Applications of a Capability Approach to Disability and the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) in Social Work Practice
Francis K. O. Yuen, Carol B. Cohen, Kristine Tower in Disability and Social Work Education, 2013
At the next ICF level known as activity limitation, removing the disability involves several possible interventions to assist the individuals in overcoming their difficulties in executing activities. One mechanism uses assistive technology to compensate for activity limitations. Although assistive technology ranges from high-tech (electric powered wheelchairs, computer-assisted software, etc.) to low-tech devices (manual wheelchairs, adapted eating utensils, etc.), the crucial element is making assistive technology available, affordable, and accessible to individuals with activity limitations. Another method to address activity limitations involves rehabilitation, which attempts to correct or extend the range of individual capacities. Similarly, the important aspect involves making rehabilitation available, affordable, and accessible to individuals who need such devices. In developing countries, community-based rehabilitation has become an effective means in providing such services.
Person-centred integrated care and end of life
Shibley Rahman in Living with frailty, 2018
Although advances in assistive technology (AT) and the delivery of preventative care are relevant to many older adults, when frailty or dementia are present, individualised care planning is especially critical to ensure that ‘standard of care’ interventions for each health concern align with overall goals of care and prognosis (Moorhouse and Mallery, 2012). Prototype robots have been developed to support independent living, in order to help older adults who try to live in their homes for as long as possible, even when the user is functionally disabled (Garcia-Soler et al., 2018). The systems can help with daily living activities such as reaching, fetching and carrying objects that are heavy or out of reach (Pigini et al., 2012). Alternatives in assistive technology options should all be fully considered. Telecare/AT options should be considered and optimised before a move to a care home.
eHealth
Sue Chilton, Heather Bain in A Textbook of Community Nursing, 2017
Telecare is defined as the use of communications technology to provide health and social care direct to the patient (Barlow et al., 2007). Earlier development of telecare also referred to assistive technology and smart homes or smart technology (Sergeant, 2008). Assistive technology is another collective term for devices for personal use to enhance people's functional ability. It may include fixed assistive technologies such as stair lifts or portable devices such as bath seats. Therefore, this can include telecare, but is not limited to the kind of technology normally considered within eHealth. Telecare Services Association (2016) summarise the definition of telecare as ‘support and assistance provided at a distance using information and communication technology. It is the continuous, automatic and remote monitoring of users by means of sensors to enable them to continue living in their own home, while minimising risks such as a fall, gas and flood detection and relate to other real time emergencies and lifestyle changes over time’.
An intelligent indoor guidance and navigation system for the visually impaired
Published in Assistive Technology, 2022
According to the 2017 report by the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB, 2017), 253 million people in the world endure vision impairment or blindness. Moreover, the global count of blind people is 36 million which is expected to increase to 114.6 million in 2050 (Bourne et al., 2017). Considered to be the most severe sensory disability, vision loss can lead to approximately 90% deprivation of a person’s multi-sense perception (Hakobyan et al., 2013). Thus, the visually impaired experience significant limitations on mobility which can be defined as the ability to move toward an entity or destination in a safe, independent, and efficient way (Kuyk et al., 2010). To help in overcoming these limitations, assistive technologies have emerged with the aim of safely and conveniently navigating users in unfamiliar environments with dynamic path planning to reach destinations while detecting and avoiding obstacles. In general, assistive technology can be defined as products helping disabled individuals to fully integrate into society (Fernandes et al., 2019).
Workplace accommodations for adults with autism spectrum disorder: a scoping review
Published in Disability and Rehabilitation, 2020
Ghaidaa Khalifa, Zonera Sharif, Madiha Sultan, Briano Di Rezze
A variety of ASD-associated challenges may be mitigated by a wide range of workplace accommodations, especially those related to the workplace environment [20]. Workplace accommodation is defined by the United States Department of Labor as any change or adjustment to the actual job, the job environment, or the way of doing things to allow an individual with a disability to apply for a job, secure a job, or acquire access to benefits available to other individuals in the workplace [21]. Assistive technology is considered a subcategory of workplace accommodations [22]. The Disability Act of 1988 defined assistive technology as “any item, piece of equipment, or product system, whether acquired commercially, modified, or customized, that is used to increase, maintain, or improve functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities” [22]. Wheelchairs, computer modifications, and electronic devices are some examples of assistive technology [22].
Inclusive education: The case for early identification and early intervention in assistive technology
Published in Assistive Technology, 2021
Assistive technology can support young children in a variety of ways: by supporting speech and language; the acquisition of new skills; by creating supportive environments; by increasing independence in everyday activities; by empowering parents and other family members; and by increasing the quality of life (Mistrett et al., 2005). Assistive technology, if understood as the total sum of an item, its modification, and/or the strategy for its use, can support a child who is blind in identifying objects, can provide a means of movement around their house for a child with a physical impairment, and can allow a young child with fine motor difficulties the ability to use a toy (with large buttons). But it can also support a child and the mother at feeding time or help to create opportunities for children with specific impairments to play with others. However, the determination as to which AT is adequate, cost-effective and easy to use requires a team effort that should be undertaken by an Early Identification and Early Intervention (EI/EI) team (Mistrett et al., 2005). While some AT have become common place and are readily identifiable and easy to purchase (e.g., seeing eyeglasses) others are more complex and should take into consideration not only the child and the impairment, but also the environment in which the child lives and the participation restrictions (Scherer & Craddock, 2002).
Related Knowledge Centers
- Activities of Daily Living
- Disability
- Activities of Daily Living
- Assistive Eating Devices
- Occupational Therapy
- Occupational Therapist
- Sip-and-Puff
- Transfer Bench
- Gait Belt
- Patient Lift
- Walker