Promoting Independence and FUNction with ADL and

Communication Equipment

A Philosophy and Practical Applications Presentation

Objectives By being familiar with what is available And putting up with a mess of philosophical and

historical material from Dr. Stefans, AGAIN… You will become able to set expectations, select

and encourage use of effective technologies for specific situations and disabling conditions

Overcoming all barriers with persuasive examples and justifications “Narrative Research“ http://www.med.umich.edu/pmr/nrdr/index.htm

As a physiatrist you can increase the quality of life for people with physical disabilities by helping them reach goals which they desire and are achievable. To do all of this, you must be able to establish rapport so that you can identify and prioritize goals. Then you teach the patient and the family to acquire the knowledge and skills which will promote achievement of goals and adaptation to disability.

As a physiatrist be sensitive, askable, flexible, negotiable, creative, enthusiastic, and sincere. Understand your own values, attitudes, limits, and strengths in order to help others without imposing upon them. Place a high value on humanness. Acknowledge discomfort and pain including your own. Carry a low burden of guilt or envy for the circumstances of other people. Lastly, trust people to accept responsibility for themselves.

- Theodore M. Cole M.D., as Chairman, PM&R Department, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor

What is Adaptive Technology?

Assistive technology (AT) is any kind of device or tool that helps people learn,

work, communicate and live more independently. 

AT can be very simple and inexpensive, like a modified knife and fork, or it can be very

sophisticated and costly, like a computerized speech device.  

- Arkansas ICAN website

What is “appropriate technology?”

From Disabled Village Children, Hesperian Foundation Publications

Appropriate Technology Jaipur leg

Rubber, wood, aluminum Estimated $28.00-$40.00 cost

Hotchkiss wheelchair http://maic.jmu.edu/Journal/12.2/

notes/prvulov/prvulov.htm bike parts

It’s All About Participation

Unique to individual Needs, Wants, and Circumstances

“Functional and Fun”

Standing wheelchairs

Cultural relevance

Going potty Not necessary to wait

for walking and talking Support feet, trunk if

needed, reduce size of hole to reduce fear of falling in

How important is it to be out of diapers? – Cindy’s story

"She can't/We didn't because..."

Bad models of disability Perpetual infant/Little Innocent Angel Sick role/invalid "Medical Necessity" Geriatric/Terminal

Low expectations Dependency, limited or no autonomy Top (or only) priorities become safety,

protection, ease and convenience for caregiver

ADLs - Eating Ataxia – bigger, heavier utensils Reduced dexterity – swivel and/or bent spoon

Winsford feeders Cheek switch to

scoop and present food

Need some head control

Hands-free

Food preparation

So, who dresses you? 46 year old with C6 quadriplegia does not want

to stay at world famous rehab center longer to learn dressing skills

12 year old girl starting to have conflict with mom over clothing choices

It’s OK to get your adaptive technology at Wal-Mart when… Regular car seat OK for moderate limitations in

trunk control, check weight/height limits They start selling I-Pads and you can afford one It’s just what you need and costs a lot less

Gadget Tolerance = Independence

I want to get my son a voice activated computer to use at school!

Simple handwriting replacement – consider portable keyboard instead (AlphaSmart/QuickPad)

Voice recognition continues to improve Still slower Hands free use possible Different style of proofreading – spellcheck won’t work

Adaptive keyboards, alternative mouse access Small for weaker or lower arm mobility Larger for less accurate hand use Trackball, HeadMouse, MouseKeys aboutonehandtyping.com

Or…

Writing and typing Writing bird, typing stick (or use pencil, eraser

end down in cuff) Don’t underestimate two or even single finger

typing

Motor, sensory, or cognitive issues Tactile mouse for blind person experimental

Need keystroke navigation

Screen reader = text to speech KE:NX – reads what you have written Magnification software, large monitors Scanning access – severe motor issues

Low efficiency Compensate with word prediction

Web Accessibility PDF is no longer “Pain, Despair and Frustration” Flash is the new PDF Section 508

Alt text Captions and transcripts Think about screenreaders EASI at RIT

AAC - PM&R/Physician Roles Identify potential Document medical necessity Write Rx, make referrals Guide selection – PECS vs Liberator Reassure and educate re process and outcomes

Appropriate expectations of appropriate technology

Let kids tell bad jokes in clinic Learning cause and effect

Alternative – Augmentative Prerequisites vs Participation Interdisciplinary evaluation mandatory

Rx “therapy units as needed” Stress medical, not peer communication Different choices for ambulatory vs w/c with tray user

Verbal communication may increase Signing increases Language Communicate more than basic needs or yes/no to

familiar caregivers May interface with computer (or be a computer) Training and programming issues

Literate English vs special language vs pictures Need for support, upgrades (college level)

The McDonald’s Shake Story

The Strawberry Shake Story

Resources Arkansas Easter Seals Society

http://ar.easterseals.com/site/PageServer?pagename=ARDR_tcc

ICAN Increasing Capabilities Access Network http://www.ar-ican.org/

International Society for Augmentative and Alternative Communication http://www.isaac-online.org/en/home.shtml

RESNA http://resna.org/ Prentke-Romich and other AAC companies

http://www.prentrom.com/ John Halloran

http://www.pedspmandr.net