Occupational therapy and rehabilitation engineering

As new and more sophisticated technology is represented in equipment and devices, occupational therapists are challenged to expand their roles as evaluators for and providers of these more complex assistive devices. Being experts in understanding disability and how to maximize function for daily activities will enable occupational therapists to be key team members in the growing specialty of providing technical aids. "Technical persons" ranging from rehabilitation engineers to carpenters, working in conjection with occupational therapists, can form a unique partnership in which the skills of each combine to solve a variety of daily living problems. This paper will discuss the relationship of one Rehabilitation Engineering Program operating as a self supporting, fee-for-service program within the Orthopaedic Department of a Medical School. A case study will illustrate problem solving strategies utilized in the delivery of technical services.