Assistive Technology is integral to the practice of Occupational Therapy. I will provide definitions of Assistive Technology with comments and interpretation in my own words.
If you have a disability or injury, you may use a number of assistive
devices. These are tools, products or types of equipment that help you
perform tasks and activities. They may help you move around, see,
communicate, eat, or get dressed. Some are high-tech tools, such as
computers. Others are much simpler, like a "reacher" - a tool that helps
you grab an object you can't reach.
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/assistivedevices.html
This definition uses the term assistive devices which is inter changeable with assistive technology.
I like this definition because is comprehensive and uses simple language.
Assistive technology is any service or tool that helps the elderly or
disabled do the activities they have always done but must now do
differently. These tools are also sometimes called "adaptive devices."
http://www.eldercare.gov/ELDERCARE.NET/Public/Resources/Factsheets/Assistive_Technology.aspx
This definition includes tools and services which is widens the scope of what is assistive technology considerably.
The reading supplied states that "assistive technology refers to a broad range of devices, services, strategies, and practices that are conceived ..."(Cook & Hussey, 1995, p. 45).
Cook, M. & Hussey, S. (1995). Assistive technologies: principles and practice.St Louis, Missouri: Mosby.
My finding of these definitions and the class provided reading have revealed to me how complex is this field. Here are a article about a different device that is an application that has been developed to assist deaf people. This type of assistive technology holds huge potential for the future and will be part of the revolution in assistive devices that will also hold promises for the wider population.
The final article is an informative homage to the ultimate assistive technology, the human hand.
This brings me to my chosen assistive device which is The Cripper. Is is a reacher or grabber for quadriplegics who have extension wrist function. It is specifically designed for C5-C7 quadriplegics. Here is a video of this tool in action.
No grip or finger movement necessary.
No straps - easy on/off
Choose between lightweight (will pick up 1.4kg) or heavy duty (will pick up 4.5kg) and short or long.
All Crippers weigh between 280g and 410g depending on length and whether it is lightweight or heavy duty.
Here are some photos from the manufacturer in the USA, the same website gives instructions for measuring for correct fit. The US price is $130 t0 $150, it is available in New Zealand for about $100 more.
I like this device because it give a provides big benefits for the price. It is very functional and gives the user more independence. It also can help overcome the occupational disruption caused by spinal cord injury.
Saturday 31 March 2012
Thursday 29 March 2012
Video Production
GRANNY'S FARM
This one minute video has a theme of occupational disruption centred on Granny who was unable to perform her farming tasks as a result of injuries sustained in a car accident.
The production crew consisted of Jesse, Lisa, Amy, Caroline and myself. We had two hours to complete both filming and editing of this video. The video production task had been set two week previous in a tutorial and groups formed. Our group had a nucleus of members who had considered this task beforehand and had a suggestion of using inanimate objects to tell our story. This gave us a great start point and we quickly sketch out what scenes we would be shooting to convey occupation disruption. We had access to the toys thanks to Jess's daughter and the farm was on location in the grounds of Otago Polytechnic. The group held one more meeting the morning of the shoot in which scenes, location and timing were finalised. The actual shoot went smoothly as was the editing with contributions from all group members. I enjoyed this experience and learnt much about video production as this was my first exposure to using this media. I would like to thank my group and to make special mention of our tutor, James, who was on hand to give advice.
Thursday 8 March 2012
My First Post
Hello world.
My first posting will consider Information Technology & Information. A definition will be provided from several sources, and I will then add my interpretation of these definitions.
information technology
Collins, W. & Sons. (n.d.). English Dictionary. Retrieved March 6, 2011 from http://www.collindictionary/dictionary/english/information-technology.
My interpretation of what is a definition of Information Technology would include system based information gathering, data collecting and storage but I will have have focus on the communication and interaction with humans.
"Is a tool for humans to collect and store data and information it also includes the means to communicate knowledge and ideas between others."
This form of technology is increasing prevalent within all aspects of our society. This is especially true in the area of education beginning from a child's first year of school or even younger. Whilst the use of computers in the lives of adults during the productive years has been with us for two decades increasing the penetration of technology has expanded to include senior citizens.
My own experiences of technology date for a logic class in high school. There was no computer in sight and I certainly did not have one in my house but I clearing remember having it explained to me the teaching of maths logic had to do with computers. Many years later I worked for a financial institution which was using computers but again apart from a very boxy screen and a keyboard there was was no relationship to Information Technology today. I worked for that bank for nearly 15 years and I would say that as a mature person this exposure has helped me today function in an Information Technology driven world. At the moment that world is one of education in the adult setting of a tertiary institution. This again has continued my exposure to the fast changing technological revolution. Whilst I would say I am comfortable using technology I am aware of the underlying debates of privacy, ethical use of technology and the even the possible way that it is changing the way we think. As a student of history all these concerns have been raised before around the improved literacy of the masses, the industrial revolution and many other human endeavours. Personally my main concern is the speed of change and disadvantage of those left behind.
