An assistive technology device is any item, piece of equipment, or product system, whether acquired commercially, modified, or customized, that is used to increase, maintain, or improve the functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities –AOTA

1. ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY
IN REHAB
Dr.N.S.KRISHNA
MOT (NEURO)
Dr.NSK

2. Contents to be discussed
 Introduction
 Definition
 Asst vs OT
 Classification System
 Principles
 Benefits
 AT in Mobility
 AT in Kitchen
 AT in Bathroom
 AT in Car
 Computer based AT
 Models in AT –HAAT/NARA/CAT/MPT
 Assessment and Barriers
Dr.NSK

3. INTRODUCTION
It refers to a broad range of devices, services, strategies, and
practices that are designed and applied to improve the
problems of people with disabilities.
Dr.NSK

4. DEFINITION
 “Any items, piece of equipment or product system whether acquired
commercially off the shelf, modified, or customized that is used to increase,
maintain or improve functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities”-by
Public law of the United States
 An assistive technology device is any item, piece of equipment, or product
system, whether acquired commercially, modified, or customized, that is
used to increase, maintain, or improve the functional capabilities of
individualswith disabilities –AOTA
Dr.NSK

5. ASST TECH vs OT
 Occupational therapists specialize in helping people maintain independence
and perform daily activities. OT’s invloved in
i. the evaluation of need,
ii. the process of acquiring the device,
iii. fitting or customizing the device,
iv. coordinating the intervention plan, and
v. providing training and technical support to the user and
vi. related support
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6. PRINCIPLES IN AT (7 SET-DISABILITY RIGHTS CALIFORNIA)
 Principle 1 — The Principle of Parsimony
 Principle 2— The Principle of Minimal Learning
 Principle 3— The Principle of Minimal Energy
 Principle 4— The Principle of Minimal Interference
 Principle 5— The Principle of Best Fit
 Principle 6— The Principle of Practicality and Use
 Principle 7— The Principle of Evidence Based Practice
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7. ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY CLASSIFICATION
 Low tech: communication cards made from cards
 High technology: special purpose computers
 Hardware: prostheses, mounting systems, or positioning tools
 Computer hardware: special keys, keyboards, and pointing devices
 Computer software: screen readers and communication programs
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8. BENEFITS
 Reduce or eliminate participation restrictions.
 Promote inclusion.
 Equal opportunity to participate.
 Contribution to quality of life.
 Increase independence and self-care.
 Provide an environment free of hindrances at home, at school, at work, and
in communal areas.
 Build confidence and self-confidence.
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9. UNDERSTANDING A T !!
Dr.NSK

10. ASSISTIVE DEVICES FOR MOBILITY
Dr.NSK

11. ASSISTIVE DEVICES FOR MOBILITY
 Cane, Crutches, or Walker: A cane or a walker can help make walking easier
and make the joints last longer. When you have a painful knee or hip, using a
crutch on the opposite side can provide relief.
 Splints/Braces: Splints and braces provide support to the joints and help
decrease strain.
 Orthotics: Orthotics are inserts for your shoes. They can be custom-designed
by a podiatrist or purchased over-the-counter. Orthotics can help provide
relief for painful feet, making it easier to stand and walk.
 Elevated chair legs: If you find it difficult to get in and out of chairs, you can
have your chairs fitted with extenders, which elevate the chairs and make
them easier to get in and out of.
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12. Dr.NSK

13. Contin
 Wheelchairs: A wheelchair can be especially helpful during travel or outings
that require a lot of walking—such as museums, zoos, or shopping centers.
 Motorized scooters or carts: Many airports and shopping centers provide
motorized carts that allow you to cover considerable distances while sitting.
This can prevent fatigue and pain.
 Reachers: Reachers are long rods with a grip handle on one end and claw-like
pinchers on the other. They help you retrieve objects without having to bend
or reach.
 Stepstools: Stepstools can help you reach items with less effort. Some
stepstools even come with wheels that you can easily lock with the tap of a
foot—making them easy to move around and use where you need them.
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14. Dr.NSK

