Biomedical Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
11.2 Overview of Interventions Used by Occupational
Therapists and the Place of AT within These
Activities are generally undertaken using a combination of strategies, tools, and social and
physical supports in the environment (Dunn et al. 1994; Enders and Leech 1996). When
engaging in any given activity, an individual uses a unique blend of these resources. Litvak
and Enders (2001) described this support system for human accomplishment and similarly
the function of people with disabilities as being variously supported by adaptive strategies
(AS), assistive devices (AD) (tools), and personal assistance (PAS) or social support (see
Fig u r e 11.1).
Therapists seek to optimize activity engagement or performance by improving the fit
between the person and their occupations and roles and pertinent environments. Working
with the unique capacities, skills, preferences, and experiences of each individual, thera-
pists examine how strategies, tools, and the social and physical environment are currently
working to support activity engagement and how they might be modified to optimize
performance. Therapists work with the client to ensure their capacities and skills have
been optimized before introducing alternative strategies or tools. For example, if a thera-
pist observes that the person is poorly positioned, he or she will examine the impact of
Cooperation
Strategies
Human
Accomplishment
To ols
AS
PA S
AS
Function
while
travelling
PA S
Function in the
community
AT
AT
AS
AS
PA S
PA S
Function
at home
Function at work
AT
AT
FIgUre 11.1
Generic support system for human accomplishment. (From Litvak, S. and Enders, A.,
Handbook of Disability
Studies
, Sage Publications, Thousand Oaks, CA, pp. 711-733, 2001.)
