Technical aids as an economic alternative

Interest in technical aids is growing. Occupational therapists are beginning to play a role in this area. Four programs in which occupational therapists are involved in Canada are described. The programs are: 1. a province-wide, private agency supported program 2. a university based research project funded by a provincial government 3. a technical aids component of the rehabilitation program at a Regional Rehabilitation Centre. 4. a private consulting business. The economic implications of each program are examined to determine whether the program can be justified economically and whether the occupational therapist can justify economically, adding involvement with technical aids to their existing role.