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Ladan is Clinical Scientist, Head of Service at The East Kent Adult Communication and Assistive Technology (ACAT); a service that helps people with complex physical disabilities. They enable communication and computer access through alternative methods of access such as switches, joystick, head mouse, voice operated software, eye gaze etc. This talk introduces some of the technologies that are prescribed, highlighting existing challenges and the main ingredients for a successful intervention.
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Electronic Assistive
Technology (EAT)
Ladan Najafi, Clinical Scientist
Head of Adult Communication and
Assistive Technology (ACAT) Service
East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust
Sep 2014 Sep 2014
Overview of the session
Introduction of our guest service user
The ACAT Service
Electronic Assistive Technology
Assessment factors
Successful intervention
ACAT Service
Provides a service for adults with disability:
To enable them to communicate
To enable them to access their computer
We also support and train clients, carers, families and local therapists in relation to EAT
In collaboration with other services we get involved with:
Mobility – specialist controls
Integrated Systems
The Multidisciplinary Team
Clinical Scientist
Speech and Language Therapist
Occupational Therapist
Clinical Technologist
Therapy Assistant Practitioner
Secretary
Assistive Technology
Assistive Technology (AT) is any product or
service designed to enable independence for
disabled and older people.
Ref: User group consultation at the King's Fund,
2001, facilitated by Foundation for Assistive
Technology (FAST)
Electronic Assistive Technology
(EAT)
Environmental Control Systems
Communication Aids
Computer Accessibility Devices
Specialised Wheelchair Controls
Integrated Systems
Computer Accessibility Devices
Specialised Wheelchair Control
Integrated Systems
Combining systems (Example)
Selection Method
Direct: user is able to directly select their
choice using hands, eye pointing, mouse
Indirect: user has to take intermediary steps
to make their selection. The most common
method is scanning
Input Devices
Assessment Factors
Current and future functional requirements
Current and previous equipment usage
Communication skills
Personal factors
Environmental factors
Sensory/perceptual ability
Cognitive ability
Physical skills
Assessment for AT
The assessment for AT is a complex process requiring not only an understanding of the individual but also of the technology to be used and the context it is to be used in.
If the issues discussed are not considered then it can lead to abandonment of the technology
Match the person with best available AT
Assessment is a process, not an event!
Successful Intervention
A successful assessment leading to a successful intervention relies on:
Appropriate postural management
Motivation
Reasonable expectation/s, being aware of and be prepared for a period of learning new technologies
Good network of support
Contact
Adult Communication & Assistive Technology Service
Clinical and Rehabilitation Engineering Department of Medical Physics Kent and Canterbury Hospital Canterbury CT1 3NG
Website: www.ekhuft.nhs.uk/acat
Additional Resources
Foundation for Assistive Technology (FAST)
http://www.fastuk.org/
Communication Matters
http://www.communicationmatters.org.uk/
Ability Net
http://www.abilitynet.org.uk/advice-information
RNIB
http://www.rnib.org.uk/
OATS
http://www.oatsoft.org/
EAT Forums and Google groups
