the wonderful world of assistive technology...symbol-based resources • software for interactive...

DLF Training | Professional Development

Our Services – For Public

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The Wonderful World of

Assistive Technology

Melanie Poyser

The Disabled Living Foundation



www.dlf.org.uk

Who are the Disabled Living Foundation?

Equipping service users and professionals with the right tools to make informed decisions about

what care can look like.



www.dlf.org.uk

Who are DLF?

Founded in 1969

Focus on providing information, advice

and training on independent living

Involved the development of the

Trusted Assessor framework over 15

years ago.



www.dlf.org.uk

• 1.1 Million entrances in 2017• 10,000 + products from 950+ manufacturers

and suppliers • Advice and Factsheets

• Guided advice tool • 3,000 reports

produced every month

• Forum• 900,000 sessions• 18,000 posts 2017

www.youreable.com• Helpline • 7500 calls per year • 0300 999 0004



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All the examples of equipment and software used in the presentation are to demonstrate

examples of available types of products on the market. DLF are unbiased and it is essential that

you consult a professional or investigate all products thoroughly before you use or

purchase.



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What is Assistive Technology?

• It isn’t just about electronic devices and computers

“any item, piece of equipment, or product system, whether acquired commercially, modified, or

customized, that is used to increase, maintain, or improve functional capabilities of individuals with

disabilities.”Assistive Technology Act. United States Congress (2004) and acknowledged by the World Health Organization (WHO)



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What is Assistive Technology?• It doesn’t have to be

expensive

• It doesn’t have to be a complex piece of equipment

• It shouldn’t be difficult to use

• Simple solution to a complex problem



It has to be the right fit!



What is Assistive Technology?• People with a disability often have problems

with activities of daily living.


Categories of Assistive Technology• Aids for Daily Living (ADL)• Environmental Controls

(EC)• Mobility• Seating and Positioning• Communication Aids

(Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC))Computer Access

• Blindness and Visual Impairment (VI)

• Deafness and Hearing Impairment (HI)

• Telecare• Cognition and Learning

Disabilities• Recreation and Leisure• Prosthetics and Orthotics• Vehicle Modifications• Architecture and

Universal/Inclusive Design



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Aids for Daily Living (ADL)

• Aids for daily living are devices and aids that promote independence in activities such as cooking, eating, dressing, toileting, bathing and other daily activities in and around the home.



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Aids for Daily Living (ADL)

• .



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Environmental Controls (EC)


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• Environmental Control refers to the technology and equipment that enables people with disabilities to control home adaptations (also school and work adaptations) and electrical appliances from a single controller or computer based systems that has been configured.


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Mobility

• Any piece of equipment that helps to increase personal mobility and independence.

• Examples: Wheelchairs (manual and powered), walkers, standing frame, stair lift, mobility scooters.



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Mobility



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Computer Access



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Computer Access

Alternative keyboards,

Alternative mice, Joysticks



Computer Access

Touchscreen

Reading pen

• Screen Magnifier



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Computer Access

Software Software to support communication and produce communication and symbol-based resources

• Software for interactive activities specially created to teach early eye gaze access and develop choice making skills

• Apps available for both iphone and android to help with lifeskills .



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Telecare

• Telecare involves the use of personal and environmental sensors in the home to enable an individual to remain safe and independent. The equipment provides continuous, automatic, and/or remote monitoring of care needs and either triggers human response or shuts down equipment to prevent hazards.



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A.T in practice

• Sam is 20

• She has Downs Syndrome

• She would like to learn to use her computer and ipad

• Poor hand eye co-ordination

• She has attended courses but she still has trouble using equipment



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A.T in practice



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A.T in practice

• Pauline was having problems with her tap.

• The plumber had changed the washer

• Tap kept dripping



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Who can assess me?

Young person

Health

Family

Social care

housing

Care agencies

Voluntary sector



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What does an Occupational Therapist do?

• “Occupational therapy provides practical support to empower people to facilitate

recovery and overcome barriers preventing them from doing the activities (or

occupations) that matter to them. This support increases people's independence

and satisfaction in all aspects of life.”

- Royal College of Occupational Therapists



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Occupational Therapy and Learning disabilities

• Work with individuals, families and support workers to understand the importance of taking part in everyday activities

• Help to get involved in activities around the home, such as cooking

• Help people to live independently• Encourage use of public transport to access community

facilities• Support people into mainstream voluntary work or

employment• Support people to develop parenting skills



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Occupational Therapy and physical disabilities

• Enabling clients to function at an optimal level, despite barriers

• How activities which the person needs or wants to do can be modified or adapted to make them easier

• How clients feel about themselves and their ability to tackle problems

• How the physical and social environment can be altered so that restrictions are reduced



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How can I make more of an informed decision?

Disabled Living Foundation | Solutions for Independent Living

https://www.dlf.org.uk/



www.dlf.org.uk

• 0-19 Years old

• Helpline - 0800 902 0095

• Equipment Grants –• Newlife provides funding for essential community equipment, such as beds, buggies, wheelchairs,

seating systems, and much more. The applications forms are available on our website, but we do encourage families to call us before making an application.

• Emergency Equipment Loans –• We have a suite of specialist equipment, predominantly beds and buggy’s that we can loan to

families, typically for around 6 months to meet an immediate safety need or to children with life limiting or terminal conditions.


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• A national charity that works through local groups of skilled volunteers.

• Helping disabled people achieve independence and a better quality of life by designing and making equipment for their individual needs.

• Tailor made equipment helps people to carry out essential daily tasks without having to ask for help, or helps them take part in leisure occupations or sports that would otherwise be impossible.



www.dlf.org.uk

• https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p04jylxl

https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p04jylxl



www.dlf.org.uk

Melanie PoyserBusiness Development Officer

DLF020 7289 611107967 707 656

• New Life • 0800 902 0095 • newlifecharity.co.uk

• Remap• 01732 760209• www.remap.org.uk

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