Assistive Technology and Occupational Therapy

What is Assistive Technology (AT)? No Tech Solution Low Tech Solution High Tech Solution

Rehabilitation Technology means: the systematic application of technologies, engineering methodologies, or scientific principles to meet the needs of and address the barriers confronted by individuals with disabilities in areas which include education, rehabilitation, employment, transportation, independent living, and recreation. The term includes rehabilitation engineering, assistive technology devices, and assistive technology services. as defined by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973

What’s the difference between a low tech device and a high tech device? Give some examples... Low TechHigh Tech

What we’ll talk about Environmental control Computer access Augmentative communication Driving April 8, Apr 29, May 6 Apr 15 (no class-AOTA conference) Apr 22 Disability Rights- date may change

Choosing AT Importance of Choosing Optimal Device –Better task performance –Lower cost –Better satisfaction

Preferred Sequence of Determining Intervention with AT improve the person’s ability to perform the task change or eliminate the task (no tech) use a mass market product (lower cost, easier to maintain and fix- ex from radioshack) -adaptations- ex keygaurd foto feel keys better. use a specialty device (high tech computer access if someone cant use body part) Adapt specialty device- modify already existing fabricate a new device- the person who made it is only one who knows how to fix it etc.

Performing an AT Evaluation A.Determine the Activity or Activities to be Performed and is having trouble doing it B.Evaluate the Person –Sensory Motor Performance –Psycho-social Issues (including cognitive issues) C.Evaluate the Task (task analysis) D.Evaluate the Environment, support system E.Evaluate the Device

What about the device do you consider?

After the device is selected, what then? A.Funding B.Receipt of Device C.Training D.Follow-up

A Few General Concepts… Direct versus indirect selection –Direct Direct selection Coded access –Indirect Scanning –Traditional scanning –Inverse scanning –Row/column ( M&feature=related) M&feature=related –(partner assisted scanning-

General Concepts (continued) Switch output –Momentary –Latched –Proportional control

AT to manipulate the Environment

Low-tech Devices (ie. mouthstick, reacher, etc.) can be used for multiple purposes Typing aid- can be used as pointer/poker Universal Cuff

Special Purpose Devices Low Tech Devices with single function- These are designed for a specific use but are still low tech

Special Purpose Devices Electro-mechanical Aids Feeders- two functions –location of the particle –moving it to mouth Page Turners –separate the page to be turned from other pages –physically move the page from one side to the other (forward or backward )

Environmental Control Units A means to purposefully manipulate and interact with the environment by alternately accessing one or more electrical devices via switches, voice activation, remote control, computer interface, and other technological adaptations. The purpose of an ECU is to maximize functional ability and independence in the home, school, work, and leisure environments. Bain, DiSalvi, Gold, Kollodge, Schein, 1991

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Transmission Methods Direct Wiring Remote Control –House wiring- part of most remote systems –Ultrasound Transmission –Infrared Transmission (IR) –Radio Frequency Transmission (RF)

Telephone Control Communication is paramount –Emergency –Social –vocational