Living in the State of Stuck: How Technology Impacts the Lives of People with Disabilities

by Marcia J. Scherer

This unique, well researched account will help anyone disabled or not deal with the physical and emotional aspects of adjusting to a life with assistive technology.

Genres: Nonfiction, Disability

256 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1993

About the author

Over the years I have learned that technology has not always resulted in the easier and better life we envisioned! But we can pretty much choose to use a technology – or not. Think for a moment, however, about what it must be like for someone who does not have that choice. For millions of people who can’t walk, or eat independently, or just jump in a car and drive off, that choice is gone. From their examples we can learn about how to best apply technology in our own lives.

I have written numerous articles and books on this subject, which you see listed below. "Living in the State of Stuck: How Assistive Technology Impacts the Lives of People with Disabilities" traces the lives and decisions of several individuals with disabilities beginning in 1985. I learned that there were very distinct differences between individuals with disabilities who were users of technology and those who were non-users. It has do with the make up of the person and what makes him or her a unique individual, the supports and resources available, and the nature of the technology itself and need for it.

I am a Fellow of the American Psychological Association in rehabilitation psychology, applied experimental and engineering psychology as well as evaluation, measurement and statistics. I am also a fellow of the American Congress of Rehabilitative Medicine. While my primary job is President, Institute for Matching Person & Technology, I am additionally a professor of physical medicine and rehabilitation at the University of Rochester Medical Center.

When it comes to realizing benefit from technology use, the user's personal preferences reign!

Reviews

[Savannah Stone Kunz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really interesting stories and perspectives on using adaptive technology. I especially liked learning how it is NOT useful, as well as how it can be useful.