For the reading this week, we had to read on the topic of the design of assistive technology and individuals’ opinions on its design and capabilities. Since I don’t typically think task that might be more difficult for someone with a disability, I feel reading on this topic was especially interesting and reminder that simple task may not always be simple. For example, tremors that typically affect the elder cause the involuntarily shaking of the joints. When effected individuals need to eat, write, shower, etc, it oftentimes become difficult because they cannot control the movement of their hands. One assistive technology that aims to tackle the issue is a reactive spoon that remains stable despite extensive shaking or movement.
In the reading, it had mentioned the drive to make assistive tool standard across all individuals with that disability. When I read it, I felt a strong disagreement with that end goal because a disability does not affect everyone the same. As such making a standard tool make not always end up with the right individual and making their lives exponentially better. Not to say tool will not aid them in their daily lives, however certain disabilities require more attention and customization to fit the individuals’ need.