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Definition of OTs role when considering AT for this client population 

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Definition of OTs role when considering AT for this client population 

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AT devices and services are provided with if necessary for a child to receive free and appropriate public education in the least restrictive environment (Grove & Schoonover, 2015). The child's need for AT must be considered on an annual basis (at least) for children who receive services under Individuals with Disability Act (IDEA) (Grove & Schoonover, 2015).
The OT works with the interprofessional team to decide if the child would benefit from AT (Grove & Schoonover, 2015). The OT also evaluates the child and incorporates AT into those interventions if seem fit (Grove & Schoonover, 2015). OTs are expected to use their problem solving and clinical reasoning skills throughout this process (Grove & Schoonover, 2015). OTs can also help advocate for AT funding and measurement of progress/outcomes from AT use (Grove & Schoonover, 2015).

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Definition of OTs role when considering AT for this client population 

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Definition of OTs role when considering AT for this client population 

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OTs assist in assessing the client's need for AT by using the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF) and Occupational Practice Framework (OTPF) to guide the process (Romero, 2020). The ICF model provides the foundation and gives the OT a picture of the client in an healthy and unhealthy state at various levels of functioning and contextual factors (Romero, 2020). The OTPF provides a model for different occupations, and the personal/environmental factors that support the occupation with use of AT (Romero, 2020). AT can get the client to their most independent level of functional performance. The decision about AT is oftentimes made with a multidisciplinary team and involves consulting with other health professionals, the client, and the client's family or caregivers (AOTA, 2010).

Example: Client does not have the fine motor skills to replace her own batteries in her hearing aid. The OT can work together with the client to improve her fine motor skills, which will allow her to be independent in changing the batteries in her hearing aids (Romero, 2020).

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Definition of OTs role when considering AT for this client population 

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Definition of OTs role when considering AT for this client population 

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OTs provide MH treatment and prevention services for children, youth, and the aging population (AOTA, 2010). This can be done through the use of AT, focusing on the client's function and level of independence. OTs can also educate clients on the different high tech and low tech options can assist with their specific MH needs.

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Definition of OTs role when considering AT for this client population 

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Definition of OTs role when considering AT for this client population 

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OTs must use activity analysis in order to consider the type of AT that would help them meet the demands of the occupation that is meaningful to them and they would like to become more (I) in (American Occupational Therapy Association, 2010). The OT must take a holistic approach, not only focus on the client's disability or what the client is in rehabilitation for. The OT also has the role of adapting or modifying the AT to best enhance the client's occupational performance (AOTA, 2010). The decision about AT is oftentimes made with a multidisciplinary team and involves consulting with other health professionals, the client, and the client's family or caregivers (AOTA, 2010).

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Definition of OTs role when considering AT for this client population 

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Definition of OTs role when considering AT for this client population 

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OTs play a role in many areas of health and wellness such as pain rehabilitation, sleep, mental health, and how to manage one's diagnosis. OTs are expected to promote health by educating the clients. This also involves preventing unhealth behaviors. Below is a fact sheet which explains the role OTs have with health promotion.

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Definition of OTs role when considering AT for this client population 

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Definition of OTs role when considering AT for this client population 

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OTs promote success in the workplace by improving the fit between the person, job tasks, and environment (AOTA, 2017). This can be promoted through the use of AT. OTs work with both the employees and employers to adapt or modify a task or environment  (AOTA, 2017). They also assist in successful return to work after a client has an illness or injury, prevent illness or injury, and promote satisfaction within the workplace (AOTA, 2017). OTs can also work with young adults to prepare for the transition from school to the workplace (AOTA, 2017). Services related to ergonomics, accessibility, and the aging workforce is also included in the role of the OT for this area (AOTA, 2017).  The OT works with the client, client's family/caregivers, and other medical professionals to chose the AT that would best suite the client's needs.

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- Hearing aids (Romero, 2020)
- Power wheelchair (Romero, 2020)
- Overhead lift operated by remote control device (see photo below) (Romero, 2020)
- Screen enlargement software (such as Microsoft operating systems that provide free magnification of the computer screen through accessibility options) (Romero, 2020)
- Braille output devices, such as the Refreshable Brail Display (Romero, 2020)
- Screen reading software and voice recognition (Romero, 2020)
- Closed captioning (Cook, Polgar, & Encarnacao, 2020)

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Definition of OTs role when considering AT for this client population 

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Definition of OTs role when considering AT for this client population 

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OTs must advocate for not only their clients, but the OT profession as well. Continuous research is necessary to evolve and be able to assist our clients in reaching their highest level of independence through skilled OT practice. OTs must educate clients on the rights that they have, and advocate for them when those rights are not being met.

