Delivering Assistive Technology Services to the Consumer - Pros and Cons

1. Matching Electronic Device Characteristic to the User’s Needs and Skills

Matching Electronic Device Characteristic to the User’s Needs and Skills

Assistive products can be divided into those used to make existing mainstream products accessible and those required to overcome the barriers due to partially or totally inaccessible infrastructures and environments. While there will probably always be a need for some assistive devices, the application of design for all principles to the design of mainstream products will remove the need for some of them. For instance, screen readers are required to make computer operating systems accessible to blind people. However, many of these operating systems now incorporate screen readers and improvements in the functionality and performance of these incorporated screen readers will probably eventually remove the need for additional screen readers as assistive devices.

1. Evaluating the Match Between Characteristics and the Consumer’s Skills and Needs

Evaluating the Match between Characteristics and the Consumer’s Skills and Needs

Existing design approaches can be used for assistive product design, including the design of one-off products. However further work will be required on the development of methodologies for accessible and usable design, though this should become good practice for all consumer products, not just assistive ones. Further work is also required in the area of end-user involvement, with a particular focus on methods which are suitable for disabled and elderly end-users.

1. Effects of Errors in Assistive Technology Systems

Effects of Errors in Assistive Technology Systems

Designs and fabricates advanced assistive technology systems including but not limited to wheel chair positioning systems, augmentative communication systems, and electronic aids to daily living. Work involves the use of a wide variety of tools, materials, and equipment to design, construct, and/or modify assistive devices. Operates an assortment of tools and equipment to design, fabricate, modify, and/or repair wheelchairs and associated rehabilitative support equipment in accordance with prescribed specifications.

1. Assistive Technology Outcome  Having an impact on The Quality of Life

Assistive Technology Outcome Having an impact on The Quality of Life

Assistive technology is a mainstay of physical therapist practice, but the potential for device use to affect psychosocial well-being is not yet understood at the population level. The results from many research efforts on the use of assistive devices are reviewed and summarized. Overall, this review should be helpful to professionals making device recommendations, documenting the need for a device, and assessing short- and long-term device utilization.