Achieving Independence and Interdependence Through Assistive Technology Presented By: Therese Willkomm, Ph.D.

Achieving Independence and Achieving Independence and Interdependence Through Interdependence Through

Assistive TechnologyAssistive Technology

Presented By:Presented By:

Therese Willkomm, Ph.D.Therese Willkomm, Ph.D.

Purpose of Assistive Purpose of Assistive Technology and Examples of Technology and Examples of

how A.T. can:how A.T. can:

Increase access and mobility in the home and Increase access and mobility in the home and communitycommunity

Bathroom SafetyBathroom Safety

Preventing Slips and FallsPreventing Slips and Falls

Preventing Back Injuries to Care Preventing Back Injuries to Care GiversGivers

increase ability to operate all home or work increase ability to operate all home or work appliances through electronic aids for daily appliances through electronic aids for daily livingliving

•Increase ability to communication with others thro Increase ability to communication with others thro ugh telecommunication equipment, modifications ugh telecommunication equipment, modifications

and technologies.and technologies.

increase ability to increase ability to remember important remember important events, events, appointments, and appointments, and tasks that need to tasks that need to be performed though be performed though the use of electronic the use of electronic memory/prompting memory/prompting aidsaids

Increase ability to perform essential tasks Increase ability to perform essential tasks at home, work or in the community at home, work or in the community through assistive devices.through assistive devices.

increase ability to participate in social and increase ability to participate in social and recreational activities within the communityrecreational activities within the community

Challenges that must be Challenges that must be overcomeovercome

Assistive Technology Awareness, Knowledge Assistive Technology Awareness, Knowledge and Skillsand SkillsFear of complexityFear of complexityFear of costFear of costFunding limitationsFunding limitationsTimeliness in achieving solutionsTimeliness in achieving solutionsLack of sufficient trainingLack of sufficient trainingTechnology AbandonmentTechnology AbandonmentServiceability and equipment maintenanceServiceability and equipment maintenanceTechnology BreakdownTechnology Breakdown

Innovative approaches to Innovative approaches to overcoming challengesovercoming challenges

Low cost/no cost solutionsLow cost/no cost solutionsEmpowering local businessesEmpowering local businessesProviding immediate access to solutionsProviding immediate access to solutionsMeeting the AT equipment transition needsMeeting the AT equipment transition needsAT loans – equipment and moneyAT loans – equipment and moneyDumpster digs and hidden resourcesDumpster digs and hidden resourcesService and maintenance plansService and maintenance plansTraining and support plans Training and support plans Refurbished equipmentRefurbished equipment

Mobile Assistive Technology Mobile Assistive Technology Outreach UnitOutreach Unit

Assistive Technology Clinic DaysAssistive Technology Clinic Days

The Future of Assistive The Future of Assistive Technology and Service Delivery Technology and Service Delivery

PracticesPractices

TelerehabTelerehabMedicare policy changesMedicare policy changesLimited fundingLimited fundingQuick and easy solutions – magic bullets.Quick and easy solutions – magic bullets.No time for turf wars No time for turf wars DME caps that will encourage use of DME caps that will encourage use of refurbished equipmentrefurbished equipmentParaprofessionalsParaprofessionals

Low Cost Solutions In MinutesLow Cost Solutions In MinutesFabrication Tools and MaterialsFabrication Tools and Materials

Tape, Tape, and More TapeTape, Tape, and More Tape

Rapid prototyping with pink board, box Rapid prototyping with pink board, box cutter, rug grippercutter, rug gripper

101 uses for Rug Gripper101 uses for Rug Gripper

No Pain switch making in secondNo Pain switch making in second

AcrylicAcrylic

PVC PVC