Terminology/language

If professionals workng in this field get confused about the terminology how about the end user and their family/carers who this technology is supposed to support. How are they to understand what we mean? Does it put them off adopting this type of technology because they do not understand it or are a little wary of it? We could try using simple plain english. Perhaps Assistive Technology is too broad a term and maybe we should revisit this terminology.

AT itself is becoming mainstreamed or normalised as I like to refer to it. This is evidenced by High Street chainstores beginning to retail a wide range of AT including basic Telecare.

Innovation and rapid development of technology to support independence first within the home and increasingly on a mobile platform, is likely to have tremendous implications in enabling users to take their independence and security around with them. The Television together with broadband is also beginning to take on a multi-function role within the home.

Why not really normalise the use of all this technology as something that can be taken for granted and available as and when required - in other words demystify it. That includes the language.