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- The client can download apps for self-management, improving thinking skills, skill-training, illness management, passive symptom tracking, and data collection (National Institute of Mental Health, 2020).
- Examples of free MH apps include: MindShift, PTSD Coach, BellyBio Interactive Breathing, Positive Activity Jackpot, Guided Meditations for Stress Relief, Previdence, Operation Reach Out, and T2 Mood Tracker (PsychCentral, 2018).
- Human-Robot interaction. The robots can help provide companionship for people who are lonely, educate them on their mental health challenge(s), and participate in physical exercise with the client (Riek, 2016).
- Participating in an internet-based support group
- Listening to recorded sounds that make the client feel calm and happy. An example of this could be a recording of rain or ocean waves.
- Virtual reality (VR) therapy can be used to meet various MH needs, such as tackling phobias, arachnophobia for example. See video below (Gottsegen, 2019).

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Tackling spider fear and other phobias with VR

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- Voice recognition tablet or computer (talk to text) (Grove & Schoonover, 2015)
- Eye-gaze system (tracks eye movements in order to move the mouse on a computer screen (Grove & Schoonover, 2015)
- Word processors such as spell check (Grove & Schoonover, 2015)
- Intellitalk (computer that provides auditory feedback as the child types text)
- Word prediction software
- Adapted keyboard (Beck, 2002)
- The Making Authentic Friendships app helps children with special needs make friends based on their age, diagnosis, interests, and geographic location

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- Closed captioning (Cook, Polgar, & Encarnacao, 2020)
- Voice recognition for typing (Cook, et al, 2020)
- Sticky keys (assist one-handed typists in accomplishing key combinations, such as Shift-A) (Cook, et al, 2020)
- Head tracking devices (without the use of hands the user can control the cursor) (Cook, et al, 2020)
- Wearable computers (glass-mounted display for example) (Cook, et al, 2020)
- Brain recognition units (control a computer through thought) (Cook, et al, 2020)
- Adjustable bed (controlled by a remote control)

The video below is an OT talking about an adapted bike that allowed a veteran to bike with his children again.https://www.prosthetics.va.gov/AssistiveTechnology/index.asp

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- FitBit
- Join the "Assistive Technology and Wellness Solutions" Facebook page
- Fitness app on phone to keep track of physical activity
- Screen time reports (smart phone notifying the user when he or she has been on their phone for too many hours)
- At home BP machine

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- Free screen reader: Non-Visual Desktop Access (Zielinski, 2016)
- Programs such as ZoomText and Magic enlarge text or images on a screen for easier viewing (Zielinski, 2016)
- OrCam, which is a device that is a small camera that is attaches to glass. The OrCam converts visual information into the spoken word and also understands voice commands (Zielinski, 2016). The OrCam can read street signs, restaurant menus, books, computer screens, etc. (Zielinski, 2016)
- Adjusting the brightness level on computer screen
- Phone that vibrates and blinks colors when it rings
- Scanner
- Bluetooth headset (Carley, Kessler, & Lachowski, n.d.).

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- Presenting in a Webinar in order to advocate for the OT profession and the OTs role in AT
- When presenting or providing written information to client, use large font, contrasted text, and write in layman's terms
- Read evidenced-based articles online about AT and use clinical reasoning skills to consider how that AT could be used in practice
- Stratus Video Interpreting: Interpretation app (Fetterolf, 2018).
- Watching Webinars involving AT in the OT profession
- Present information to clients in different ways in order to best meet their learning style (pictures, graphs, charts, written example, modeling, videos, etc.). This can be both high tech and low tech.

