Reflections on technological resources: aids techniques, assistive technology, technology of assistance and technology of support

Abstract

Specialized technological resources, helping devices, are being produced more frequently in the last few years and some terms which synthesize these productions have been created. In Brazil, many terminologies are being used to define what technological resources mean such as: Assistive Technology (USA), Technology of Assistance (CIF/OMS) and Technology of Support (European Committee /EUSTAT) and Aids Techniques (Health Department). Due to those different conceptions around this knowledge field, there are many different categorizations as well as unique ways of understanding this theme. Strategies and procedures that go are also distinct and posterior to their related comprehension. The present work intends to discuss the technological resources beyond the practical aspects in its everyday usage. We assume that the TA (Assistive Technology, of Support, of Assistance or Aids Techniques) is a multidimensional phenomenon, which involves mechanical, biomechanical, ergonomic, functional, kinetic, ethical, aesthetic, politicial, affective, and subjective aspects, and must be analyzed like that. It also presents the concepts implied in it, in accordance with the different conceptions of Rehabilitation. Finally, we analyze the direction and purpose of these resources in the process of social inclusion of handicapped people.