I currently use a customized set of ski-poles to walk. The ski-poles are feather-weight compared to traditional canes or crutches that I have used in the past. I can walk into most sporting goods stores and buy the replacement rubber feet that provide the traction that I need.

If I break a pole, I know that I will be able to replace the devices relatively quickly. I have used ski-poles as an alternative to canes or crutches since 2008. I have noticed the degree of unwanted attention I receive is less.  People may notice the ski-poles but any inquiry or exchange is humorous, “Isn’t it hard to ski in June?” or “Has skiing become a year-around sport?”

Using the ski-poles in place of the crutches, does not isolate or segregate me due to the size, visibility, or bulkiness of my devices.  My mobility technology became more “mainstream,” easier to use, and engaged me more with my community.

My AT became inclusive technology: devices which increased my ability to engage with people and my surroundings.  Emily C. Bouck and her colleagues present the T.A.P.E. principles:

• Assistive Technology has to be: transportable (T) – people need to be able to take their devices with them;
• Available (A), that is, people should be able to go and purchase their device practically anywhere, in retail and on-line;
• Practical (P), that is the technology should be easy to use, and
• Engaging (E).

Engaging is the term that the author’s use to promote the idea that technology should remove stigma.

For example, most of us have a cellphone.  A cellphone is small, user-friendly (in most cases), and portable.  Cellphones have multiple functions including “buttons” to use to text, operate a calculator, get directions, or set an alarm.

We know, and likely have observed, that cellphones can be used as a form of assistive technology – e.g. to remind an individual with a disability to take their medication. The reminder is likely to occur through the sound of an alarm. Most places I go, I hear one ring tone or another signaling some type of message or reminder.

Assistive Technology does not have to isolate, look like it came out of a medical environment, or be cumbersome. I watched as high school students adapted existing toys to make children mobile.  Use of the T.A.P.E principles make technology not just assistive or inclusive, but universal. How do we increase the use of T.A.P.E to make AT inclusive technology?