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- Keyboard modifications such as color coding and enlarging letters on keys (see image below) (Grove & Schoonover, 2015).
- Number line/ruler (visual support for writing numbers correctly and basic computation) (Grove & Schoonover, 2015)
- Noise cancelling headphones (Grove & Schoonover, 2015)
- Enlarged worksheets (Grove & Schoonover, 2015)
- Raised line paper (Grove & Schoonover, 2015)
- Pencil grip (Grove & Schoonover, 2015)
- Picture Communication Symbols (Beck, 2002)
- Lined paper with the lines highlighted in bright yellow

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- Walking aid such as a cane or walker (Romero, 2020)
- Enlarged text in books
- Magnifying glass to enlarge text
- Weighted eating utensils
- Written notes on paper and place them in appropriate places, to assist clients experiencing memory loss (Romero, 2020)
- Sock-aid
- Reacher
- Shoehorn
- Buttonhook
- Manual wheelchair
- An OT uses a gait belt during treatment sessions to promote safety
- Reading glasses
- Added grip (with grip tape) on items such as pill containers to assist in opening

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- Keeping a journal to write positive notes on (such as a gratitude journal)
- Adult coloring book
- Deep pressure stimulation through the use of a weighted blanket (Mullen, Champagne, Krishnamurty, Dickson, & Gao, 2008)
- Lighting a candle
- Creating a written schedule
- Using roll-on essential oils
- Meditation cushion
- Stress ball (video below on how to make a stress ball) (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fz5iEBdJM84)

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How to Make A Stress Ball (Easy Peasy DIY!)

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- Single latch on laptop (allows people with one arm to open the lid on a laptop) (Cook, et al, 2020)
- Communication board (Reichle, 2011)
- Communication boards
- Cane
- Walker
- Plate guards
- Replace a stairway with a ramp
- Grab bars
- Book stands
- Balance board
- Toe jammer foot plate (watch https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p_ENJg625a8&feature=emb_logo to learn more)
- - Weighted utensils

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- Timer
- Written wellness schedule
- Mindfulness journal
- Post-it notes for memory aid
- Exercise equipment such as small weights and a jump rope
- Adaptive workout equipment (such as dumbbells with added handles)

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- Pencil grip
- One handed keyboard
- Adding books under computer to reduce neck strain from looking down at computer
- Clipboard
- Grip tape that can be added to any hard surface. For work and industry, this tape could be added to handles on drawers, handles on tools, the tops of pens, etc. See video below

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- Creating handouts to hang up around the community about what OT and AT are and how OT services and AT can help people with varying abilities
- Write letters to local organizations to advocate for clients
- Create brochures about awareness campaigns
- Create fact sheets about the use of AT in OT and share those fact sheets with physicians and other professionals
- Use a highlighter when reading evidenced-based research to help point out the important notes from the article
- Use bookmarks to mark pages that contain useful information
- Share a civil rights fact sheet with your client
- Provide the client with a list of local resources that could assist them (such as: adaptive equipment store, local health clinics, etc.)

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- Office ergonomics video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ZQIwvMplnc&feature=emb_title
- Workspace AT https://abilitylinks.org/resources/assistive-technology-inclusive-workplace
- OT services at the workplace https://www.aota.org/about-occupational-therapy/professionals/wi/transitional.aspx
- AOTA Ergonomics Fact Sheet. AT is shown in document below, such as an adapted keyboard.

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Additional high tech and low tech AT for school-aged children
https://qiat.org/docs/resourcebank/TEBO_VI_Resource_Guide.pdf

Online database of approved apps and games for children with learning and attention difficulties https://www.understood.org/en/tools/tech-finder

More information on IntelliTalk
https://intellitalk.com/

Instructional video on how to use word prediction software on Google Docs https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3raXsHDRxxw

Video demonstrating how eye-gaze technology works https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cebhcHQf_JI

How assistive technology enables children's dreams (video) https://www.edutopia.org/video/how-assistive-technology-enables-dreams

8 meditation applications (apps) for kids https://www.understood.org/en/school-learning/assistive-technology/finding-an-assistive-technology/8-meditation-apps-for-kids

Technology webinar for children and youth https://www.aota.org/Conference-Events/virtual-conference-2020/technology.aspx

Video on what AT is and how it can be used with children https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I_G4Jddk3ds&feature=emb_logo

- 7 zones of entrapment in a hospital bed for children. Watch video below.

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SleepSafe Beds - Addressing the 7 Zones of Entrapment

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American Occupational Therapy Association. (2017). Occupational therapy services in facilitating work participation and performance. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 71(Suppl. 2).

