Question
What are some ways the you can use an iPad as a therapeutic intervention?
Answer
Only 54% of American adults with disabilities use the Internet as compared to 81% of those without a disability*. This can be due to many factors, but most likely a combination of either economics or accessiblity. The goal of an occupational therapist is to maximize their client's engagement in occupation. The iPad is a great tool to achieve this at a relatively minimal cost.
Some of the goals that could be incorporated into treatment planning include:
-identify ways to incorporate the use of the iPad to increase client functioning (school, work, leisure)
-select apps relevant to the specific client population
-write letters of medical necessity to try to secure funding
An iPad is a lightweight, touch screen, tablet computer that uses wireless local area networks to access the Internet. At minimum, it can help a client:
-access the internet
-read/ send e-mails
-listen to music
-read the news
-local newspaper
-book reader
-Maps/GPS
-photo album
With its built-in accessiblity features in conjunction with apps on the market, it has numerous programs to help those with disabilities. Some examples include: Voiceover, zoom/screen magnification, large text, white on black interface, speak-auto text, BlueTooth, and Siri/Voice activiation.
In the future, your clients will require or demand you to know how to infuse this mainstream technology into therapy.
* Pew Research Center Report