15. ASSISTIVE DEVICES FOR THE KITCHEN
Dr.NSK

16. ASSISTIVE DEVICES FOR THE KITCHEN
 Wide grips: There are a number of arthritis-friendly utensils on the market
that have wide, foam handles. These are easier to grip and can prevent the
pain that comes with trying to grip smaller utensils.
 Jar-opening devices: These devices provide a better grip and make opening
jars easy.
 Large handles: Replace small knobs on cabinets, drawers, and stoves with
larger handles that are easier to grip. Sometimes, you can even find levers
that don’t require turning.
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17. Dr.NSK

18. Contin
 Double-handled pots: Buy pots and pans with handles on both sides. This
makes them easier to carry because you can spread the weight between both
hands.
 Rocking T knife: This type of knife is used by applying pressure directly above
the food to be cut. It can be used with one hand and it requires less strength
and dexterity than a regular knife.
 Milk carton holder: A milk carton holder provides a plastic handle to be used
with a half-gallon milk carton. It makes it easier to hold and pour milk.
 Lightweight plates: Invest in a set of dishes that are lightweight, making it
easier to serve meals and clear the table and load the dishwasher. Keep a
stash of paper plates on hand for days when you simply cannot lift plates.
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19. Dr.NSK

20. ASSISTIVE DEVICES FOR THE BATHROOM
Dr.NSK

21. ASSISTIVE DEVICES FOR THE BATHROOM
 Tub bench or shower seat: Placing a seat in the shower or tub allows you to
bathe more comfortably without getting too tired. It can also prevent slips
and falls.
 Safety bars: Safety bars and railings—sometimes called grab bars—are
essential for the bathroom. These bars should be strategically placed in the
shower and near the toilet. They can make it easier to get in and out of the
shower and on and off the toilet.
 Raised toilet seat: A raised toilet seat can make it easier to get on and off
the toilet.
 Shower curtain: A shower curtain is a better choice than shower doors, which
are heavy and difficult to grasp.
Dr.NSK

22. Contin
 Stool or chair: Grooming takes time and fatigue can quickly set in. Place a stool
or chair near the sink and/or mirror so that you can sit while shaving, applying
make-up, or fixing hair.
 Long-handled tools: A long-handled sponge can help you wash your body without
reaching and bending. A long-handled comb makes it easier to comb hair.
 Electric toothbrush: An electric toothbrush makes brushing teeth much easier and
places less strain on the hand and wrist. It also has the bonus of having a fat
handle, which is easier to grip.
 Electric razor: Electric razors make shaving easier and quicker. The wide grip
provides extra relief.
 Flossing tool: Manipulating dental floss is difficult, if not impossible, with RA;
however, oral health is critical because there is evidence that inflammation in the
gums increases inflammation throughout the body. There are several flossing tools
on the market that provide a small piece of floss hooked to a handle. These can be
easier to manage.
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23. Dr.NSK

24. ASSISTIVE DEVICES FOR GETTING DRESSED
Dr.NSK

25. ASSISTIVE DEVICES FOR GETTING DRESSED
 Buttoning aid: Buttons can be nearly impossible to deal with, but there are
buttoning aids designed to help you button blouses, pants, and skirts.
 Zipper pull: A zipper pull has a large rung that attaches to a zipper tag,
making zippers easier to grab and pull.
 Sock aid: A sock aid can help you pull up your socks without bending your
legs.
 Long-handled shoehorn: A long-handled shoehorn can make it easier to put
on shoes without bending over. Sometimes these devices have a small notch
on the end to help remove socks.
Dr.NSK

26. ASSISTIVE DEVICES FOR THE CAR
Dr.NSK

27. ASSISTIVE DEVICES FOR THE CAR
 Wide key holder: Turning a small key can be difficult and painful. A wide key
holder is easier to maneuver. Some newer cars come with keyless entry and
ignition.
 Wide-angle mirrors: If you have any neck stiffness or pain, it can be difficult
to turn your head. Install panoramic or wide-angle rear and side-view mirrors
to remedy this problem.
 Seatbelt extender: A seatbelt extender attaches to your existing seatbelt and
makes it easier to grasp, pull, and buckle.
Dr.NSK

