# data[].attributes.headline
Occupational Therapist's (OTs) Role in Considering Assistive Technology (AT) for This Population 

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Occupational Therapist's (OTs) Role in Considering Assistive Technology (AT) for This Population 

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- Client factors and performance skills of the specific age need to be considered.
- What developmental milestones has the child reached so far, what are the next steps?
- Cognitive and physical abilities need to be examined to see what AT they would benefit from and if they would be able actually use it.
- Does the child have a diagnosis such as sensory processing disorder, cerebral palsy or autism spectrum disorder?
- How much education does this client need and how often?

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OT Role in Considering AT for This Population

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OT Role in Considering AT for This Population

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- How can we help with health and wellness promotion?
- What are our clients' current habits, roles, and values?
- How can we help to increase engagement in meaningful activities within their community?
- How can we promote safe driving and community mobility?
- Does our client have any current limitations?
- How can we preserve quality of life and independence?
- Are they living independently?
- What AT will benefit our client?

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- Pencil grips can be used when the child is struggling with their grip and fine motor skills.
- Binder clips can be used to easily turn pages.
- Stress ball can assist a child who needs sensory relief or anxiety hep.
- Different types of scissors, ex. long loop scissors used for children with weak grip and fine motor skills
- Index cards with pictures or words on them to assist with visual learning for development
- Labeling items around the house or classroom can help with memory
Many AT items used for children are linked here!

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- Walking cane can be used for those struggling with balance or gait
- Reacher can be used for those who are unable to bend or lift their arms
- Sock aide can be used for those struggling with bending or motor skills to grasp the sock tightly and pull
- Adaptive button hooks can assist with dressing for those with limited fine motor skills
- Enlarged utensil handles for those with limited fine motor skills or grip strength
- Enlarged or lengthened handles for hairbrush and toothbrush to assist with grip, strength, and reaching
- Jewelry helpers for those with limited fine motor skills or grip strength

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- Speech to text applications for children who have difficulty with movement or are unable to move
- Touch to speak applications for children who are nonverbal
- Motorized wheelchair for children with disorders or injuries that disable movement
- Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) systems to assist clients with expressive communication disorders
- Tablet or smartphone can assist using a calendar for organization or reminders, music for sensory needs, alarm clock for study breaks, and a huge variety of other apps

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Alternative drive control  l  Facebook Live

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Link to Buy a Variety of AT for Children

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Link to Buy a Variety of AT for Children

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As parents, teachers, and therapists, we all encourage the children we work with to practice good ha ...

According to the National Parkinson's Foundation, Parkinson's Is second only to Alzheimer's as t ...

Adaptive Tech Solutions featured in Issue 3, 2019 of MDA's Quest MagazineDenise, speech therapist an ...

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enabling devices for cognitively impaired students

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Assistive Technology Products & Devices | Adaptive Equipment For Children & Adults | Speech Therapy | Occupational Therapy | Special Education

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As parents, teachers, and therapists, we all encourage the children we work with to practice good ha ... According to the National Parkinson's Foundation, Parkinson's Is second only to Alzheimer's as t ... Adaptive Tech Solutions featured in Issue 3, 2019 of MDA's Quest MagazineDenise, speech therapist an ...

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American Occupational Therapy Association. (2020). Occupational therapy practice framework: Domain and process (4th ed.). American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 74(Suppl. 2)

Assistive technology programs. (n.d.). Retrieved July 27, 2022, from https://www.chrichmond.org//services/therapy-services/assistive-technology

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

Power Wheelchair for Kids | Special Needs Kids Power Wheelchair. (n.d.). Retrieved July 28, 2022, from https://www.medicaleshop.com/special-needs-kids/pediatric-wheelchairs/pediatric-power-wheelchairs

‎Proloquo2Go AAC. (n.d.). App Store. Retrieved June 26, 2022, from https://apps.apple.com/us/app/proloquo2go-aac/id308368164

Specialty Scissors | Fine Motor, Scissor Skills | Special Needs Toys. (n.d.). Retrieved July 28, 2022, from https://www.therapyshoppe.com/category/1110-specialty-scissors-cutting-scissor-skills-special-needs-toys?start=0%20

Trexo Robotics. (2022, May 13). Trexo Treadmill—Ellie’s Experience. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O9tviKaDmXI