The result of my evolving use of technology is that I own a personal computer, a laptop and an iPad all of which are used daily. These uses include productive, leisure and self care. I am writing this on my laptop, will read the paper on my iPad and if I will find information or buy a product that relates to self care on my personal computer. Can I do all this without technology, of course but that may be an advantage of my age, having been part of the world pre- technological revolution. Would I want too, no the positives far out weigh the negatives. Could my twenty's children function without, well that's another debate.
My fieldwork experiences have included community visits & wheelchair and seating. In both these setting the supervising occupational therapists use technology for example mobile phones to contact clients and each other. The wheelchair occupational therapist used a pressure mapping device when doing seating for a young man who could not communicate. This was very interesting and involved placing a plastic map with a grid and sensors located with in it on the seat of the wheelchair then placing the client on top of it. This sensors then project the grid on to a laptop screen which revealed the spread of pressure and help pin point potential problems. This was then saved for use by the therapist for use later on when the seating components for the new chair would be considered. This information could also be shared with other agencies etc who where not present at the time.
On my 2 placement, which was in a recreation room in a aged care facility, technology was used to produce client profiles, daily timetables and other word processing tools. A digital camera was used to record special occasions as posted on a photo board. Other photos where used to make life story boards.
I believe that a great understanding and use of technology will help me in my practice to help others be enabled in occupation. Technology is a great tool with lots of on going potential. The future of the practice of occupational therapy will have a lot to do with information technology and assistive devices. As the occupations of the human world are affected by technology so will the occupational therapy involvement with technology. As the technological world expands so will the possibilities for there use in interventions. This will increase the occupational capacity of our clients widen their occupational scope make their lives richer.
noun
- the technology of the production, storage, and communication of information using computers and microelectronics IT(Collin Dictionary, n.d.)
noun
[mass noun] the study or use of systems (especially computers and telecommunications) for storing, retrieving, and sending information: (Oxford Dictionary, n.d.)Collins, W. & Sons. (n.d.). English Dictionary. Retrieved March 6, 2011 from http://www.collindictionary/dictionary/english/information-technology.
My interpretation of what is a definition of Information Technology would include system based information gathering, data collecting and storage but I will have have focus on the communication and interaction with humans.
"Is a tool for humans to collect and store data and information it also includes the means to communicate knowledge and ideas between others."
This form of technology is increasing prevalent within all aspects of our society. This is especially true in the area of education beginning from a child's first year of school or even younger. Whilst the use of computers in the lives of adults during the productive years has been with us for two decades increasing the penetration of technology has expanded to include senior citizens.
My own experiences of technology date for a logic class in high school. There was no computer in sight and I certainly did not have one in my house but I clearing remember having it explained to me the teaching of maths logic had to do with computers. Many years later I worked for a financial institution which was using computers but again apart from a very boxy screen and a keyboard there was was no relationship to Information Technology today. I worked for that bank for nearly 15 years and I would say that as a mature person this exposure has helped me today function in an Information Technology driven world. At the moment that world is one of education in the adult setting of a tertiary institution. This again has continued my exposure to the fast changing technological revolution. Whilst I would say I am comfortable using technology I am aware of the underlying debates of privacy, ethical use of technology and the even the possible way that it is changing the way we think. As a student of history all these concerns have been raised before around the improved literacy of the masses, the industrial revolution and many other human endeavours. Personally my main concern is the speed of change and disadvantage of those left behind.
The result of my evolving use of technology is that I own a personal computer, a laptop and an iPad all of which are used daily. These uses include productive, leisure and self care. I am writing this on my laptop, will read the paper on my iPad and if I will find information or buy a product that relates to self care on my personal computer. Can I do all this without technology, of course but that may be an advantage of my age, having been part of the world pre- technological revolution. Would I want too, no the positives far out weigh the negatives. Could my twenty's children function without, well that's another debate.
My fieldwork experiences have included community visits & wheelchair and seating. In both these setting the supervising occupational therapists use technology for example mobile phones to contact clients and each other. The wheelchair occupational therapist used a pressure mapping device when doing seating for a young man who could not communicate. This was very interesting and involved placing a plastic map with a grid and sensors located with in it on the seat of the wheelchair then placing the client on top of it. This sensors then project the grid on to a laptop screen which revealed the spread of pressure and help pin point potential problems. This was then saved for use by the therapist for use later on when the seating components for the new chair would be considered. This information could also be shared with other agencies etc who where not present at the time.
On my 2 placement, which was in a recreation room in a aged care facility, technology was used to produce client profiles, daily timetables and other word processing tools. A digital camera was used to record special occasions as posted on a photo board. Other photos where used to make life story boards.
I believe that a great understanding and use of technology will help me in my practice to help others be enabled in occupation. Technology is a great tool with lots of on going potential. The future of the practice of occupational therapy will have a lot to do with information technology and assistive devices. As the occupations of the human world are affected by technology so will the occupational therapy involvement with technology. As the technological world expands so will the possibilities for there use in interventions. This will increase the occupational capacity of our clients widen their occupational scope make their lives richer.
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