July / August / September • Issue 3 • 2018
Methods to Avoid (AT) Discontinuance/Abandonment, continued from Page 3
Effective Implementation
Collaboration among all of the stakeholders can be the key
to successful use of AT as well as the smooth transition away
from using AT. This collaborative process incorporates the user’s
perspective along with team building strategies.
A literature review by Kinney et al. (2016), identified six
different user outcomes of devices and services that can also have
an impact on the use of AT. These factors can also be relevant to
other AT devices and tools and include: Curriculum Access for Students with Physical Disabilities, pp
14-19. Available at: https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ955444.
pdf
Job Accommodation Network, Accommodation and
Compliance Series: Assistive Technology. Available at: https://
askjan.org/publications/Topic-Downloads.cfm?pubid=226318
Quality Indicators in Assistive Technology (QIAT) Available
at: https://qiat.org/docs/QIAT_Matrices_Updated.pdf
• Device Usability: effort and comfort in the use, frequency in
using the device and the overall benefits; Coleman, M.B. (2011). Successful Implementation of
Assistive Technology to Promote Access to Curriculum and
Instruction for Student with Physical Disabilities. Assistive
Technology and Physical Disabilities, 2-22. Retrieved from:
https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ955444.pdf
Kinney, A., Goodwin, D.M., Gitlow, L. (2016). Measuring
Assistive Technology Outcomes: A User Centered Approach.
Assistive Technology Outcomes and Benefits, Summer 2016, 10(1),
94-110. Retrieved from: https://www.atia.org/wp-content/
uploads/2016/11/ATOB_ATOBN1V10_FULL_PDF.pdf
Lauer, A., Longenecker Rust, K., Smith, R.O. (n d). Factors
in Assistive Technology Device Abandonment: Replacing
“Abandonment” with “Discontinuance”
ATOMS Project
Technical Report. Retrieved from: http://www.r2d2.uwm.edu/
atoms/archieve/technicalreports/tr-disontinuance.html
• User Satisfaction: the impact on daily performance,
participation and overall personal evaluation of the device;
• Quality of Life: the overall well-being of the individual
using the device;
• Social Role Performance: “... the performance in activities
shaped by the roles that the user fulfills (e.g., student or
worker)”;
• Functional Level: “... the degree of independence of the
user and their functional capacity,”
• Cost: “... may be expressed in monetary value or the time
expended on behalf of the caregiver or user during AT device
use or service”.
Team building is essential and involves the inclusion of all
stakeholders sharing information. Additionally, being open to
ideas that are new or have been tried in the past, and including
all team members in training sessions is essential. User input
into the selection of the AT device, along with training and
device trials, as well as team building remain critical factors for
successful AT use.
Although an AT device or devices are identified as potentially
helpful, ongoing assessment is necessary as the user’s needs and
the tasks may change. Addressing concerns and problems in a
timely manner through observation, user interviews, and data
collection is always a necessary component when considering
AT use. Supporting the user and other stakeholders through
the process of integrating the AT into their life or discontinuing
the use of AT further supports the individual’s occupational
performance.
Resources
Coleman, M.B., (2011). Assistive Technology Checklist:
References
About the Authors
Holly Gormley-Guttu has been practicing Occupational
Therapy for over 30 years. She graduated from Virginia
Commonwealth University with a Bachelor degree in
Occupational Therapy and from Western Washington
University with a Masters in Education in Early Childhood
Special Education. She began her career in Adult Rehab however
has spent the majority of her career working in school-based
practices in Virginia, Washington State and Illinois. Currently
she provides school-based therapy in a western suburb of
Chicago through The School Association for Special Education
in DuPage County (SASED). Holly is a Co-Chair for the Illinois
Occupational Therapy Association’s Assistive Technology Special
Interest Section.
Joy Hyzny graduated from the University of Illinois at
Chicago with a Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in
Occupational Therapy. She works for the School Association
for Special Education in DuPage County providing assistive
technology consultations, assessments, and training sessions to
students and teams in a number of districts in the western suburbs
of Chicago. Joy is a Co-Chair for the Illinois Occupational
Therapy Association’s Assistive Technology Special Interest
Section.
Page