Question
What are the initial steps that you go through when you are assessing for assistive technology?
Answer
The first step would be to use an AT assessment tool or develop your own. Ask open-ended questions for the interview. I use the OT Practice Framework as a guide, but try to include uniform AT language. I also try to include a strategy section where I consider low to high tech solutions.
The next step is where you would prioritize the patient's goals by looking at a summary of their activity demands. It is important to keep in mind that there is not one device that will solve all of their issues. There should be no more than four goals.
When you are strategizing, you should look at trying to reduce impairments by:
• Redesigning activity (no tech)
• Compensating for impairment (AT)
• Redesigning environment
• Using a personal assistant
When looking at assistive devices, it is important to go through this hierarchy when strategizing: low tech, universal design, off the shelf aides, custom design and then high tech solutions.
