ANSWERS
What is the progression of steps for postural control in a seating intervention? - ANS Postural
Control is necessary for prevention of deformities and stability of the pelvis and torso.
1)Stabilization of the pelvis: Important for head control and use of upper/ lower extremities.
Pelvis and torso should be upright in the mid-line position (optimal hip angle = 90 - 100
degrees)
2) Head in mid-line position, upright posture
3) Elbows supported at 90 degree angle
4) Lower extremitities should be in neutral position with respect to rotation, adduction, and
abduction.
5) Knees & feet supported at 90 degree angle.
The goal is to use fewest restraints possible to support client's posture. In some cases the
seating interventionist will have to accommodate orthopedic deformities.
Describe using Task Analysis as a training method - ANS Break down a complex skill into
smaller, more manageable steps.
1. Identify target skill & prerequisite skills to accomplish task.
2. Break down task into smaller, discrete skills.
3. Determine the chain of discrete tasks (Forward = specific sequence, backward = non
sequential)
Identify the future factors that are important to consider for augmentative and alternative
communication (AAC) devices. - ANS Motor planning, motor automaticity, and executive
functioning skills are required for the efficient use of an augmentative and alternative
communication (AAC) device. AAC users require a predictable layout to promote motor
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,planning and motor automaticity. Beginning AAC users typically begin with a small selection set
(number of available choices) that increases as their communication needs grow. The AAC
system should allow for the symbol set to increase without the loss of learned motor patterns.
AAC interventions for clients should work from the premise that all individuals have the
potential to make significant skill gains. It is important to develop a robust communication
system that will support the individual in a variety of environments both now and in the future.
Whereas a young child might require a device for educational and social purposes, an
elementary student would require the device to provide literacy support, and an adult user
might need the device to integrate with social media and telecommunication services.
List some of the reasons that durable medical equipment repairs might be denied. - ANS The
Client is responsible for routine maintenance of AT Device classified as (DME).
A repair quote might be denied:
- The requested repair is within warranty period
- Requested repair is for parts that were not covered under original order
- Repair cost exceeds the "major repair" amount of the funding agency, and a repair quote was
not authorized
- The repair is routine testing, cleaning, adjustment, or maintenance.
- The treating physician did not provide a prescription that confirms the device is necessary and
the repair is necessary.
What are the three types of wheeled mobility systems and their characteristics? -
ANS Dependent - Propelled by an attendant (Strollers)
Independent Manual - Client can manually propel wheeled mobility system
Independent Powered Mobility - Driven by the user, electric/ battery powered.
Examine repair issues for educationally funded AT devices. - ANS Responsibility of the school
district to provide AT devices through (IEP) process. If AT device is broken or needs repair, the
school must provide a comparable device as a loaner and repair the device. School districts can
make family pay if caused by misuse or negligence of the student.
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, Explain the concept of Cognitive Load Theory as it relates to use of AT. - ANS Cognitive Load
Theory proposes that effective instruction focuses cognition on the activity of learning rather
than prerequisites to learning.
(Hyper focus on one task at a time)
Discuss the physical skills that should be evaluated for the effective use of assistive technology.
- ANS Individuals gross motor function and fine motor function. Includes: Strength
(independent movement/ postural control), Range Of Motion (positioning needs/ movement
needed to perform), muscle tone, obligatory movements, and motor planning
Identify 3 human characteristics that influence the usability of AT systems. - ANS Skills,
Limitations, & Motivations = (Intrinsic Enablers)
Describe the feature-matching process, and explain what information is needed prior to
beginning the process. - ANS Matches specific device requirements to the clients needs and
skills. Several different devices are tried and client is left to pick one. Steps: Referral question
that outlines the clients goal. Information is gathered about functional skills. Information about
vision, hearing, tactile, fine motor, and gross motor functions and physical and cognitive skills.
Physical, social, institutional, and cultural contexts should be considered.
List some ways for educators to keep abreast of current practices related to AT. -
ANS Conferences, Online/ Social Media, State initiatives
List ways to obtain client feedback during the intervention phase. - ANS Interviews with
client & caregivers. Asking questions about AT is working, not working, why?, and what needs
to be changed.
Observation of clients use of AT, including any environmental/ social/ physical or sensory
difficulties.
Explain why quantitative outcome measures should be used for an AT intervention. - ANS AT
device/ service should help in attaining a performance goal, improving function, or maintaining
current ability. To effectively gauge these outcomes is critical to maintain service delivery and
sustainability.
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