Service delivery mechanisms in rehabilitation technology

Rehabilitation technology is a rapidly advancing area involving professionals from multiple disciplines, including engineers, occupational and physical therapists, speech pathologists, computer programmers, and many others. This paper focuses on the use of computers and other personal assistive devices by disabled persons, but the concepts presented apply to all areas of personal rehabilitation technology. The topics covered include a perspective on the use of advanced technology, technological appliances versus tools, skills or special knowledge needed for the effective delivery of rehabilitation technology, new roles for the service delivery team, sources of training in rehabilitation technology, and issues in qualification or certification of rehabilitation technology professionals. The purpose of this paper is to put the use of advanced technology for rehabilitation in its proper perspective and to present ideas for consideration in building more effective service delivery mechanisms for these technologies.