Carley, P., Kessler, J., Lachowski, S. (n.d.). Themes and suggestions for a safer workplace: Administration [PowerPoint slides]. Retrieved from https://baypath.instructure.com/courses/1310426/pages/start-here-for-week-8-overview?module_item_id=15780136

Jette, A. M. (2017). The promise of assistive technology to enhance work participation.

Zielinski, D. (2016). New assistive technologies aid employees with disabilities. [Website]. Retrieved from https://www.shrm.org/resourcesandtools/hr-topics/technology/pages/new-assistive-technologies-aid-employees-with-disabilities.aspx

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Adaptive utensils and eating aids for hand tremors, dementia, Parkinson's, and CVA clients https://dailycaring.com/hand-tremors-adaptive-utensils-eating-aids/

5 emerging AT devices in senior care
https://www.vcpi.com/blog/5-emerging-assistive-technologies-senior-care

Video of 8 AT devices for seniors living at home https://www.makeuseof.com/tag/assistive-technology-devices-seniors/

Video on how to use a sock-aid https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hr-jOhi1lyg

Video on how to use different types of reachers https://www.adaptiveequipmentcorner.com/how-to-use-a-reacher/

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-  7 best rated online anxiety support groups of 2020 https://www.verywellmind.com/best-online-anxiety-support-groups-4692353

- List of specialized support groups https://www.mhanational.org/find-support-groups

School mental health tool kit https://www.aota.org/Practice/Children-Youth/Mental%20Health/School-Mental-Health.aspx

How to advocate for OT in MH https://www.aota.org/Advocacy-Policy/State-Policy/Issue-Campaign-Mental-Behavioral-Health.aspx

- PowerPoint on AT in MH http://www.gatfl.gatech.edu/tflwiki/images/4/4d/2015_IDEAS_-_Every_Moment_Counts_-AT_Supporting_Mental_Health_CP.pdf

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AOTA webinar, focusing on built-in accessibility features on computers https://myaota.aota.org/shop_aota/product/OL8180

Role of OT in providing seating and wheeled mobility services https://www.aota.org/About-Occupational-Therapy/Professionals/RDP/Providing-Seating-Wheeled-Mobility-Services.aspx

Educational PowerPoint on the use of AT in rehabilitation https://medicine.utah.edu/pmr/conference/files/2013/Melissa%20Oliver%202013.pdf

Center on Technology and Disability website. This includes resources for state and local leaders, teachers, families, and service providers (such as SLPs, OTs, and PTs). https://www.ctdinstitute.org/

Link to book stands for sale https://www.amazon.com/Desktop-Book-Stands/b?ie=UTF8&node=490620011

Website to find, share, rate, and review AT for people with intellectual or developmental disabilities https://www.understood.org/en/tools/tech-finder

Make your own low-tech AT https://vickphysiotherapy.com/2016/12/07/making-low-tech-assistive-technology-and-adaptations/

Wheelchair for runners and people who love the outdoors https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YFW6s5efimU&feature=youtu.be

Wheelchair adaptation called Frog Legs II https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q-g-X3kKyaU&feature=emb_title

New and improved catheter https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7q2-lTkrdq0&feature=emb_title

Below is a video on some low tech items for spinal cord injury (SCI) clients

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San Joaquin Valley Rehabilitation Hospital

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Assistive Devices for Spinal Cord Injury Patients | Occupational Therapy Month

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Article on Rehabilitation Exergames. This is the use of a motion sensing machine for exercise  https://rehab.jmir.org/2020/2/e17289/

Adaptive sports equipment website https://www.flaghouse.com/Sports/Adapted-Sports/

Curling accessibility video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dX9Xosb8lYc&feature=emb_title

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How fundraising through Help Hope Live changed the life of a person with a SCI https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pnyipS89iI8&feature=emb_title

Civil rights fact sheet https://www.hhs.gov/civil-rights/for-individuals/fact-sheets.html

Tips on how to promote OT through the media https://www.aota.org/Practice/Manage/Promote.aspx

Video on how to promote OT through the media https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Unzvn4VVeOs&feature=emb_title

- Provide handout below to clients in order to ensure that the treatment session is client-centered and educate the client further

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American Occupational Therapy Association. (2010). Specialized knowledge and skills in technology and environmental interventions for occupational therapy practice. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 64, S44–S56. doi:10.5014/ajot.2010.64S44

Beck, J. (2002). Emerging literacy through assistive technology. Teaching Exceptional Children, 35(2), 44-48.

