As I sit and write this letter on assistive technology surrounded by my home computer, laptop, iPad and iPhone, I have to chuckle. When I set off for OT school 20+ years ago, I didn’t even own a computer or cell phone. It is astounding how much has changed in two short decades.
According to AOTA’s Centennial Vision*, one of the “drivers of change” for occupational therapy is going to be assistive technology. The ability to “do” anything is ultimately affected by technology. Assistive technology, according to the Assistive Technology Act of 2004, P.L. 108-364, is defined as follows:
The term ‘assistive technology service’ means any service that directly assists an individual with a disability in the selection, acquisition, or use of an assistive technology device.
Obviously the use of assistive technology, by definition, fits neatly into our scope of practice, and it is built into our vision for the future. Here at OccupationalTherapy.com, we are committed to providing you with the highest quality courses on this topic and numerous others to keep you up to date on the latest information and prepare you for the future.
Here are some of our current offerings on Assistive Technology:
Assistive Technology in Inpatient Rehabilitation
(VIDEO #1458)
Presented by: Sara Benham, MS, OTR/L, ATP
Implementing Visual Supports and Multi-Media to Teach Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders
(VIDEO #1460)
Presented by: Tara Warwick, MS, OTR/L
Switch Assessment
(VIDEO #1350)
Presented by: Michelle Lange, OTR, ABDA, ATP/SMS
Lights! Camera! Action! Video Self Modeling
(VIDEO #1162, TEXT #1454)
Presented by: Cindy Nankee, OTR/L, ATP
EADLs: Enabling Access to Environments and Activities Across the Lifespan
(VIDEO #1425, TEXT #1445)
Presented by: Kim Furphy, DHSc, OT, ATP
Happy learning,
Fawn Carson MS, OTR/L, ATP
Assistant Editor
*To learn more, download the PowerPoint file: AOTA's Centennial Vision: What It Is, Why It's Right
