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This video defines assistive technology, low vs. high technology devices, and the benefits of assistive technology.

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AOTA Fact Sheet regarding the role of occupational therapy in providing assistive devices. This includes a full evaluation, recommendations, selection, education, and training.

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The Human Activity Assistive Technology (HAAT) model considers the person, activity, environment, and assistive technology (Cook & Hussey, 2015). The purpose of the HAAT model is to understand the relationship between the essential components to increase individuals with disabilities independence with the use of assistive technology.

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Low tech devices do not require a power source. Low tech devices can be simple, easy to use, and are practical solutions for individuals who need modifications. Examples of low tech devices include long-handled reacher, cane, and pencil grips.
High tech devices are typically used with individuals with disabilities with a severe impact on function. Examples of high tech devices include communications devices, motorized wheelchair, and hearing aids.

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Assistive technology can be defined as the use of a device to help facilitate independence in an individual. There are many examples of assistive technology or AT in our everyday life. Glasses can be considered a form of AT as they will facilitate an person's ability to see. A walker is also a form of AT, helping someone with their walking. For individuals with disabilities, assistive technology can be used with various tasks such as computer access, communication, or control over the electronics in their home.

Who uses Assistive technology?

A typical assistive technology user has a disability which requires a compensatory tool for increased independence. The level of the ability or disability of the user can vary. It can range from someone who had a spinal cord injury and can only move their head to a person has pain when using their mouse due to carpal tunnel syndrome. Both adults and children can benefit from technology use. Individuals that have had an acute onset of their disability, someone that has had a long standing impairment, or a neurologic disease where the individual will continue to decline in their functional abilities are typical AT users.

What is the difference between low and high tech?

Low tech does not require a power source. Sometimes this can be the easiest and most practical of solutions in assistive technology. Examples of low tech are a pencil grip for children with grasp issues, a cane to assist with walking, or a reacher to assist and individual with picking up items off the floors.

Even if an individual can benefit from high tech assistive technology, it is always important that they have a low tech "backup". Technology can fail, batteries die, and emergencies can happen. In these cases, an individual will continue to meet their needs using their low tech device. Also, low tech devices might be all a user needs. High tech is not indicated for everyone.

High Technology:

Users of high technology are typically individuals with significant functional impairments. This can include but is not limited to people who had a spinal cord injury, Lou Gehrig's disease (ALS), or muscular dystrophy. Examples of high tech devices are:

Communication devices with alternative access methods such as eye gaze

Environmental control units that allow for home automation, with alternative access, that can control multiple devices in the user's environment

Computer workstations with alternative software and hardware for access, such as a head mouse (see the picture below for an example) or dwell click software

These devices can assist a person with the most minimal of movement to independently communicate, control their computer televison, or lights in their home.

Who Can Perform an Assistive Technology Evaluation?

An Assistive Technology evaluation can be performed by an individual that has demonstrated a skill level in the field. Most AT providers are certificated as an assistive technology practitioner (ATP) through RESNA, the Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America. A qualified professional will perform a comprehensive evaluation focusing on the individual's goals and needs. After the evaluation is completed, the client/patient will trial technology options and participate in the best selection to meet their goals.

Typically, individuals that are certified are also occupational, physical, speech therapists, or engineers. ATPs can work in various settings including rehabilitation centers, outpatient clinics, schools, or universities. If the individual is also a licensed therapist, many insurances will cover the evaluation and follow up treatment sessions. The clinician can also assist with obtaining funding for the needed equipment when appropriate.

If you have a question regarding assistive technology or anything related, feel free to contact us at [email protected] . We strive to assist individuals and their caregivers become more independent through technology use.

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Assistive technology can be defined as the use of a device to help facilitate independence in an individual. There are many examples of assistive technology or AT in our everyday life. Glasses can be considered a form of AT as they will facilitate an person's ability to see.

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OT and Seating/Wheeled Mobility Services

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OT and Seating/Wheeled Mobility Services

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OT's are trained as generalists, but can become a specialist in seating and wheeled mobility services with an additional certification. Seated and wheeled mobility devices include positioning equipment, mobility devices, durable medical equipment, and complex rehabilitation technology (AOTA, 2017). Seating and mobility services are needed for postural support, skin integrity, safety, and function, which are all valued by an OT (AOTA, 2017). OT's conduct evaluations, address client needs and desires, recommend and customize modifications, and train clients and caregivers on safe use of AT.

