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Using technology to control the environment.
1Occupational Therapy Department, Mt. Sinai Medical Center, New York, New York 10029.
Summary
Technological advancements offer specialized aids, like environmental control systems, enhancing independence for severely physically disabled individuals. Occupational therapists play a key role in matching these assistive technologies to client needs.
Area of Science:
- Assistive Technology
- Rehabilitation Engineering
- Occupational Therapy
Background:
- Recent technological progress over the past 5 years has yielded specialized technical aids.
- These aids include electronic communication devices, computer input devices, and environmental control systems.
- These advancements aim to increase functional independence for individuals with severe physical disabilities.
Observation:
- The paper specifically concentrates on environmental control systems (ECS).
- It examines the process occupational therapists undertake.
- The focus is on how therapists assess and select appropriate ECS for clients.
Findings:
- Environmental control systems significantly contribute to functional independence.
- Occupational therapists utilize specific methodologies to match ECS with individual client requirements.
- Successful matching leads to greater autonomy in daily living and community participation.
Implications:
- Occupational therapists are crucial in the effective implementation of assistive technologies.
- Increased functional independence through ECS can improve quality of life for disabled individuals.
- Further research into optimizing the therapist-client matching process for ECS is warranted.