1. Chapter 36 Assistive Technology
Overview
Assistive technology (AT) and assistive medical technology
Types and examples of rehabilitative and medical AT
Types of conditions with need for AT
Assessment, acquisition, training; universal design
Funding; durable medical equipment (DME), limitations on purchase
Chapter 36 slides in Children with Disabilities, Seventh Edition, Online Companion Materials. Copyright © 2013 Paul H. Brookes Publishing Co., Inc. All rights reserved.

2. https://www. youtube. com/watch. v=Y5CEeqt4kvI https://www. youtube
Chapter 36 materials in Children with Disabilities, Seventh Edition, Online Course Materials. Copyright © 2013 Paul H. Brookes Publishing Co., Inc. All rights reserved.

3. Definitions and Overview
Assistive devices: alleviate impact
Adaptive/alternative technology: substitutes/makes up for loss of function
Augmentative devices: increase area of functioning
Assistive
technology
Medical assistive technology
Three Types: Low tech
2. Mid tech
3. High tech
Chapter 36 slides in Children with Disabilities, Seventh Edition, Online Companion Materials. Copyright © 2013 Paul H. Brookes Publishing Co., Inc. All rights reserved.

4. Technology for Medical Assistance
Replace or augment a vital body function; examples:
Respiratory technology assistance
Monitoring/surveillance
Nutritive assistive
Intravenous (IV) therapy
Augment/protect kidney function
Respiratory support for
Lung or heart problems
Problems with neurological control of breathing and/or weakness of the muscles
Examples: supplemental oxygen, continuous positive airway pressure, chest physiotherapy, nasal cannulae, positive end expiratory pressure
Chapter 36 slides in Children with Disabilities, Seventh Edition, Online Companion Materials. Copyright © 2013 Paul H. Brookes Publishing Co., Inc. All rights reserved.

5. Technology for Medical Assistance (continued)
Monitoring/surveillance devices
Pulse oximeters
Cardiorespiratory monitors
Nutritional (gastrointestinal) fluid assistance
Nasogastric tube
Nasojejeunal tube
Gastrostomy tube (G tube), jejunostomy tube (J tube), G-J tube
IV fluid assistive devices
Catheter (central line), peripherally inserted central catheter, subcutaneous infusion port
Chapter 36 slides in Children with Disabilities, Seventh Edition, Online Companion Materials. Copyright © 2013 Paul H. Brookes Publishing Co., Inc. All rights reserved.

6. Assistive Technology for Disabilities: Principles and Examples
Universal design
Design for all people (e.g., wheelchair ramps)
Technology for physical disabilities
Low-tech: ankle-foot orthoses, hand splints, spinal braces
Mid-tech: functional electrical stimulators, treadmills with support frames, dynamic braces
High-tech: personal computers
Technology for sensory impairments
Low-tech: magnification devices
Mid-tech: alerting systems, laser canes, taped books
High-tech: personal computers, cochlear implants
Chapter 36 slides in Children with Disabilities, Seventh Edition, Online Companion Materials. Copyright © 2013 Paul H. Brookes Publishing Co., Inc. All rights reserved.

7. Assistive Technology for Disabilities: Principles and Examples (continued)
Technology for communication impairments (augmentative and alternative communication [AAC])
Low-tech: picture cards
Mid-tech: scanning communication device
High-tech: iPad
Technology for cognitive, attentional, and learning disabilities
Computer-based instruction
Individualized
Software programs
Distance learning
Chapter 36 slides in Children with Disabilities, Seventh Edition, Online Companion Materials. Copyright © 2013 Paul H. Brookes Publishing Co., Inc. All rights reserved.

8. Assessment for Assistive Technology
Interdisciplinary team:
Specialists, child, family, social worker, others
Begin with low tech
Functional evaluation of the individual
ICF (WHO, 2001), Wee-FIM (Wong et al., 2005)
Ensure good match/usefulness: MPT (Scherer, 1998a; Scherer & Craddock, 2002), QUEST 2.0 (Demers, Weiss-Lambrou & Ska, 2002), PIADS (Day, Jutai, & Campbell, 2002; Jutai et al., 2005)
Training in the use of the device
Pre-use training: demos, simulators
Monitoring
See the textbook Children with Disabilities, Seventh Edition, for full citation and reference information.
Chapter 36 slides in Children with Disabilities, Seventh Edition, Online Companion Materials. Copyright © 2013 Paul H. Brookes Publishing Co., Inc. All rights reserved.

9. Effects of Assistive Technology on Family and Community
Increases self-worth, improves functioning
Social isolation risk
Prolonged use (> 2 years) of some significant AT devices can lead to family stress/depression
Home care option depends on multiple factors
Arrange therapy before discharge
Develop individualized family service plan or individualized education program
Chapter 36 slides in Children with Disabilities, Seventh Edition, Online Companion Materials. Copyright © 2013 Paul H. Brookes Publishing Co., Inc. All rights reserved.

10. Effects of Assistive Technology on Family and Community (continued)
Funding Issues
Payment for home nursing care
DME and supplies
Primary funding: insurance; “approved DME listing”
School: Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEA) of 2004 (PL ), Technology-Related Assistance for Individuals with Disabilities Act (Tech Act) of 1988 (PL )
Coordinate payment for AAC devices
Advocacy information
Tech Act sites, AbleData, Council for Exceptional Children
Chapter 36 slides in Children with Disabilities, Seventh Edition, Online Companion Materials. Copyright © 2013 Paul H. Brookes Publishing Co., Inc. All rights reserved.