ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY (AT)
What terms are used interchangeably in OT but mean different things?
Functional assistive device
Assistive technology
Adaptive equipment
What is assistive technology?
Any device, software or equipment that helps people work around their challenges
That which is considered an every-day tool for one individual may be an assistive
device of indescribable value for another
Assistive devices are prescribed for temporary or permanent use
Assistive technologies replace or support an impaired function of the user without
being expected to change the native functioning of the individual.
o E.g., a wheelchair replaces the function of walking but is not expected to
teach the user to walk
What are the 3 levels of technology?
What is low level technology?
o Tools with no electrical parts / batteries
o Usually low cost
What is medium level technology?
o Between high & low tech devices
o Simple to use
o May be battery operated & use simple electronics
o Medium cost
What is high level technology?
o Devices usually include similar objects of low tech equipment, but are
electronic, computerized & sophisticated
o More complicated to learn & operate
o Improve efficiency, speed & accessibility
o Prices rise exponentially for software & individualized hardware/equipment
Why would someone need an assistive devices? (Aims for functional assistive devices)
Compensation for physical limitations
o poor muscle strength (writing splint)
o poor range of motion (built-up handles
o poor coordination (weighted wrist cuffs)
o loss of sensation (soft grip pen)
o loss of vision (large print books or large fonts on computer screen)
o hearing loss (cell phone vibration).
Safety
o bed-bound individual (bell to draw someone’s attention).
Injury prevention
o assistive devices for patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis (tap turner)
o post-operatively after hip replacement (raised toilet seat).
Energy saving
o Fibromyalgia – chronic pain & fatigue (dishwasher).
What terms are used interchangeably in OT but mean different things?
Functional assistive device
Assistive technology
Adaptive equipment
What is assistive technology?
Any device, software or equipment that helps people work around their challenges
That which is considered an every-day tool for one individual may be an assistive
device of indescribable value for another
Assistive devices are prescribed for temporary or permanent use
Assistive technologies replace or support an impaired function of the user without
being expected to change the native functioning of the individual.
o E.g., a wheelchair replaces the function of walking but is not expected to
teach the user to walk
What are the 3 levels of technology?
What is low level technology?
o Tools with no electrical parts / batteries
o Usually low cost
What is medium level technology?
o Between high & low tech devices
o Simple to use
o May be battery operated & use simple electronics
o Medium cost
What is high level technology?
o Devices usually include similar objects of low tech equipment, but are
electronic, computerized & sophisticated
o More complicated to learn & operate
o Improve efficiency, speed & accessibility
o Prices rise exponentially for software & individualized hardware/equipment
Why would someone need an assistive devices? (Aims for functional assistive devices)
Compensation for physical limitations
o poor muscle strength (writing splint)
o poor range of motion (built-up handles
o poor coordination (weighted wrist cuffs)
o loss of sensation (soft grip pen)
o loss of vision (large print books or large fonts on computer screen)
o hearing loss (cell phone vibration).
Safety
o bed-bound individual (bell to draw someone’s attention).
Injury prevention
o assistive devices for patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis (tap turner)
o post-operatively after hip replacement (raised toilet seat).
Energy saving
o Fibromyalgia – chronic pain & fatigue (dishwasher).
