Traumatic Brain Injury &
bbbbbbAssistive Technology
 
 

What is AT? Team Case Studies Links Glossary References Abstracts home                                                                                                                                                                           University of Nebraska-Lincoln TBI Homepage

What is Assistive Technology (AT)?    Any item or piece of equipment that may be used with a person with a disability to perform specific tasks, improve functional capabilities, and become more independent.     Assistive technology allows people to: Participate in everyday activities Play and enjoy recreational activities Become mobile Communicate Hear better See better Learn easier Use a computer Become more independent at mealtime Oberstein, 1999   How does AT relate to traumatic brain injury? Following a traumatic brain injury (TBI), the survivor may be left  with cognitive, physical, and emotional consequences.  Examples of these consequences are presented by the Brain Injury Association, Inc. Cognitive Consequences hShort and long term memory loss aSlowed ability to process information aTrouble concentrating or paying attention for periods of time aDifficulty keeping up with a conversation aOther communication difficulties such as word finding problems aSpatial disorientation aOrganizational problems and impaired judgment aUnable to do more than one thing at a time a Physical Consequences aSeizures of all types aMuscle spasticity aDouble vision or low vision, even blindness aLoss of smell or taste aSpeech impairments such as slow or slurred speech aHeadaches or migraines aFatigue, increased need for sleep; balance problems a Emotional Consequences aA lack of initiating activities, or once started, difficulty in completing tasks without reminders aIncreased anxiety aDepression and mood swings aDenial of deficits aImpulsive behavior aMore easily agitated aEgocentric behaviors; difficulty seeing how behaviors can affect others Brain Injury Association, Inc. These consequences of TBI create deficit areas requiring assistive technology to supplement the remaining strengths and compensate for the challenges.  Some assistive technology would include: aCognitive Aids aFeeding Devices aCommunication Aids aAlternate Computer Access aAdaptive Toys aVisual Aids aAids to augment hearing aAids to assist with walking, dressing, and other activities of daily living (ADL) Oberstein, 1999   Choosing appropriate assistive technology Dawes (2000) for Oklahoma ABLE Tech describes the basic principles for choosing appropriate assistive technology. A team approach is always best. A team allows for various ideas to come together to work the best for the survivor.  The team consists of rehabilitation professionals, family, and the survivor. a The user is the most crucial team member. AT must "fit" the user.  If the technology does not match the survivor's physical, emotional, cultural, and personal ideas, it will not be used. a Significant others are the next most crucial members. Family provide reinforcement, maintenance, training, and other supports to the survivor.  a Focus on function. The team needs to ask "What does this person want or need to do that he/she currently cannot do?". a Strive for simplicity. Assistive technology users only need what will help in accomplishing the task, in the simplest, most efficient way.  Simple solutions also decrease maintenance and repair costs. a Generalize  about the use of the device. Generalizing about the who, when, where, why, and how aspects of a product can help the user find a product that meets many, rather than just one, specific needs. The rehabilitation team must also keep personal, training, access, repair/maintenance, and financial concerns in mind when choosing proper assistive technology to implement with a TBI survivor.