Careful evaluation required to find best assistive technology devices

Assistive technology devices, from wheelchairs to computer programs, may help increase movement, communication and, ultimately, independence for people with disabilities.

Yet proper evaluation, development and training are needed to help individuals find the best technology for their abilities and their lifestyle.

“It’s definitely not ‘one size fits all’ when it comes to assistive technology,” explains Ann Buzaid, manager of the Assistive Technology Clinic at UW Medical Center. “Though the device may seem great, if it doesn’t meet a person’s needs, it will be useless. It’s important to receive a proper evaluation by professionals in rehabilitation medicine to make sure the equipment will do what a person wants it to.”

Those who may benefit from assistive technology include people with cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, brain injury, spinal cord injury and other conditions. Such technology can be especially effective for individuals who have uncomfortable seating systems or who are in need of items to function at home, work or school.

There are three major kinds of assistive technology devices: wheelchairs, augmentative communication and computer access.

For those using wheelchairs, seating systems can be specially adapted to maximize comfort, posture and skin care. Driving control systems for power wheelchairs can also be specifically developed based on a patient’s abilities. Chairs may be directed by hand movement, head movement or other methods.

“Along with applicable cognitive skills, a person needs to have one reliable body movement in order to operate a wheelchair,” Buzaid explains, adding that some people can also learn to navigate a chair through breathing into a tube, called the “sip and puff” method.

With augmentative communication, systems can be designed with a group of components using letters, symbols, Morse code or other strategies used by individuals to compensate for speech impairment.

Computer access involves the use of efficient and reliable hardware and software combinations to help people function at work, in school and in independent living environments. This may include communicating with individuals through e-mail and being able to control components in the home such as the lights and television.

In addition to these devices, new surgical implants are becoming available that involve functional electrical stimulation (FES) to replace neurological function. The implants may help certain individuals increase hand movement, bladder control or leg movement through the implantation of special electrodes that stimulate nerves. Such technologies are available through physicians specializing in these treatment areas.

With so many different kinds of assistive devices available, Buzaid says it’s important for people to be active in seeking out the best technologies.

“A lot of people assume they have the best equipment or they simply make due with what they have,” Buzaid says. “Some changes, even small ones, can make a big difference in people’s lives.” ¶

Julie Rathbun