Assistive technology: OT

So to cover the ACOTE requisites we have to have a module on learning about 'assistive technology' as used in an OT setting.   We participated in a 2 day lab last weekend which was interesting, but tough because we gave up our precious Saturday.  I had pictures to post, but my phone has blown up (figuratively speaking) and now there are in some digital limbo.  So what is assistive technology?  It is hardware, software, and peripherals that assist people with disabilities in accessing computers or other information technologies.



Items Covered in lab: Ipad, headmouse, track ball, software, keyguards, specialized keyboards, ergonomic devices, short cuts and how to use them (ie on Microsoft Word or shortcut commands for your pc), and dynavox (or similar related communication devices).
Cost: $30 up to several thousand dollars.  (This includes any software, peripheral devices, or other specialized equipment used.)

It was interesting that after having this lab, and typing up this blog the AOTA 1-minute update came into my inbox.  (Again, if you aren't signed up to receive it, its worth the minute(s) of your life.)

Its headlining story was about how Ipads are making it easier for patients with disabilities, (ie spinal cord injury, cerebral palsy (etc)) to participate in reading books easier, changing the channels on the tv, and communicating with simple commands than had been previously used.  There are pros and cons to any situation as well as the legalities behind creating new apps, but as a future therapist the Ipad and technology are making huge strides in the therapy and rehabilitation field.  I posted a 2 minute video (below) from CBS Miami news.  If you are interested in reading the story- (click onthe CBS Miami news hyperlink).  Very cool stuff.

In the lab we were shown how to use the software, hardware, and peripherals and we had to think about how they could be applied in the lab and to patients with different diagnoses'.  It was fun and interesting to learn the technologies and wrap our brain's around how they could be used.

**NOTE: I do not endorse any of the titles or brands above.  I highly encourage to research each of them and learn more about them and how they can be used in a therapy setting.  This is a point of reference blog of what we covered in our lab.

OTS Thoughts:  Technology is booming.  As if we haven't learned that fact.  In our lifetime we have had from the birth of the internet (for some of the readership) to the birth of the ipod/ipad.   In the economic situation that we are in, the use of technology is a huge step for us in the therapy field and rehabilitating patients to their prior level of function or to get them back to doing the things they love.  I am excited to be coming into the field and the possibilities of the newer technology helping out our patients.

YOUR INPUT: Let me know what you think of the Ipad and the apps, will it delete the need for other devices or drive competitors to decrease prices dramatically? Will the field work the apps into evidence based practice?  Will it drive companies like dynavox or other specialized companies out of the therapy realm? Post your thoughts/questions/discussion and see ya next week. Thanks for reading!

School

Well as you have seen from my lack of posts that school, capstone project planning, wedding planning, and life have all filled my planner pretty full. I have just received the 1-minute AOTA update which gives OT's (and OTA's) and students some insight into what is going on with AOTA, politics, and new/best practices. I will read through it and type up some thoughts/ ideas from what I received. The one minute update is for AOTA members and I would highly recommend signing up for it (especially if you are busy like myself but want to stay in the loop of what is going on with OT as a profession.)

We defended our proposal to continue research in St. Lucia over spring break (and some of the researchers are collecting data right now.) The process of doing research has been interesting and complex at times. My group is doing amazing work and it will be interesting to see what data comes back from St. Lucia.

Our research group successfully navigated through an IRB proposal which is part of the research project to get approved to do research. I feel as though we presented to information clearly and as a group, we handled the questions that the review board had to ask.

This week I am in Pascagoula, MS for a baptism and although I would enjoy some time on the beach I have been studying in the hotel room for our upcoming tests and quizzes.

More pictures to come. Thanks for reading. Sorry for the long time between posts.

OT thoughts: Research is one area of OT that has had mixed reviews in talking with my classmates, but going through the process makes you appreciate what our profession is working on to create best practices. I have grown quite a bit since entering the program and have grown through the process of doing research.

Earlier this week I attended a support group for TBI - traumatic brain injury, as part of an assignment. The set up was interesting and I took some notes from some of the individuals on what they hoped to receive from their doctor and other practitioners.

We have been talking about the Denver assessment that we will be performing over the next several weeks. It will be interesting to see a child assessment in action.

-John