Grove, R.E., & Schoonover, J. (2015). Influencing participation through assistive technology and universal access. In J.

Case-Smith & J. C. O’Brien. Occupational therapy for children and adolescents

(7th ed.; pp. 525-559). Maryland Heights, MO: Elsevier Mosby.

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Agree, E. M., & Freedman, V. A. (2011). A quality-of-life scale for assistive technology: results of a pilot study of aging and technology. Physical Therapy, 91(12), 1780-1788.

Romero, S. (2020). Environments, products, and technology. In Bonder, B. R., & Bello-Haas, V. D. (2018). Functional performance in older adults (4th ed.). Philadelphia: F.A. Davis.

Wilson, D. J., Mitchell, J. M., Kemp, B. J., Adkins, R. H., & Mann, W. (2009). Effects of assistive technology on functional decline in people aging with a disability. Assistive Technology, 21(4), 208-217.

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American Occupational Therapy Association. (2010). Specialized knowledge and skills in technology and environmental interventions for occupational therapy practice American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 64, S44–S56. doi:10.5014/ajot.2010.64S44
Technology Related Assistance for Individuals with Disabilities Act of 1988. PL 105-394 Sec (3) (a) 3–4.

Cook, A.,; Polgar, J., & Encarnacao, P.  (2020).  Assistive technologies: principles and practice (5th ed). St. Louis, Elsevier.

Reichle, J. (2011). Evaluating assistive technology in the education of persons with severe disabilities. Journal of Behavioral Education, 20(1), 77-85.

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Definition of an Assistive Technology Device

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Definition of an Assistive Technology Device

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"Any item, piece of equipment or product system whether acquired commercially off the shelf, modified or customized that is used to increase, maintain or improve functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities" (Cook, et al, 2020)

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Definition of Assistive Technology Services 

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Definition of Assistive Technology Services 

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"The evaluation of need, the process of acquiring the device, fitting or customizing the device, coordinating the intervention plan, and providing training and technical support to the user and related support personnel." (AOTA, 2010)

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American Occupational Therapy Association. (2010). Specialized knowledge and skills in technology and environmental interventions for occupational therapy practice American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 64, S44–S56. doi:10.5014/ajot.2010.64S44

Technology Related Assistance for Individuals with Disabilities Act of 1988. PL 105-394 Sec (3) (a) 3–4.

Cook, A.,; Polgar, J., & Encarnacao, P.  (2020).  Assistive technologies: principles and practice (5th ed). St. Louis, Elsevier.

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American Occupational Therapy Association. (2010). Specialized knowledge and skills in mental health promotion, prevention, and intervention in occupational therapy practice. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 64(Suppl.), S30–S43. doi:10.5014/ajot.2010.64S30

Gottsegen, G. (2019). Psychology and technology: How tech is improving mental health. [Website]. Retrieved from https://builtin.com/healthcare-technology/psychology-technology-mental-health

Mullen, B., Champagne, T., Krishnamurty, S., Dickson, D., & Gao, R. X. (2008). Exploring the safety and therapeutic effects of deep pressure stimulation using a weighted blanket. Occupational Therapy in Mental Health, 24(1), 65-89.

National Institute of Mental Health (2020). Technology and the future of mental health treatment. [Website]. Retrieved from https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/technology-and-the-future-of-mental-health-treatment/index.shtml

PsychCentral (2018). Top 10 free mental health apps. [Website]. Retrieved from https://psychcentral.com/blog/top-10-free-mental-health-apps/

Riek, L. D. (2016). Robotics technology in mental health care. In Artificial intelligence in behavioral and mental health care (pp. 185-203). Academic Press.

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Fetterolf, D. (2018). Interpreting & interpretation technology. [Website]. Retrieved from https://www.stratusvideo.com/interpreting-role-technology/

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Putnam, M., Geenen, S., Powers, L., & Saxton, M. (2003). Health and wellness: People with disabilities discuss barriers and facilitators to well being. Journal of Rehabilitation, 69(1), 37.

Reitz, S. M. (1992). A historical review of occupational therapy’s role in preventive health and wellness. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 46(1), 50-55.