Biomedical Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
11
and Partic
ipation Using Assistive Technology
D. de Jonge, P. M. Wielandt, S. Zapf, and A. Eldridge
CONTENTS
11.1 Occupational Therapist's Perspective ........................................................................... 229
11.2 Overview of Interventions Used by Occupational Therapists and the
Place of AT Within These................................................................................................ 231
11.3 The Definition and Role of AT ....................................................................................... 232
11.4 Overview of the Process Involved in Selecting and Using AT ................................. 233
11.5 Overview of the Process Involved in Selecting and Using AT Case Studies ......... 236
11.5.1 Case Study Number 1: ZA ................................................................................ 236
11.5.1.1 Person ................................................................................................. 236
11.5.1.2 Current Status ................................................................................... 237
11.5.1.3 Environment ...................................................................................... 238
11.5.1.4 Occupation ......................................................................................... 238
11.5.2 Case Study Number 2: AB ................................................................................ 239
11.5.2.1 Person ................................................................................................. 239
11.5.2.2 Current Status ................................................................................... 240
11.6 Conclusions ....................................................................................................................... 242
Summary of the Chapter ............................................................................................................ 242
References ..................................................................................................................................... 243
11.1 Occupational Therapist's Perspective
Occupational therapists use a holistic approach in which they recognize the transac-
tion among the person, the activities they need or want to engage in, and the environ-
ments in which these activities are undertaken. Occupation, or activity engagement and
participation, is seen as playing an essential role in human life and influencing people's
state of health (Kielhofner 2004). Disruption to occupation or activity engagement affects
people's quality of life, restricts their development, reduces capacity, and leads to mal-
adaptive reactions (Kielhofner 2004). In contrast, removing barriers to participation allows
people to engage in necessary and desired occupations, which result in improved health
(Kielhofner 2004).
Each person is seen as simultaneously fulfilling various roles that require them to
perform a diversity of activities in a range of environments. Activities range from per-
sonal care and household activities to work, leisure, and social participation. People
have personal preferences, interests, and expectations that influence their choice of
activities and the way they undertake activities. Activities are invariably performed in
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