Occupational Therapy Equipment & Assistive Technology
Occupational Therapists are trained to evaluate a person’s functional abilities and limitations and to determine how assistive technology can improve their ability to perform daily activities.
Evolve Therapy Services’ Occupational Therapists can provide people of all ages with equipment and assistive technology that meets their needs and make everyday tasks and life easier.
Whether simple or complex, we can help you benefit from occupational therapy aids and equipment that support your independence and maximise your participation in all kinds of activities.
What is Assistive Technology?
Assistive technology is any device or tool that helps people with disabilities to perform tasks that may be difficult or impossible for them without assistance. It can range from low-tech devices such as modified utensils or grips for holding objects, to high-tech devices such as voice recognition software or electronic communication aids. It assists in areas such as:
- Enhancing mobility: Mobility aids such as wheelchairs, scooters and modified vehicles can help individuals with physical disabilities to move around and access their environment more easily.
- Improving communication: Assistive technology such as communication boards, speech generating devices, and text-to-speech software can help individuals with communication impairments to express themselves and interact with others.
- Enabling access: Assistive technology such as screen readers and magnifiers can help individuals with visual impairments to read and access information.
- Supporting independent living: Assistive technology such as smart home devices can help individuals with disabilities to manage their daily living tasks more independently.
- Employment: Assistive technology such as ergonomic keyboards, speech recognition software, and screen magnifiers can help individuals with disabilities to perform job-related tasks and access employment opportunities.
Assistive technology facilitates independence, maximises participation, and supports safety. Many aids are specific to you, what you want to do, and suitable to the environment you’re in, whether you’re at home, school, work, or out in the community.
How does an Evolve Therapy OT Assist to prescribe an occupational therapy equipment ?
Conduct an assessment: OTs begin by conducting an assessment of the person’s abilities and limitations. This may involve observing them performing daily activities, reviewing medical records, and conducting interviews with the person and their family members.
Identify the person’s goals: OTs work with the person to identify their goals and objectives, such as improving mobility, communication, or independence in daily activities.
Determine the most appropriate assistive technology: Based on the assessment and the person’s goals, the OT will recommend the most appropriate assistive technology or equipment. This may include devices such as wheelchairs, walkers, communication aids, or modified utensils.
Trial the technology: The OT will work with the person to trial the recommended technology and equipment to ensure that it meets their needs and is comfortable and safe to use.
Modify or customise the equipment: The OT may need to modify or customise the equipment to ensure that it is tailored to the person’s needs and preferences.
Provide training and support: Once the equipment is prescribed, the OT will provide training and support to the person and their caregivers to ensure that they can use it effectively and safely.
Monitor and reassess: The OT will monitor the person’s progress and reassess the equipment over time to ensure that it continues to meet their needs.
OTs take a person-centered approach to prescribing assistive technology and equipment, ensuring that the technology meets the person’s individual needs and goals. They work closely with the person and their caregivers to ensure that the technology is effective, safe, and comfortable to use.
