HM2095: ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY in the WORKPLACE by Desleigh de Jonge, B.Occ,Thy, M.Phil. (Occ. Thy), Grad Cert Soc Sci (health Practice) Marcia J. Schere, Phd, MPH, FACRM and Sylvia Rodger, B.Occ.Thy, M.Ed.St., PhD 12 contact hours The textbook used for this course is the first book of its kind. 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 client's 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 employer's perspective - an essential factor to consider when selecting appropriate technology. TAKE THIS COURSE NOW !

OBJECTIVES

The learner will be able to

1. Describe the impact of technology on people with physical disabilities.

2. Explain a number of specific AT models.

3. Examine the process of selecting and using technology from the consumers perspective.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Technology at Work -- describes the impact of technology on people with physical disabilities, specifically, on their capacity to acquire and maintain jobs in a competitive work environment, and outlines the nature of specialized technologies used by people with disabilities in the workplace.

2. Review of the Development of Assistive Technology Models -- investigates a number of specific AT models, as well as mainstream models, that can assist service providers to better understand the impact of AT on the user.

3. Consumer-Centered Process for Technology Acquisition and Use -- examines the process of selecting and using technology from the consumer's perspective.

4. Identifying the Right Technology -- examines the first stage of the process of selecting and using technology in the workplace.

5. Acquiring Technology for Work -- examines the second stage of the process of selecting and using technology in the workplace.

6. Introducing Assistive Technology into the Workplace -- examines the complexities faced by AT users when setting the technology up in the workplace.

7. Optimizing the Use of Technology in the Workplace -- examines the fourth stage of the process of technology acquisition and implementation, namely optimizing technology in the workplace.

8. Issues for the Assistive Technology User in the Workplace -- explores the experiences of AT users in making requests for technology in the workplace and their willingness to advocate for themselves.

9. Evaluating the Effectiveness of Technology in the Workplace -- outlines the importance of evaluation in ensuring AT users are well equipped to be productive memers of the workforce and discusses the challenges faced in evaluating the effectiveness of technology in the workplace.

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