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10 - Environmental control and assistive devices

from Section A2 - Therapeutic technology

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  04 August 2010

Michael Selzer
Affiliation:
University of Pennsylvania
Stephanie Clarke
Affiliation:
Université de Lausanne, Switzerland
Leonardo Cohen
Affiliation:
National Institute of Mental Health, Bethesda, Maryland
Pamela Duncan
Affiliation:
University of Florida
Fred Gage
Affiliation:
Salk Institute for Biological Studies, San Diego
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Summary

Following a stroke or traumatic brain injury (TBI), a person may have residual deficits even after completing a therapeutic program designed to regain function. The deficits may be physical, cognitive, and/or psychosocial. To overcome these deficits, people frequently use assistive technology (AT). The terms assistive technology, assistive device, and assistive technology device are used synonymously. AT device refers to “any item, piece of equipment, or product system, whether acquired commercially, modified, or customized, that is used to increase, maintain, or improve functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities” (Assistive Technology Act, 2004). Assistive devices include both low-technology items such as a long-handled shoehorn, and higher-technology devices such as computers with special interfaces. Assistive devices range from basic consumer products like a television remote, cordless phone, and microwave oven to more specialized devices such as walkers, assistive listening devices, or dressing sticks.

Environmental control devices provide another example of assistive devices. Environmental control devices can be set up to remotely operate electronic devices in the home (Mann, 1998), including lights, television, radio, phone, furnace, or air conditioner. Light timers, for example, are simple environmental control devices that turn lights on and off at pre-set times of day.

The AT increases a person's level of independence in performing tasks, and it may also have a positive impact on self-esteem. For example, after having a stroke, a woman experiences hemiplegia and becomes dependent on her husband for cutting food. This dependency may make her feel more like a child than a wife. To overcome the dependency, the woman works with an occupational therapist, who shows her how to use a rocker knife.

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Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2006

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