VCU Health. (2018, October 29). Alternative drive control  l  Facebook Live. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pjLLYyqAh3A

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- Electric powered page turners to assist those with diminished fine motor skills
- Electric power can opener to assist those with diminished fine motor skills
- Powered wheelchair control for those who have a disability, limited lower body movement and strength
- Speak to text devices for those who can no longer type due to arthritis or other hand disabilities
- IPads to assist with organization, communication, paying bills online, etc.
- Home automation systems for those with severe cognitive or physical disabilities
- Hearing aids for those with diminished hearing

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10% Off Women's Health and Rehab & Therapy, Code: ATBF10, Exclusions Apply

1. Rehab and Therapy Supplies

2. Daily Aids

3. Kitchen Aids

4. Meal Preparation Aids

Meal Preparation Aids, as the name suggests, are designed to help users in the preparation of meals. These aids not only help in meal preparation but also assist in preservation of breads, garlics and many other items. They include rocker knives, cutting board, mortar and pestle, food slicer, peeler, dish brush and sponges, etc. Health Products For You offers a wide variety of tools for meal preparation from popular manufacturers including Frontier Natural Products, Full Circle Home, North Coast Medical, Medline Industries, etc.

1

Adaptive Cooking Equipment at HPFY

Rocker Knives: Rocker knives are moved in to and fro direction to cut meat and other foods. They have stainless steel blades for fine cutting.

Cutting Board: Cutting board is used to hold food in place for peeling, cutting or grating. It has suction cup feet so that it is secured to the work surface and does not slide away.

Mortar and Pestle: Mortar and pestle are used to crush and grind herbs, spices, grains, nuts, teas and even pills. This method of grinding releases best flavor in seeds, spices and garlic.

Food Slicer: Food slicer is used to slice various food items in different shapes, sizes and thickness.

Peeler: Peeler is used to remove the inedible outer layers of vegetables with ease. It leaves all the edible portion underneath the outer layers intact.

Dish Brush and Sponge: Dish brush and sponges are used to wash utensils and give extra shine without any use of harmful chemicals.

Meal Preparation Aids, as the name suggests, are designed to help users in the preparation of meals. These aids not only help in meal preparation but also assist in preservation of breads, garlics and many other items. They include rocker knives, cutting board, mortar and pestle, food slicer, peeler, dish brush and sponges, etc. Health Products For You offers a wide variety of tools for meal preparation from popular manufacturers including Frontier Natural Products, Full Circle Home, North Coast Medical, Medline Industries, etc.

Why Shop With Us

Competitive pricing, financing and flexible payment options available

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Food Preparation Aids | Adaptive Cooking Tools | Kitchen Aid

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10% Off Women's Health and Rehab & Therapy, Code: ATBF10, Exclusions Apply Rehab and Therapy Supplies Daily Aids Kitchen Aids Meal Preparation Aids Meal Preparation Aids, as the name suggests, are designed to help users in the preparation of meals.

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As people age, the ability to live independently may decrease. Assistive devices help older adults perform difficult daily tasks and activities.

In the coming years, the population of older adults in the United States, for the first time in history, will outnumber the population of children under the age of 18.

The world's population aged 60 years and older (900 million in 2015) is expected to increase to 2 billion in 2050.

Between 2015 and 2060, the number of Americans aged 65 years and older is projected to more than double from 46 million to 98 million.

Between 2010 and 2030, the number of Alabamians aged 60 years and older is projected to increase
by 42 percent.

Nine in 10 older adults plan to continue living in their current homes (aging in place) over the next five to ten years.

As people age, the ability to live independently may decrease. Although the majority of seniors prefer to age in place, many will find performing daily tasks and activities challenging. Older adults need support to care for themselves, to maintain mobility, to sustain communication, and to be safe. This support helps to improve or restore confidence, self-respect, and independence.

Assistive technology devices are "those whose primary purpose is to maintain or to improve an individual's functioning and independence to facilitate participation and to enhance overall well-being" (WHO, 2019). These devices help older adults perform difficult daily tasks and activities. Assistive technologies can prevent older adults from having to give up activities they enjoy. These devices enable them to maintain their dignity and to live independently. Some commonly used assistive technology devices fall into the following categories: personal or self-care, personal mobility, communication, and safety devices.

