Enabling Strategies: Working with Assistive Technologies

Abstract

This subject introduces students to environmental assessment and assistive technology devices, strategies and processes, relevant to occupational therapy practice. Students will have the opportunity to apply their knowledge of, and analyse interactions between the person, environment and occupation, and consider how this information informs assistive technology decision-making. Students will develop practical skills in assessment of different environments in which people participate in occupations and the selection and use of a range of assistive technologies. This subject will extend students’ skills in professional written and verbal communication to work effectively with people and report relevant findings and recommendations.

Syllabus

Processes in assistive technology service provision including person-centred assessment, trial, implementation and evaluation;Communicating and reporting environmental assessment findings and assistive technology recommendations;Universal design;Introductory technical drawings;Environmental adaptations to the environment, including application of relevant Australian Standards and legislation; andAssistive technology options for mobility, positioning, communication, self-care, domestic and work tasks, play … For more content click the Read More button below.

Processes in assistive technology service provision including person-centred assessment, trial, implementation and evaluation;
Communicating and reporting environmental assessment findings and assistive technology recommendations;
Universal design;
Introductory technical drawings;
Environmental adaptations to the environment, including application of relevant Australian Standards and legislation; and
Assistive technology options for mobility, positioning, communication, self-care, domestic and work tasks, play and leisure.

Learning outcomes

Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:

define assistive technology and recognise the role assistive technology has in enabling occupational participation;

describe the components of an effective assistive technology solution;

use a feature-matching process and investigate appropriate assistive technology options from a range of sources, to make person-centred recommendations;

recognise and articulate person-environment-occupation interactions and how this influences environmental adaptation and assistive technology recommendations;

demonstrate and effectively communicate the selection and use of a range of assistive technology for different purposes and audiences; and

conduct environmental assessments, apply relevant Standards and legislation as appropriate, and develop technical drawings to support occupational participation in the identified environment.

Assumed knowledge

Foundational occupational therapy and biomedical science subjects completed in first year of the occupational therapy course.

Enrolment restrictions

Must be enrolled in Bachelor of Occupational Therapy