, speaking or learning, and who keep tryingprosthetic · an artificial limb, such as an artificial leg
Explanation
We all use technology to make life easier, like a lamp in the dark or a bicycle for a long road. Assistive technology is a special kind of technology. It helps people of determination do things that are difficult for them, so they can take part in school, work, sport and play. A prosthetic leg is one example: a person who has a different kind of leg can walk, run and climb with it. In sport there are many more: a ball that makes a noise helps a player who cannot see to find it; a bicycle with three wheels that you pedal with your hands; and special blades for running. Good assistive technology is not about feeling sorry. It is about giving people more choices.
Tool
What it lets people do
Prosthetic leg
walk, run and climb
Ball that makes a noise
find the ball and play football
Hand-powered three-wheel bike
ride and race
Running blades
run fast
Worked examples
A football club has a ball with little bells inside. A player who cannot see well listens for the bells and moves toward the ball. The same game, a different tool.
Marwan’s cousin has a prosthetic leg. With it she walks to school with her friends and plays in the park. The tool helps her take part.
Even things around us are assistive: a ramp for a wheelchair, glasses for clearer sight, an elevator for people who cannot climb stairs. Many people use them every day.
Class activity
Everyday helpers. Walk round your home or school with a grown-up and find three things that make life easier for some people (for example a ramp, handrails, glasses or a lift). Draw one of them and write: “This helps people to …”. Remember to be respectful and never point at a person.
Practice
1
What is assistive technology?
Special tools that help people of determination do things they find difficult.
2
How does a ball that makes a noise help a player who cannot see?
The player can listen to find where the ball is.
3
Which two pictures show assistive technology? Say the letters.
A (the wheelchair) and C (the glasses).
4
Why is assistive technology not about feeling sorry for people?
It gives people more choices and helps them take part.