Personal or self-care devices help older adults to accomplish daily hygiene and grooming tasks that maintains their dignity. Self-care assistive technologies include long reach self or comfort-wipes, shoe removal aids, sock/stocking aids, long-handle shoehorns, zipper pulls, button hook aids, bathtub bench or boards, commode chairs, shower chairs, long handle bathing sponges, etc.

Mobility assistive technology devices help older adults to get around more easily. They include, but are not limited to walking canes, activator poles, walkers, crutches, scooters (wheelchairs with electric motors), up-lift seat assists, stair elevators, rope ladders, and wheelchairs. One of the most advanced mobility assistive technology is the stair-climbing wheelchair. It allows older adults to not only climb stairs while remaining in the chair, but it elevates the individual from a sitting position to a standing position.

Mobility assistive technologies are suitable for older adults with limited or impaired movement such as balancing problems or the need to keep stress off certain joints.

Communication assistive devices help people to see, hear and speak. These devices assist older adults in sending and receiving messages. Communication assistive technologies include hearing aids, talking devices, voice command devices, simple to use telephones, iPad or computer, telephone amplifier, video intercom, echo device, and magnifiers.

TV ears are popular assistive technologies and are used like a headset. They allow an older adult to listen to a TV program at a louder volume than other individuals watching the same program.

Safety assistive devices support older adults with impaired memory, lack of balance, weakened limb function, decreased eyesight, etc. They reduce accidents such as falls and help increase safety. Some safety assisted technologies are grab bars, night lights, pill organizers, edge protectors, raised toilet seat with side rails, grip and turn knobs, reachers, non-skid rugs, video doorbells, and wheelchair ramps. An upcoming and popular device in this category is the wearable medical alert system. This device not only has a panic button, but it comes with fall detection. The device detects when an older adult falls and notifies the proper authorities.

Although there are many types of assistive technologies older adults can use, the selection of all assistive technology devices is based on the needs of an individual. Older adults should seek the advice of doctors, occupational therapists, caregivers, family members, and/or friends. Also, do comparison shopping and ask if the devices are covered by insurance, including Medicare or Medicaid.

Population Reference Bureau (2016). Fact sheet: Aging in the United States. Retrieved from https://www.prb.org/aging-unitedstates-fact-sheet/.

United States Census Bureau (2018). Older people projected to outnumber children for first time in U.S. history. Retrieved from https://www.census.gov/newsroom/press-releases/2018/cb18-41-population-projections.html

World Health Organization (2019). Assistive devices and technologies. Disability. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/disabilities/technology/en/.

World Health Organization (2018). Ageing and health. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/ageing-and-health.

Alabama Department of Senior Services. (2013). Alabama State Plan on Aging: Fiscal Years 2017-2020. Retrieved from http://adss.alabama.gov/assets/Alabama-State-Plan-on-Aging-FY-2017-2020.pdf .

Download a PDF of Assistive Devices and Technologies, UNP-2167.

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Assistive Devices and Technologies - Successful Aging Initiative

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As people age, the ability to live independently may decrease. Assistive devices help older adults perform difficult daily tasks and activities. In the coming years, the population of older adults in the United States, for the first time in history, will outnumber the population of children under the age of 18.

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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

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Technology and Health: Aging Safely and More Independently

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American Occupational Therapy Association. (2020). Occupational therapy practice framework: Domain and process (4th ed.). American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 74(Suppl. 2)

Assistive Devices and Technologies—Successful Aging Initiative. (n.d.). Alabama Cooperative Extension System. Retrieved July 28, 2022, from https://www.aces.edu/blog/topics/home-family-urban/assistive-devices-and-technologies/

Canes—Walking Aids—Mobility. (n.d.). Unique Medical Supply. Retrieved July 28, 2022, from https://www.uniquemedsupply.com/mobility/walking-aids/canes.html?gclid=Cj0KCQjwxIOXBhCrARIsAL1QFCYAEJdy6T_0G_EjMt04mw_6MdUS16kFQDN2mHOQLJ6NqWc686Dl87UaAkOOEALw_wcB

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2013, September 19). Technology and Health: Aging Safely and More Independently. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XRYyGtAWXnQ

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

Food Preparation Aids | Adaptive Cooking Tools | Kitchen Aid. (n.d.). Retrieved July 28, 2022, from https://www.healthproductsforyou.com/c-meal-preparation-aids.html

Productive Aging Special Interest Section | AOTA. (n.d.). Retrieved July 26, 2022, from https://www.aota.org/community/special-interest-sections/productive-aging

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OTs Role in Considering AT for This Population

# data[].attributes.subject
OTs Role in Considering AT for This Population

# data[].attributes.body
- What is our client's diagnosis?
- What processing skills, social interaction skills, specific mental functions and executive functions are being affected?
- What is their level of cognitive impairment?
- What are our clients goals and concerns?
- Are they living independently?

