Why form an Assistive Technology team?

Assistive Technology (AT) is multidisciplinary in nature. The conditions of its users are diverse, and it is used in various environments. It is unlikely that a single person will be able to provide an effective AT service or implement it. It becomes necessary to form a team that comprise of members whose collective skills and knowledge to effectively provide AT service.^[2]

Who are in an AT team?

AT teams are usually very different and individualised. Most of the times, teams are formed with members from different disciplines for a wider information base and different viewpoints. Members of the team may vary depending on the type and severity of the disability. If the client has limited motor abilities, an occupational therapist may be needed to identify the access points, or if the client has difficulty in communication, a speech and language therapist may be able to identify the most suitable Augmentative and Alternative Communication device.

The first person in an AT team should be the client. The client should be included in the discussion about AT needs and applications. He or she should provide information on the problem, the usage of the device and first-hand feedback on the suitability of the AT device. This decreases the likelihood of device abandonment.

Professionals like doctors, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, speech and language therapists, rehabilitation engineers and AT specialists in the team contribute knowledge in their respective fields and aid in the assessment of their client’s needs.

Teachers, family members and caregivers may also be included in the team. They are often able to provide details of the client’s problems, their medical history, and any other information that may be useful for the assessment of the client.

References

[1] Replacing “Abandonment” with “Discontinuance”, April Lauer, MS, OTR, Kathy Longenecker Rust, MS, OT, & Roger O. Smith, PhD, OT

[2] Assistive Technology Teams: Many Ways to Do It Well, Denise C.DeCoste, Ed.D, Penny R. Reed, Ph.D, Marsye W. Kaplan, MS, CCC-SLP, ATP

[3] The Practical (and Fun) Guide to Assistive Technology in Public Schools, Christopher R. Bugaj and Sally Norton-Darr