Tutorial Eight Technical Description

Tutorial Eight: Assistive technology

Provide a definition of Assistive technology (your Cook and Hussey reading may be helpful with this).

Assistive technology refers to a broad range of devices, services, strategies and practices that are conceived and applied to ameliorate the problems faced by people with disabilities.Cook, A.M., & Hussey, S.M. (2000). Assistive technologies: principles and practice. St Louis: Mosby.


Describe one piece of equipment introduced in the assistive technology tutorial. Provide information on size, cost and functions.
The Sunny Sunshine Switch
When used as a toy, the easiest touch will reward the child with coloured lights, vibrations, and three different soothing tunes in sync with 8 different coloured blinking lights. If a toy or device is plugged in, the sunny sunshine switch will activate it when touched.

14” L x 14” W x 8” H.

Requires 6AA batteries

Sunny Sunshine Switch #892

$82.95 American

$109.67 NZD


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

Suitable for children. Bright colours and can be changed from just hitting one of the sun rays or holding one down depending on the clients physical abilities.
- Switch was hooked up to radio and the user was able to turn the radio on and off by hitting or holding on to one of the rays.
- Kids with cerebral palsy – sings, hand eye coordination, needing to hear a sound to know that it has worked.