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- Stress balls to use for coping and anxiety
- Calendar reminders for organization or medication management
- Service animals are used for social anxiety and coping
- Ear buds can be used to block out sounds and distractions
- Note pads or other means of labeling to assist with medication management

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- Smartphone or tablet apps to assist with coping skills and meditation
- White noise machine to block out hallucinations or to assist with sleep
- Smartphone or tablet to connect with peer support groups
- Virtual reality skill training can be used for clients with PTSD
- Apps to assist with tracking moods and risk behaviors, stress, sleep and diet

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Improve & Maintain Positive Mental Health

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Improve & Maintain Positive Mental Health

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American Occupational Therapy Association. (2020). Occupational therapy practice framework: Domain and process (4th ed.). American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 74(Suppl. 2)

CATCH. (2015, May 13). CATCH Techno Therapies. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tJK2y8ccaLE

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

Noise-Cancelling Headphones – Best Buy. (n.d.). Retrieved July 28, 2022, from https://www.bestbuy.com/site/headphones/noise-cancelling-headphones/pcmcat1506545802590.c?id=pcmcat1506545802590

White Noise Machines—Best Buy. (n.d.). Retrieved July 28, 2022, from https://www.bestbuy.com/site/white-noise-machines-sleep-solutions/white-noise-machines/pcmcat1557781134000.c?id=pcmcat1557781134000

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OTs Role In Considering AT for This Population?

# data[].attributes.subject
OTs Role In Considering AT for This Population?

# data[].attributes.body
- What is our clients disability?
- Is this disability temporary or lifelong?
- What client factors and performance skills are being affected?
- What are our clients short and long term goals?
- What AT would benefit them?
- Does our client have a support system?
- Is their disability cognitive, physical, or both?

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- Custom seating cushions to prevent friction, pressure, and promote posture
- Walking canes to support balance and weakness
- Reachers and sock aids to assist with dressing for those struggling with range of motion, strength and motor skills
- Shower chair for safety and stability if a client lacks endurance for the duration of a shower
- Commode for safety and stability if a client lacks endurance for the duration of a bathroom visit

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- Wheelchair loading devices installed in a car to assist with transport for work and leisure
- Driving controls installed in the car to assist with driving for paralyzed or amputee clients
- Eye gaze devices to assist with communication for those who are now nonverbal or unable to move
- Motorized/power wheelchair for those who are injured or disabled
- Phone or tablet systems to instruct individuals on the exercises they need to do for rehabilitation
- AAC apps to assist with communication for those who are nonverbal or have communication disorders

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Bathing, showering and toileting assistive devices

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User-friendly bathing, showering and toileting assistive devices from Etac to enable safe, comfortable and dignified personal care routines for users and caregivers

# data[].attributes.headline
OTs Role in Considering AT for this Population

# data[].attributes.subject
OTs Role in Considering AT for this Population

# data[].attributes.body
- What is the age of our client?
- What are their current habits, roles, and values?
- What are their goals?
- Do they have any diagnosis or injuries?
- Do they have any concerns?

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-Thera-bands can be used for exercising and stretching from a seated position
- Gripping aids to hold weights for those with impaired grip strength
- Calendar or alarm to create an exercise schedule
- Universal cuff can be used to assist with activities of daily living
- Labels or pill dispenser to assist with medication management

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- Power wheelchair so those with disabilities may attend appointments and social activities
- Smartphone or tablet apps for individuals to get connected to peer support or exercise videos they can access from home
- Smart speakers to assist with phone calls, text messages, playing music and answering questions
- Home automation systems to assist with appliances including coffee makers, thermostats, door locks, motion sensors
- Universal remote to control appliances for people with disabilities

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OTs Role in Considering AT for this Population

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OTs Role in Considering AT for this Population

# data[].attributes.body
- What is our clients current occupation?
- Do they work from home or out in the field?
- What type of client factors and performance skills does their job require?
- Does our client complain of any pain or discomfort?
- Has our client been injured on the job?
- What are their goals or concerns?

