Assistive Technology for Persons With Disabilities: The Role of Occupational Therapy

by William C. Mann, Joseph P. Lane

This statement is intended for internal and external audi- ences. The purpose of the statement is to describe the role of the occupational therapist and occupational therapy assistant in assistive technology service provision across practice settings. A ssistive technology is defined in the Technology-Related Assistance for Individuals With Disabilities Act of 1988 (Public Law 100–407) as “any item, piece of equipment, or product system, whether acquired commercially or off the shelf, modified, or customized, that is used to increase, maintain, or improve functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities.” The same law defines assistive technology services as “any service that directly assists an individual with a disability in the selection, acquisition, or use of an assistive technology device.” O ccupational therapy practitioners’ understanding of their clients’ daily occupational needs, abilities, and con- texts make them ideal collaborators in the design, develop- ment, and clinical application of new or customized tech- nological devices. Occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants deliver assistive technology–r elated ser- vices in a variety of settings (e.g., hospitals, rehabilitation centers, skilled nursing facilities, outpatient facilities, home health agencies, schools, work sites, communities) and in a v ariety of roles (e.g., primary therapist, team member, expert consultant). The occupational therapist provides a broad range of services in the application of technology, including evaluation, recommendation, justification of need, advocacy, awareness of funding resources, fabrica- tion, customization, training, integration, and follow-up.

387 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 1992