Assistive Technology in the Workplace

by De Jonge, Desleigh

• ISBN13: 9780323041300
• ISBN10: 0323041302
• eBook ISBN(s): 9780323041300, 9780323062343
• Edition: 1st
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2006-09-01
• Publisher: MOSBY-YEAR BOOK INC
• More Book Details

Summary

The first book of its kind, this text outlines and defines the process for selecting, integrating, and utilizing assistive technology in the work environment. Each stage of the process is examined in depth, and effective strategies are presented to help overcome the barriers likely to be encountered at each stage. The book also provides insight into the clients experience by drawing on research that explores the experiences of people using assistive technology in the workplace and the issues they face in acquiring and using their technology in the work environment. Results from the Assistive Technology User Study are explained an extensive and unique research project undertaken by the authors that examines the experiences of AT users in the workplace, the barriers they experience, and the support strategies they use to function in the work environment. AT user quotes and anecdotes bring immediacy to obstacles faced in the workplace. Vignettes and case studies throughout the text encourage students to apply principles to real-life situations. Appendices include listings for various professional organizations, funding, listservs, and research resources, as well as lists of questions therapists and clients should ask in various situations. Material progresses in a logical manner, examining each facet of workplace AT beyond its theory and evaluation. Consumer/client-centered focus takes the clients needs into account, featuring anecdotes from the users interviewed in the AT User Study. Employer concerns are addressed, using anecdotes to illustrate issues from the employers perspective an essential factor to consider when selecting appropriate technology.

Table of Contents

Technology at Work	p. 1
Impact of Technology Advancements on Society	p. 1
Technology in the Work Environment	p. 2
Technology for People with Disabilities	p. 3
Assistive Technologies	p. 4
Nature of Workplace Technologies	p. 5
Benefits of Assistive Technologies	p. 7
Integration of People with Disabilities	p. 9
Workplace Inclusion	p. 9
Technology Accommodations	p. 12
The Work Environment	p. 14
Summary	p. 15
Review of the Development of Assistive Technology Models	p. 21
Rehabilitation Foundation of Assistive Technology Practice	p. 23
Needs-Based Approach to Technology Application	p. 28
Need for Sound Theoretical Foundation in Assistive Technology	p. 32
Holistic Approach to Technology Application	p. 34
Users' Personal Perspectives Toward Assistive Technology	p. 40
Understanding Technology Use	p. 40
Matching Person and Technology Model	p. 41
Mainstream Models of Technology Application	p. 45
Summary	p. 48
Consumer-Centered Process for Technology Acquisition and Use	p. 52
Existing Procedural Models for Technology Acquisition and Use	p. 53
Overview of Steps in the Process	p. 53
Using a Procedural Model to Guide the Process	p. 64
Consumer-Centered Approach to Selecting and Using Technology	p. 65
Experience of Assistive Technology Users	p. 79
Summary	p. 81
Identifying the Right Technology	p. 83
User Experiences	p. 83
Finding Out What was Available	p. 88
Recommendations for Service Providers	p. 94
Finding Out	p. 99
Individual Approaches to the Process	p. 105
Trialing	p. 106
Keeping up with Technologic Developments	p. 106
Summary	p. 108
Acquiring Technology for Work	p. 111
User Experiences	p. 111
Recommendations for Service Providers	p. 123
Introducing Assistive Technology into the Workplace	p. 132
User Experiences	p. 132
Recommendations for Service Providers	p. 138
Optimizing the Use of Technology in the Workplace	p. 146
User Experiences	p. 146
Recommendations for Service Providers	p. 155
Issues for the Assistive Technology User in the Workplace	p. 170
User Experiences	p. 170
Recommendations for Service Providers	p. 177
Evaluating the Effectiveness of Technology in the Workplace	p. 184
Importance of Evaluation	p. 184
Technology Nonuse	p. 185
Challenges to Evaluating Outcomes	p. 186
The Purpose of Evaluating at Outcomes	p. 186
Consumer-Centered Outcome Measurement	p. 189
Utility of Outcome Measurement for Consumers	p. 189
When Should Outcomes be Evaluated?	p. 190
What to Evaluate	p. 194
Domains of Evaluation	p. 196
Evaluating Outcome Measures	p. 212
Summary	p. 214
Appendixes
Questions to Guide Identifying Potential Technologies	p. 221
Questions to Guide Trialing Devices	p. 224
Questions to Guide Choosing the Best Technology	p. 225
Questions to Guide the Acquisition of Technology	p. 226
Questions to Guide Choosing a Supplier	p. 227
Questions to Guide Working with a Supplier	p. 228
Questions to Guide Customization	p. 230
Questions to Guide Learning to Use Your Technology	p. 232
Questions to Guide the Long-Term Use of Assistive Technology in the Workplace	p. 234
Resources and Web Links	p. 235
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