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- Fully adjustable chair to promote posture during work
- Ergonomic keyboard used to decrease strain and discomfort in hands while typing
- Headsets/ headphones to reduce neck and back strain while talking on the phone
- Contoured hammer for those with limited grip strength
- Spinner steering devices for those with limited upper body strength or grip strength to assist with steering modification
- Outdoor mobility aids to assist in getting around rugged terrain
(Using Assistive Technology in the Workplace - Ticket to Work - Social Security, n.d.)

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- Voice recognition software to speak into your computer for those with limb loss, limited muscle control, or other hand conditions
- Screen readers identify and read what is on your computer and can be used for those who are blind or who have visual difficulties
- Wheelchair lift to assist those who have lower limb disability into their car, truck or work vehicle
- Power hand controls for brake, clutch and gas pedals for those with lower limb disability
- Head tracking devices for those without the use of their hands to control a cursor
(Using Assistive Technology in the Workplace - Ticket to Work - Social Security, n.d.)

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Assistive Technology in Action - Meet Jared

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Amazon Best Sellers: Best Steering Wheel Spinners. (n.d.). Retrieved July 28, 2022, from https://www.amazon.com/Best-Sellers-Steering-Wheel-Spinners/zgbs/automotive/15737171

American Occupational Therapy Association. (2020). Occupational therapy practice framework: Domain and process (4th ed.). American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 74(Suppl. 2)

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

Ergonomic Keyboard And Mice—Best Buy. (n.d.). Retrieved July 28, 2022, from https://www.bestbuy.com/site/shop/ergonomic-keyboard-and-mice

pacercenter. (2013, May 14). Assistive Technology in Action—Meet Jared. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bhj5vs9P5cw

Using Assistive Technology in the Workplace—Ticket to Work—Social Security. (n.d.). Retrieved July 27, 2022, from https://choosework.ssa.gov/blog/2017-08-21-using-assistive-technology-in-the-workplace

# data[].attributes.headline
OTs Role in Considering AT for this Population

# data[].attributes.subject
OTs Role in Considering AT for this Population

# data[].attributes.body
- What is our clients current role in advocating or researching?
- What are their current goals?
- What is their level of cognition?
- Do they have any physical limitations?

# data[].attributes.body
- Calendar reminders or alarms for those struggling with their memory who need to remember meetings and guest speakers
- Ergonomic keyboard to support the hands of those who are completing research or advocating from their computer
- Screen enlargement for those with low vision to more easily see their computer or tablet screen
- Enlarged pencil or pen grips to support the hands those who are completing advocacy or research on paper
- Using a tablet or computer to access meetings, conferences and speakers online

# data[].attributes.body
- Voice recognition systems for those who are unable to type emails, papers or google searches into their computer
- Computer generated speech systems used to communicate during advocacy meetings for those who are unable to speak
- Power wheelchair so those with a disability or injury are still able to attend in-person meetings and community events
- Closed captioning system so those who are deaf or hearing impaired can see a textual translation of the meeting or debate that is taking place
- Head tracking devices for those to control the cursor without the use of their hands and upper body
- Wearable computer or device for those rely on it to communicate, so they can have it with them at all times

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ReJoyce Hand and Arm Rehabilitation System

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Amazon.com: JMUNG Grabber Reacher Tool & Sock Aid Kit Assist 2 Pack, with Foam Grip Handles and Length Adjustable Cords,White: Sports & Outdoors. (n.d.). Retrieved July 28, 2022, from https://www.amazon.com/JMUNG-Grabber-Reacher-Handles-Adjustable/dp/B0855H2L46

American Occupational Therapy Association. (2020). Occupational therapy practice framework: Domain and process (4th ed.). American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 74(Suppl. 2)

Bathing, showering and toileting assistive devices. (n.d.). Retrieved July 28, 2022, from https://www.etac.com/products/bathroom-aids/

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

Driving Aids Giving You Your Freedom. (n.d.). Mobility Innovations. Retrieved July 28, 2022, from https://www.mobilityinnovators.com/products/driving-aids/

Praxis Spinal Cord Institute. (2010, November 1). ReJoyce Hand and Arm Rehabilitation System. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YI8JDGh4Hw8

Shower Wheelchair Bath Toilet Rehab Commode Bariatric 22" X-Wide Seat with 24" Tires. (n.d.).

