Promoting Self-Directed Learning for Occupational Therapy Students: A Manual of High-Technoology Assistive Devices for Persons with Disabilities
Graduation Date
2008
Document Type
Master's Thesis
Document Form
Degree Name
Masters of Science in Occupational Therapy
Department
Occupational Therapy
Department or Program Chair
Ruth Ramsey, EdD, OTR/L
Thesis Advisor
Ruth Ramsey, EdD, OTR/L
Second Advisor
Suzanne Degen
Abstract
The number of persons with disabilities is expected to increase with the growing population and greater proportion of older adults in the population. Persons with disabilities often experience difficulties in performing daily occupations independently and successfully. Assistive devices may be used to help individuals with disabilities participate in meaningful occupations. Occupational therapists are healthcare professionals who work with persons with disabilities and are often involved in the evaluation and selection of assistive devices for clients. Therefore, it is important for occupational therapists and occupational therapy students to be aware of assistive devices that are available for persons with disabilities.
The purpose of this project was to create a resource manual containing high- technology assistive devices for the department of occupational therapy at Dominican University of California. High-tech devices are often more confusing and difficult to operate than low-tech devices. For that reason, the content in this manual was limited to high-tech devices to allow more detailed information for each device included in the manual. The devices included in the manual were selected to showcase a broad range of available devices for person with disabilities. The manual also contains a list of useful websites where other assistive devices for persons with disabilities can be found. The manual includes a picture each device, a description of what it is, how it is used, how much it costs, and where it can be purchased. This manual is intended to be used as a resource guide, not an exhaustive list of all high-tech devices available for persons with disabilities.