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A team is a cohesive unit that works together towards a common goal. Whereas, groups consist of individuals that contribute their own individual work. Below, is a table displaying some of the notable differences between a team and group approach.

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Ergonomics involves the relationship between a worker and their work environment. The mismatch between a worker and their work environment can lead to injuries, musculoskeletal disorders, and a decrease in functional abilities. Providing ergonomic recommendations can optimize client's function in the workplace.

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In the video, an occupational therapist conducts a ergonomic workstation evaluation for an employee working as a receptionist. The occupational therapist then makes suggestions that may alleviate pain, stiffness, and so on.

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Occupational therapists must become experts in defining medical necessities in order to successfully advocate and write medical letters  (Stover, 2016). Medical letters are one way of advocating for client's with limitations on coverage for assistive technology or other medically necessary devices. Client advocacy is a vital skill, and is needed when writing medical letters. The overall components of a medical letter include the clients diagnosis, current level of function, current assistive device if applicable, the need for the new assistive device, and how the assistive device will be beneficial in increasing client success (Stover, 2016). However, each medical letter will be entirely different because it is an individualized process.

Medical Home Portal Website:
https://www.medicalhomeportal.org/issue/writing-letters-of-medical-necessity

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Abilities Expo is a annual event at the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center. The conference features assistive technology and service demonstrations, recreational activities like adaptive sports and dance, and workshops featuring travel, vehicle, home modifications, and many more.

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Abilities Expo Boston: Three days. One roof. Endless opportunities for people with disabilities!

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Click Heaters offers reusable and instant thermal pads, which can be used for pain relief, massage, or as a relaxation technique. The product does not requires any electricity for immediate activation. Instead, the product instantly heats up with just a click of a small disc located inside the pad. The heat can last up to an hour or more, depending on use. There are hot and cold packs available at their website.
https://clickheaters.com/

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The EmBrace Exercise Device wraps around the upper core and provides mild resistance with each breath taken to enhance upper core strength, posture, and breathing ability.
https://uppercoretech.com/

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This is an Auto Access Seat by Toyota Mobility. The Auto Access Seat is a car seat that rotates and extends out of the vehicle and adjusts to an appropriate height to ensure safety. This assistive device makes functional transfers easier for clients and families with physical disabilities.
https://www.toyotavacaville.com/blog/what-is-toyota-sienna-auto-access-seat/

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A Myobuddy is a hand-held massager that can be used as a preparatory treatment for clients who would benefit from physical agent modalities. It warms muscles through massage to improve mobility, accelerate recovery, and enhance performance. Search the link below for more facts and photos of the hand-held Myobuddy Massager.
https://www.myobuddy.com/shop/

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OrCam MyEye glasses are for individuals with blindness. OrCam MyEye glasses have a smart camera mounted on the frames of an individual's eyeglasses. This device for the blind has three main functions, such as the ability to read messages via text, recognize faces, and identify products.
https://www.orcam.com/en/article/new-lease-sight-glasses-blind-see/

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RJ Cooper and Associates, Inc. creates assistive devices and customized solutions to enhance individuals of all abilities quality of life. The products allow alternative access to computers, tablets, game consoles, TV, and smartphones/iPhone. Additionally, the incorporation provides positioning recommendations, environmental modifications,  and computer software learning and training. The website provides price ranges for each assistive technology device listed.
https://store.rjcooper.com/

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EnChroma Lenses are worn on top of prescription glasses and are targeted towards individuals with color blindness. EnChroma Lenses increases contrast between the red and green color signals, which helps alleviate symptoms of color blindness allowing individuals to see in color.
https://enchroma.com/pages/how-enchroma-glasses-work

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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

Cook, A., & Hussey, S (2015). Principles of assistive technology: Introducing the human activity assistive technology model. In A. Cook & S. Hussey (Eds.), Assistive technologies: Principles and practice (pp. 1-15). St. Louis: Mosby-Elsevier.

International Ergonomics Association. (n.d.). Definition. Retrieved from http://www.iea.cc/whats/index.html

Rehabilitation Engineering & Assistive Technology Society of North America. (2011). RESNA wheelchair service provision guide. Retrieved from http://www.resna.org/sites/
default/files/legacy/resources/position-papers/RESNAWheelchairServiceProvisionGuide.pdf

Stover, A. D. (2016). Health Policy Perspectives—Client-centered advocacy: Every occupational therapy practitioner’s responsibility to understand medical necessity. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 70, 7005090010. http:// dx.doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2016.705003

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