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Amazon.com: ADL Universal Cuff, Small: Health & Household. (n.d.). Retrieved July 28, 2022, from https://www.amazon.com/North-Coast-Medical-4332462367-Universal/dp/B003TXORT0

American Occupational Therapy Association. (2020). Occupational therapy practice framework: Domain and process (4th ed.). American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 74(Suppl. 2)

Assistive Technologies—YouTube. (n.d.). Retrieved July 28, 2022, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=omjVM1lwkII

Assistive Technology Spotlight: Active Hands, A Gripping Aid for Exercise and More. (2020, February 6). Pennsylvania Assistive Technology Foundation. https://patf.us/at-spotlight-active-hands/

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

Power Chairs & Electric Wheelchairs | American Quality Health Pr. (n.d.). Retrieved July 28, 2022, from https://americanqualityhealthproducts.com/123-power-chairs?campaign=SO-Wheelchair-Search&content=Power-Chair&keyword=power%20wheelchair&gclid=Cj0KCQjwxIOXBhCrARIsAL1QFCYm1fNOqp33qdakvgLljoMY93Emkr-TvFVKu-f6YVRXH7x-uF1liygaAl3TEALw_wcB

Smart Speakers – Best Buy. (n.d.). Retrieved July 28, 2022, from https://www.bestbuy.com/site/smart-speakers-displays/smart-speakers/pcmcat1504117413781.c?id=pcmcat1504117413781

# data[].attributes.body
American Occupational Therapy Association. (2020). Occupational therapy practice framework: Domain and process (4th ed.). American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 74(Suppl. 2)

BART Access—YouTube. (n.d.). Retrieved July 28, 2022, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nlPELKb1KFU

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

Dragon NaturallySpeaking Premium Edition—Get More Done By Voice | Nuance UK. (n.d.). Retrieved July 28, 2022, from https://www.nuance.com/en-gb/dragon/dragon-for-pc/premium-edition.html

Ergonomic Keyboard And Mice—Best Buy. (n.d.). Retrieved July 28, 2022, from https://www.bestbuy.com/site/shop/ergonomic-keyboard-and-mice

Using Assistive Technology in the Workplace—Ticket to Work—Social Security. (n.d.). Retrieved July 27, 2022, from https://choosework.ssa.gov/blog/2017-08-21-using-assistive-technology-in-the-workplace

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Rehabmart.com - All Medical Product Categories

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Rehabmart offers over 800 categories of medical products from 450 of the best vendors and manufacturers of medical products in the world! Most have free shipping!

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As parents, teachers, and therapists, we all encourage the children we work with to practice good ha ...

According to the National Parkinson's Foundation, Parkinson's Is second only to Alzheimer's as t ...

Adaptive Tech Solutions featured in Issue 3, 2019 of MDA's Quest MagazineDenise, speech therapist an ...

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enabling devices for cognitively impaired students

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Assistive Technology Products & Devices | Adaptive Equipment For Children & Adults | Speech Therapy | Occupational Therapy | Special Education

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
As parents, teachers, and therapists, we all encourage the children we work with to practice good ha ... According to the National Parkinson's Foundation, Parkinson's Is second only to Alzheimer's as t ... Adaptive Tech Solutions featured in Issue 3, 2019 of MDA's Quest MagazineDenise, speech therapist an ...

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Overview

Assistive technology enables people to live healthy, productive, independent, and dignified lives, and to participate in education, the labour market and civic life. Assistive technology reduces the need for formal health and support services, long-term care and the work of caregivers. Without assistive technology, people are often excluded, isolated, and locked into poverty, thereby increasing the impact of disease and disability on a person, their family, and society.

Who can benefit from assistive technology?

People who most need assistive technology include:

people with disabilities

older people

people with noncommunicable diseases such as diabetes and stroke

people with mental health conditions including dementia and autism

people with gradual functional decline.