28. COMPUTER-BASED ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGIES IN EDUCATION
 screen enlargers
 text readers,
 speech recognition systems,
 text-to-speech synthesizer,
 optical character recognition (OCR),
 word prediction programs,
 alternative keyboards, keyboard filters for editing or touch screens
Dr.NSK

29. Speech technologies
 Text to speech synthesis : reading systems for visually impaired people, where
a system would read some text and convert it into robotic-sounding speech.
e.g. screen readers are used to transform a graphic user interface (GUI) into an
audio interface by verbalizing and converting every object on the computer
screen including textDr.NSK

30. Speech/Voice recognition
 Speech recognition software works with most word processing systems, but a
user has to train the computer to recognize voice patterns and pronunciations by
reading specific text
Dr.NSK

31. Assistive input technologies
 to provide additional computer accessibility to individuals who have physical
or cognitive difficulties, impairments or disabilities and allow individuals to
control their computers.
 Eg: Alternative Keyboard(Color Based) and Hand Hold Mouse
Dr.NSK

32. Optical character recognition (OCR)
 Optical character recognition (OCR) systems, when combined with speech
synthesis, might be used as reading machines.
 The OCR enables users to input hard copy text directly into a computer,
 Then the speech synthesizer reads the text back out loud. In this way, user
can hear as well as see the text
Dr.NSK

33. Touch Screen technology
 Touch-sensitive screens are popular with young computer users and with
individuals who have severe developmental or physical disabilities
Dr.NSK

34. Word prediction
 Word-prediction software can be installed on computers that run word-
processing software.
 It has been found to be the most effective tool for assisting written
expression
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35. ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY FOR LOW VISION
 MAGNIFICATION SOFTWARE
Such as
 Zoom Text
 Magic
 Lunar
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36. MAGNIFIERS
OPTRON VID.MAGNIFIER
HAND MAGNIFIER
BRAILLIANT BRAILLE DISPLAY
SWITCH ACCESS
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37. LATEST COMMUNICATION DEVICES IN MARKET
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38. NEURO NODE
 WHAT IS THE NEURONODE?
NeuroNode is a small, non-invasive, wireless EMG assistive communications
device.The NeuroNode wireless sensor is placed on the skin over the muscle
chosen to be the switch
 WHO THEY HELP?
 Motor Neuron Disease (MND)
 Locked-in Syndrome
 Cerebral Palsy
 Spinal cord injury (SCI).
Dr.NSK

39.  WHAT CAN YOU DO WITH THE NEURONODE?
 Communicate with family,friends,caregivers and clinicians
 Send and receive text and email messages
 Browse the web,watch videos and movies
 Listen to music, radio, and podcasts
 Read the news
 Use environmental control systems
 Explore the world using AT and telepresence robots
 Control external devices
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40. Dr.NSK

41. Apple – Use Voice Control to Make Things Happen on your
Mac, iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch
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42. Through Voice Control
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43. INTERACTION OF SETTING AND CONTEXT AND ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY
 Before 1950’s -only the disability was focused
 Later, with the developing models, it was observed that the person with a
disability has environmental factors as obstacles that hinder the person from
doing the activity
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44. Person
• Person with a disability
Obstacles
• Environmental factors as obstacles
Problem In ?
• Activity
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45. MODELS
 Human Activity Assistive Technology (HAAT) model [5]
 Matching Person and Technology (MPT) model
 Comprehensive Assistive Technology (CAT) Model [26, 27]
 Needs Analysis and Requirements Acquisition (NARA) framework
 USERfit methodology (USER fit)
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46. NARA FRAMEWORK
 STEP 1: Gathering information from users
 STEP 2:obtain requirements
 STEP 3: producing a paper-based mock-up or prototype
 STEP 4: evaluating the guidelines for accurate implementation, usability, and relevance
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47. HAAT
 The Human Activity Assistive Technology (HAAT) model, which is designed by
Cook and Hussey in 1995
 HAAT is a framework about assistive technology for people with disability
 The model is created to guide assessment and clinical intervention and
evaluate the outcomes
 HAAT model is a well-known model in assistive technology
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48. Dr.NSK

