Assistive Technology

Cook & Hussey (2000) define assistive technology as “any item, piece of equipment or product system whether acquired commercially off the shelf, modified or customized that is used to increase or improve functional capabilities of individual with disabilities” (p.5). This definition is self explanatory in that assistive technology is anything that can aid the function of someone with a disability. Some times obtaining an item that has been made by a manufacturer may be more than adequate for that person, however there are occasions where a persons disability may be unique or have unique characteristics in which an item will need to be modified or designed from scratch for them specifically.

The technology I have chosen is the iPad. The new version, which hasn't long been released, costs about $729 from the Apple iStore and is pretty much the same in stores such as Noel Leeming and Harvey Norman. The dimensions of the iPad are: Height: 241.2 mm (9.50 inches), Width: 185.7 mm (7.31 inches) and Depth: 9.41 mm (0.37 inch). This makes it very easy to transport and use at any time, and any place.
There are many features of the iPad ranging from being used for a camera, video recorder, storage of photos and other files, connecting to the internet and downloading apps such as ones that can help in communication, memory training and so on.
‘occupational engagement encompasses all that we do to become occupied’ (Occupational Therapy, 2012). With the iPad's vast uses and applications, it can allow someone to become more engaged in everyday meaningful occupations.

Occupational transition allows one to be able to engage in occupation that is similar to those that they previously were able to do or engage in new ones. The ipad is a great way of getting stroke patients (and other people living with disabilities) working on regaining lost function and increasing their independence.
I came across this blog that is about someone’s experience of a close family member using the iPad as a form of rehab, after suffering a stroke, working on a range issues from fine motor skills to reasoning skills to being able to communicate with others.

I also found this YouTube clip which shows how the iPads communication applications can improve ones ability to communicate and improve their speech as they try to pronounce the words after the iPad has stated it for them.

(PeninsulaRehabCenter, 2011)

Occupational justice is about recognizing that humans are occupational beings who participate in occupation as a way of life. It is important for quality of life and our wellbeing. It can define who are are (Christiansen & Townsend, 2009). Both of these links are proof that technology can definitely open up a door to endless opportunities to those that are disabled.

References:
Cloninger, J. (2011). Using the iPad 2 in Stroke recovery - my family's experience. Retrieved 17 May, 2012, from http://the-gadgeteer.com/2011/09/30/using-the-ipad-2-in-stroke-recovery-%E2%80%93-my-family%E2%80 %99s-experience/
Cook, A. M., & Hussey, S. M. (2000). Assistive technologies: Principles and practice. St Louis: Mosby
Occupational Therapy. (2012). Retrieved 16 May, 2012 from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Occupational_therapy
PeninsulaRehabCenter. (2011). Using the IPAD for speech therapy at the peninsula rehab center.
Retrieved 17, May, 2012 from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IQ17u9PyCgw.
Christiansen, C. H, & Townsend E. A, (Eds). (2009). Introduction to Occupation: The Art and Science of Living. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Education Inc

OT Blogs

This tutorial required us to find 5 blogs that relate to occupational therapy. There are a whole range of blogs out that written for OTs by OTs. I chose the following blogs to follow and comment on and they were very interesting. the first is about an OT over in the USA, Karen, and dates right back to when she first started at OT school. She updates pretty much everyday about all sorts of things that has happened and things that she has learned.
The second blog is about how OTs can use different apps with all sorts of people. Carol is an experienced OT who has been working with children and exploring apps on the iPad. It has made me realize that not only can technology do so much, it can do a whole lot more than we actually give it credit for.
The third blog I came across was Kara's. This is another OT who regulary updates her blog about different things she has learned. The post that caught my eye was one about switches. It was of interest to me because we hadn't long had a visit from a guy who works with disabled people and used such devices to get them engaging in different occupations.
The forth blog was Mike's. Different professional can post on this blog as a way to share their experiences, knowledge and in hope to inspire others. The blog that took my interest was one by an Physio about sports rehab. It was interesting to find out that sports can be used as a form of therapy. For us OTs it can be used as a form of meaningful occupation with clients if it appropriate to do so. This could be about getting them back into the community and socializing.
The last blog is from a fellow class mate, Jessamy. We had to chose another students' blog as part of the five blogs. This gives a perspective of an OT that is currently going through the degree program.