Assistive Technology Using the power of technology

Transcript:Assistive Technology Using the power of technology:
Assistive Technology Using the power of technology for mobility, computer use, communication & control of the environment Assistive Technology (AT) Goals of this presentation: Help you see ways that AT can help you adapt to life with a spinal cord injury or spinal cord disease Discuss how technology helps to re-define “Disability” and helps to create “resilience” Show how AT can enable performance of daily activities and help individuals return to their valued human “occupations” What is Assistive Technology? Definition: “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 a person with a disability” Recognized in Federal Legislation in 1988 with the “Technology-Related Assistance Act” designed to increase public awareness put a “Tech Act” resource in every state for providing information and referral to resources Assistive Technology Wheeled Mobility & Specialized Seating Adaptive Computer Access Electronic Aids to Daily Living Alternative and Augmentative Communication (AAC) Home & Workplace Modifications Vehicle modifications & Adapted driving Assistive Technology Amazing gear and gadgets! But, what is the key? The match between you and technology! We evaluate with the focus on you & your goals Where you live, what you do, & what is in your future Determine the best control methods Identify the technology that will make a difference and help you make informed decisions Help with set up, fit, and training in how to use it. AT: Providing the Best Support A New Model for Disability Think of trying to walk on a trampoline… The more severe the impairment, the deeper a body sinks into the trampoline When the surface of the mat is stiffer and more resilient it provides better support Assistive Technology can add this “resilience” Modify the “tools”or the task to enable “doing.” Make needed changes in the lived environment Add human assistance when needed Dealing with Your Disability Right now: You are using active rehab to improve the strength and ability of your body and learn new skills Active rehab: Enhance unaffected parts and stimulate neural plasticity Teach adaptive strategies & adaptive equipment Prevent secondary disability Modify environments Learn about community supports Assistive Technology Goals for Assistive Technology Compensate for functional deficits Using a keyboard or speech to write Improve task performance Work faster or with fewer errors Increase control over daily life activities Resume roles: worker, student, volunteer,