49. HAAT MODEL COMPONENTS
 There are four components in
the model:
 the Human,
 the Activity,
 the Assistive technology,
 and The context
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50. • contains cognitive, physical, and
emotional elementsHUMAN
• contains self-care, productivity, and
leisure activitiesACTIVITY
• cultural (behaviors, values, attitudes)
• physical (natural and built surroundings and
• social (family, friends, strangers)
CONTEXT
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51. HAAT-HUMAN
 The human component contains cognitive, physical, and emotional elements.
 Cognitive abilities include problem solving, attention, alertness, and
concentration, and they have effect on emotional abilities
 Physical abilities include balance, range of motion, strength, and
coordination.
 Also AT may provide assistance in the area, which the person has problems
such as hearing or visual.
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52. HAAT-ACTIVITY
 The activity component contains self-care, productivity, and leisure activities.
 Self-care activities include dressing, eating, hygiene, mobility, and
communication.
 Productive activities are educational and vocational activities and home
management
 Leisure activities include relaxation or enjoyment such as watching TV,
resting, reading books, or dancing.
 These activities may require many abilities such as cognitive and physical
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53. HAAT-AT
 The assistive technology is described as extrinsic enablers because they
provide the performance, which is blocked by disability
 Choosing or designing an AT system should be done through
 considering needs,
 skills, and
 goals of the person
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54. HAAT CONTEXT
 The context contains cultural (pattern of behaviors, values, attitudes)
 physical (natural and built surroundings such as home, school, workplace, or
parks),
 institutional (religious, educational institutions), and
 social (family, friends, strangers)
Facilitators and barriers in the environment are very
important for the selection, evaluation, and use of the
assistive technology system
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55. MPT MODEL(Matching Person and Technology)
 It was developed for use in persons with disability aged 15 years and older.
 The purpose of the model is to facilitate the selection of the suitable AT in
regard to the human’s perspectives and abilities, the details of the AT, and
the environmental conditions
 The characteristics of the Milieu in which the technology and user interact
 The characteristics of the Person who will use it
 The characteristics of the Technology itself
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56. Dr.NSK

57. ASS.TECH ASSESMENT:
 Assistive technology assessment and intervention should include all
components such as person, activity, and environment.
 The aim of AT should be maintaining the function which is impaired, not
remediating the function. So AT should be an enabler for the function.
 Assistive technology assessment and intervention should be collaborative.
 Assistive technology assessment should be perpetual.
 Interpreting the assessment and the outcomes of intervention is important for
the selection
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58. BARRIERS TO USE AT:
 Staff training issues
 Training of consumer issues
 Availability problem of AT
 Funding problem of AT
 AT assessment issues (all components should be assessed)
 Planning issues such as nonstructural programs
 Selection of inappropriate AT device
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59. CASE EXAMPLES OF OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY IN
ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY INTERVENTION
 A fourth grade student with cerebral palsy has difficulty participating in
classroom reading and writing tasks because of limited motor control in his
arms. The occupational therapist introduces many high- and lowtech
options, including a word processor with word prediction to increase his
writing efficiency and legibility; a cut out desk with supports for his forearms
so he can access a keyboard; highlighters to mark selections on multiple
choice tests; and premade labels to use in group tasks without having to
write. He reads using a tablet computer with access to a federally funded
repository for digital books, and he uses the text-to-speech feature when he
is getting fatigued. These supports allow him to function and learn in his
classroom.
Dr.NSK

60. REFERENCES
 Willard and Spackman's Occupational Therapy- 11 Edition
 Occupational Therapy and Physical Dysfunction: Principles, Skills and
Practice-Ann Turner
 Principles: Access to Assistive Technology
 Theoretic models for recommendation and implementation of assistive
technology-Ana Cristina de Jesus Alvesa, Thelma Simões Matsukura
 Disability and Rehabilitation:Assistive Technology ; A framework for modelling
the selection of assistive technology devices (ATDs) -MARCIA SCHERER,
JEFFREY JUTAI, MARCUS FUHRER
 Occupational Therapy’s Role with Providing Assistive Technology Devices
and Services-American Occupational Therapy Association (2010).
Dr.NSK