ity , and goals unique to themselves . Access to assistive technology can help to create more opportunities and experiences to participate in many of the same leisure activities as their peers who do not have a disability . The effectiveness of technology options is always dependent upon the OTP ’ s assistive technology assessment in which several components are identified or considered . These include the individual ’ s strengths and challenges , the environmental considerations , the tasks that the individual needs and wants to perform , as well as what has worked in the past that may need to be revised or adjusted .
Our skill with task analysis , identifying assets and barriers in the environment , and promoting mental health wellness equips us to provide a strengths-based approach . Whether it is working with children , youth , or adults who may be at-risk for limited participation , providing individuals with training and support for the implementation of assistive technology during leisure activities is within our scope of practice and is our responsibility to promote inclusion . OTPs can play an important role in helping to reduce barriers such as policy , social , communication , attitude and physical , which keep people with disabilities from living life to its fullest .
References :
Centers for Disease Control . ( 2024 , July 10 ). Disability and Health Promotion . https :// www . cdc . gov / ncbddd / disabilityandhealth / index . html
Cook , A ., Polgar , J . ( 2015 ). Assistive technologies principles & practice ( 4th ed ). Elsevier .
Heister , N ., Zentel , P ., & Köb , S . ( 2023 ). Participation in everyday leisure and its influencing factors for people with intellectual disabilities : A scoping review of the empirical findings . Disabilities , 3 ( 2 ), 269-294 . https :// doi . org / 10.3390 / disabilities3020018
Knowles , C . ( 2024 , April ). Illinois Assistive Technology Makers Program : How design and fabrication can benefit individuals receiving occupational therapy services , in ILOTA Communique , pp 7-8 .
Petry , N . M . ( 2024 ). Healthy limits on video games : How to prevent ( or overcome ) problems with gaming . Child Mind Institute . https :// childmind . org / article / healthy-limits-on-video-games /
Scarboro , R . & McFeron , H . ( 2024 , September 24 ). Level up : All about adaptive gaming . Georgia Tech Tools for Life Center for Inclusive Life and Innovation . https :// tinyurl . com / 3n3rjbde
Willkomm , T . ( 2013 ). Acrylic . In Assistive technology solutions in minutes book II ( p . 93 ), University of New Hampshire Press .
Holly Gormley-Guttu M . Ed ., OTR / L
Holly has over 35 years of experience supporting students with disabilities in school-based practice and private practice . She formerly worked in a Special Ed Co-Op in the western suburbs and is now working more with students in Transition Programs with a family-centered focus . She is also coordinating sensory-friendly film series at an independent theatre in Washington State , where she currently resides .
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