Technology, Assistive

Assistive technologies refer to an entire range of technologies that enable deaf people, as well as hearing individuals whose hearing has declined as a result of age or for any other number of reasons, to have access to devices that are based on the false [Page 951]assumption that everyone has the ability to hear. For example, smoke, fire and carbon monoxide alarms are often premised on a design flaw—they rely on sound-based signaling devices that are accessible to only part of the population. Fortunately, there are now a myriad of technologies on the market to assist deaf people and protect them from potential dangers (e.g., fire and home intruders). These technologies include signaling devices of all kinds, including fire alarms, carbon monoxide detectors, doorbells and ...