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X 10
X 10 Basics
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Occupational Therapy Assistive
Technology
What is AT?
Assistive Technology is defined
as any item, piece of equipment,
or product system, whether
acquired commercially or off the
shelf, modified or customized,
that is used to increase,
maintain, or improve functional
capabilities of individuals with
disabilities. The definition
also appears in the Tech Act
Legislation (P.L.100-407) which
has been adopted in the
Individuals with Disabilities
Education Act (IDEA).
This
definition is broad and includes
a wide range of devices from low
technology to high technology
items as well as software.
Under IDEA, the legal definition
of assistive technology services
is:
-
any service
that directly assists an
individual with a disability
in the selection,
acquisition, or use of an
assistive technology device
{20 U.S.C. Chapter 33,
Section 1401 (25)}
-

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Specifically,
assistive technology services
include:
-
evaluating the needs of an
individual with a
disability, including a
functional evaluation of the
individual in their
customary environment
-
purchasing, leasing, or
otherwise providing for the
acquisition of assistive
technology devices by
individuals with
disabilities
-
selecting, designing,
fitting, customizing,
adapting, applying,
maintaining, repairing, or
replacing of AT services,
coordinating and using other
therapies, interventions, or
services with AT devices,
such as those associated
with existing education and
rehabilitation plans and
programs
- training
or technical assistance for
individuals with
disabilities, or when
appropriate, the family of
an individual with a
disability, training or
technical assistance for
professionals, employers, or
others who provide services
to employ, or are otherwise
substantially involved in
the major life functions of
individuals with
disabilities
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If we can’t bring
a patient’s physical level up to
a point of functioning in a
given environment, then we have
to adjust the environment to
their level.
"What makes the SAU Assistive Technology
unique? The St. Ambrose AT Lab is unique because we do
things that haven't been done before. We manipulate and
adapt everyday items and make them functional for people with
disabilities of all types. We take "throw away" computers
and turn them into environmental control units (ECU). We
design and create our own adaptive equipment at a fraction of
the cost of purchasing similar items off the shelf. We are
then able to loan these items out to clients through our
Lending Library.

Just a few
of the many "throw away"
computer systems that the St.
Ambrose AT Lab utilizes and
makes functional equipment out
of for disabled individuals.
This site is
dedicated as a resource to the
advancement of our patients
independence and safety using AT
as well as the Occupational
Therapist's advancement of
knowledge and proficiency in the
use of AT.
For more
information contact
Jon Turnquist, OTR/L
TurnquistJonC@sau.edu |
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