The importance of assistive technology in the field of occupational therapy

 

Assistive technology in the field of occupational therapy is a critical component to the work that is done. Occupational therapy is centered around making the lives of all individuals better no matter the barriers they face. Unfortunately, many devices in this world are designed for a standard ability and only can be used by people who have certain skill sets. In result, there is a portion of the population looking for ways around this barrier. This is when an occupational therapist can come in to help with the use of assistive technology. By using knowledge and creativity, an occupational therapist can create or recommend certain ways individuals can navigate this standard device design. In occupational therapy, assistive technology can come in all forms and be used in a very wide range of ways. For example, an occupational therapist can introduce something as simple as a new method of approaching the use of a device to make is easier for the client, or the occupational therapist can introduce a high-tech device for the client. Let’s say a client is having trouble with turning on the light in a room. The light has a small pull string coming from the light on the ceiling. The client is having trouble with shoulder range of motion and is not able to fully extend to pull the string that is up high. Something as simple as a longer pull string or using a stepladder to reduce shoulder ROM while turning on the light can be considered assistive technology. A more complex approach of assistive technology is to use a smart bulb that is voice controlled or controlled by an application on a smartphone. That is just a small example as to how assistive technology was able to help this client in activities of their daily life. By providing a client with assistive technology, it can be a snowball effect; it can help support multiple occupations of the client just by altering one little thing. Assistive technology can have a major positive impact on someone’s life, by helping the gain more independence,therefore more confidence in themselves. Assistive Technology can support a more positive outlook on life and a “can do” attitude for clients.