With all of the new, exciting gadgets being developed every day, in this fast-paced “technoworld,” it is so easy to jump and purchase before you really know if you need it or if it will be useful in your life. If you took a second to think about what you really needed and wanted before you went to the store and became enamored with the latest high-tech smart gadget (I do speak from experience here!) or high-powered sales pitch, you may actually end up making a “smarter” decision.
When it comes to choosing the right assistive technology (AT), the same principles apply. When equipment is purchased in a, “cart before the horse” manner, the person may end up, not only, with equipment that doesn’t benefit them, but they may also have depleted their funding sources and destroyed their very will to ever try any other AT again.
Identifying someone’s needs and capabilities prior to matching AT solutions can prevent inappropriate choices, wasted dollars, and eventual equipment abandonment. IPAT developed a Nine Step AT Assessment Process, located here, that will help the people in need of AT and their team of professionals and family members make better AT decisions and appropriate equipment choices. Remember , “Technology itself is not the goal….. the individual’s participation in their chosen activities is the goal”.
Great info! It’s so easy to get caught up in the newestc innovative technology in our often gadget-driven world 🙂 Excellent steps to consider when making decisions about if/when/what technology to pursue! Thanks Jeannie!
Glad you liked it! Yes, I agree that now more than even 10 years ago how easy it is easy to think gadget before need, so it is good to have a guide to remind you of the steps.
Matching the person to the appropriate technology has always been the one of the priorities when carrying out an assessment of an individual to determine their needs to help support independence. The other important considerations have been including the user, their carers and family together within their environment (in the widest sense).
The assessment is key to any successful prescription of AT. Marcia Shearer and many others have made this point over many years to avoid instances such as abandonment of AT. The outcome is the important consideration, what is it one is trying to achieve and has it been accomplished. A review a little while after prescribing AT allows adjustments/support to help ensure a good outcome is achieved.
Thanks for your comments, Mike! I agree! The AT Assessment process is ongoing. Follow-up and re-evaluation after an equipment trial period can make all of the difference for someone.