Assistive Technology

The goal of this seminar is to introduce participants to adaptive equipment (e.g., wheelchairs, bathroom equipment, hand controls and related adaptive driving equipment, reachers, buttoners, rocker knives, grip equipment, dicem, backpacks, luggage carriers, etc.) that will improve their independence. Participants will also have a comprehensive overview of wheelchair maintenance.

Objectives

  • Learn what wheelchairs are available, learn which chair best suits their needs and how to set up and maintain their own chair (size, camber, squeeze, etc.)
  • Assess what kind of adaptive household devices are available to them and which best fits their needs.
  • Identify available public and private transportation options and learn what driving equipment is available, including key resources/vendors.

 

Activities

  1. Stations (hands-on)
    1. Van station
    2. Wheelchair station
    3. Other equipment station
  2. Relay Race/Obstacle Course with simple adaptive equipment
  3. Group Discussion: What are your ADL tricks?

 

Staffing

Equipment specialist(s) from local Independent Living Center, local durable medical equipment vendor, local adaptive driving company.

 

Resources

Handouts with higher-end equipment websites.

 

Useful links