Health, well-being and socioeconomic benefits

Assistive technology can have a positive impact on the health and well-being of a person and their family, as well as broader socioeconomic benefits. For example:

Proper use of hearing aids by young children leads to improved language skills, without which a person with hearing loss has severely limited opportunities for education and employment (1).

Manual wheelchairs increase access to education and employment while reducing healthcare costs due to a reduction in the risk of pressure sores and contractures.

Assistive technology can enable older people to continue to live at home and delay or prevent the need for long-term care (2).

Therapeutic footwear for diabetes reduces the incidence of foot ulcers, preventing lower limb amputations and the associated burden on health systems (3).

Challenges

Policy

Very few countries have a national assistive technology policy or programme.

In many countries, access to assistive technology in the public sector is poor or non-existent. Even in high-income countries, assistive products are often rationed or not included within health and welfare schemes, leading to high out-of-pocket payments by users and their families.

For example, it is common policy in a number of European countries for the state to provide older people with only 1 hearing aid, despite the fact that most people with age related hearing loss require 2 hearing aids to function.

Products

The assistive products industry is currently limited and specialized, primarily serving high-income markets. There is a lack of state funding, nationwide service delivery systems, user-centred research and development, procurement systems, quality and safety standards, and context-appropriate product design.

Provision

In high-income countries services are often stand-alone and not integrated. People are forced to attend multiple appointments at different locations, which are costly and add to the burden on users as well as caregivers, and on health and welfare budgets.

In many low- and middle-income countries, national service delivery for assistive products does not exist. Those who can afford them buy assistive products direct from a pharmacy, private clinic, or workshop.

People from the poorer sectors of society must rely on erratic donations or charity services, which often focus on delivering large quantities of low-quality or used products. These are often not appropriate for the user or the context, and lack mechanisms for repair and follow up. A similar scenario is also common in emergency response programmes.

Personnel
Assistive technology within universal health coverage
Trained health personnel are essential for the proper prescription, fitting, user training, and follow-up of assistive products. Without these key steps, assistive products are often of no benefit or abandoned, and they may even cause physical harm (as is the case of providing wheelchairs without pressure relief cushions for people with spinal injury).

The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development places good health and well-being at the centre of a new development vision. It emphasizes universal health coverage (UHC) to ensure a sustainable development for all, so that everyone everywhere can access the health services needed without facing financial hardship.

Universal Health Coverage can be advanced inclusively only if people are able to access quality assistive products when and where they need them.

Addressing the unmet need of assistive products is crucial to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, to provide UHC, and to implement the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, ratified by 177 countries.

'Leaving no one behind' means ensuring the people with disabilities, the older population and those affected by chronic diseases are included in society and enabled to live a healthy and dignified life.

WHO response

WHO is coordinating the Global Cooperation on Assistive Technology (GATE), which exists to improve access to high-quality affordable assistive technology for everyone, everywhere. The GATE initiative is developing 4 practical tools to support countries to address the challenges described above.

WHO sees the GATE initiative as a concrete step towards realizing the goals of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, universal health coverage and the Sustainable Development Goals.

The GATE initiative will reinforce WHO's global strategy on people-centred and integrated health services across the lifespan, as well as action plans on noncommunicable diseases, ageing and health, disability and mental health.

(1) Global burden of childhood hearing impairment and disease control priorities for developing countries.
Olusanya BO, Newton VE. Lancet. 2007 Apr 14;369(9569):1314-7.

(2) Can adapting the homes of older people and providing assistive technology pay its way?
Lansley P, McCreadie C, Tinker A. Age Ageing. 2004 Nov;33(6):571-6. Epub 2004 Sep 3.3

(3) Footwear and offloading interventions to prevent and heal foot ulcers and reduce plantar pressure in patients with diabetes: a systematic review.
Bus SA, van Deursen RW, Armstrong DG, Lewis J, Caravaggi CF, Cavanagh PR. International Working Group on the Diabetic Foot.

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WHO fact sheet on assistive technology. Assistive technology enables people to live healthy, productive, independent, and dignified lives, and to participate in education, the labour market and civic life.

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AT Resources Funding Guide - Assistive Technology Industry Association

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AT Resources Funding Guide All hyperlinks included in this document were active as of 04/21/17. How to pay for needed assistive technology is challenging for many and can seem overwhelming. As an association working hard to ensure access to all, we understand that access does not only include assist…