Assistive Technology

Equipments and Technologies in Physiotherapy

Exposure to present the issues/content, raise problems and guide the students’ approach

Use of different cases to illustrate the topics under study

Discussion in small groups (4-5 students), common or various tasks.

Collaboration with companies and professionals in the field of AT for presentation, demonstration and handling of equipment.

Workshop for the elaboration of low-cost products and/or simple product adaptations.

After completing the course unit the learner is expected to know, understand and be able to:

Relate assistive technologies with human functionality;

Recognize policies for allocation and funding of assistive technologies;

Interpret the adoption cycle of a assistive technology;

Identify and select carefully the instruments of measurement of results in assistive technologies;

Analyze and adapt intervention strategies according to the measurement results according to the type of dimensions considered

Critically analyze the models and practical strategies in the various contexts of assistive technologies

Evaluate and apply the evidence of practice in the context of assistive technologies.

Thus, affective skills and competences are obtained: growth in emotional/behavioural and attitudinal areas; cognitive: reflective mental performance and knowledge; and psychomotor: practical-instrumental skills (manual performance).

Assistive Technology (AT): introduction

Definition and differentiation of AT from other technologies

Types of AT and ISO classification (3h)

Policies of allocation and funding of Assistive Technology in Portugal

Levels of prescription and funding (3h)

AT process and relation with physical therapy process (3h)

Scientific evidence and recommendations on AT.

Application of verticalization systems. Advantages and expected results (3h)

The team in AT (professionals, family, significant people, informal caregivers, user)

User centered approach

Physiotherapist role as pivot in the PA assignment process (6h)

Assessment and prescription centred on the person and not on the AT

Assistive Technology Assessment Process (ATA)/Matching Person and Technology model (6h)

Specific measuring instruments in AT.

Training in the application and interpretation of measures used (3h)

AT planning

Importance of team planning, user involvement, personal and contextual factors, inputs from significant persons (3h)

TA operationalization/implementation

Procedures required to apply for funding in different contexts

Analysis Prescription form for AT

Follow-up and user support

Evaluation in context

Personalised products (6h)

Analysis of case studies: positioning CR, examples in context of Occupational Activity Centre, 3D printing project (6h)

NAO

Principal Bibliography:

Bernardino, Daniel B. (2011). Emerging Technology Issues for People with Disabilities. New York: Nova Science Publishers.

Federici, Stefano and Marcia J. Scherer. (2012). Assistive Technology Assessment Handbook. Boca Raton, FL: CFC Press, 484p. ISBN-13: 9780763761721

Mitchell Batavia (2010). Wheelchair Evaluation: A Clinician’s Guide, Second Edition

Sadao, Kathleen Curry and Nancy B. Robinson. (2010). Assistive Technology for Young Children: Creating Inclusive Learning Environments. Baltimore, MD: Brookes Publishing Company, 288p.

Secondary Bibliography:

Demmers, L., Monette, M., Descent, M., Jutai, J. & Wolfson, C. (2002). The Psychosocial Impact of Assistive Devices Scale (PIADS): Translation and Preliminary psychometric Evaluation of a French Version. Quality of Life Research, 11, 583-592.

Dave L. Edyburn (2015). Efficacy of Assistive Technology Interventions 10.1108/S2056-769320150000001013

RESNA POSITION ON THE APPLICATION OF WHEELCHAIR STANDING DEVICES: 2013 CURRENT STATE OF THE LITERATURE
Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology.