Increasing Technology Supports for Individuals with Disabilties

Abstract

Occupational therapists (OTs) are qualified to recommend forms of technology based on an individual’s specific needs to enhance occupational performance. If technology is facilitating and promoting independence, it is referred to as assistive technology (AT). The use of technology, specifically smart devices within a home, provides an environment where an individual can easily be successful without the help of a physical person. It is determined that individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities that utilize smart technologies have positive work-related outcomes, increased self-determination and well-being, and participate in more activities, which is supported by literature. Thus, the capstone site identified that they would like to incorporate smart technologies more frequently in the lives of adults with I/DD to facilitate independence when staff and/or family is not available. However, barriers to technology include the lack of time, the lack of awareness of devices, and the lack of appropriately identifying technologies for an individual’s skill level. The purpose of this project was to identify technology supports and increase the use of technology in the everyday lives of individuals with I/DD. The capstone student provided the capstone site with educational resources, technology supports based on assessment outcomes, and in-services to increase the knowledge and awareness of technology within this setting. The technology programming was supported by positive responses from the post-survey following the in-service. Based on the barriers, the capstone student recommends additional in-services and technology sessions for hands-on learning experience to sustain the technology program.