It is an umbrella term that refers to all of the pieces of equipment that enable people to do all of the things they that need and want to do. Assistive technology (AT) is everywhere nowadays, and many people have used some form of AT throughout their life, even if they haven’t realised it at the time! Assistive technologies even include functions like ‘Hey Siri’ on Apple smartphones. The scope of AT has evolved drastically with technology, especially over the last decade to make it more accessible, cost effective and mainstream than ever before.

Assistive technology can sound high tech and complicated, but it is actually an interchangeable term with assistive devices! There are low tech and high tech AT equipment options. High tech options of AT can include things like a laptop, a powered wheelchair or communication devices. Low tech options can include a shoehorn (to help put shoes on), or even a footstool. The world of assistive technology is ever-growing and changing and there are thousands of pieces of equipment that will fit under each category.

(discussed with Speechie Emma in Episode 8: All About AAC) fits within the overarching term of assistive technology, but is specific to supporting communication. AAC also has a range of options to choose from in high- and low-tech categories – from iPads to printed or hand drawn pictures.
 
Speech and Language Therapists, and Occupational Therapists are very well positioned to work with children and their family to find the device or method that best suits the specific needs of each child. There is definitely a device that will work best in each individual case because all children learn and communicate differently.
 
OTs have lots of expertise and skills in looking holistically at a child as well as at the physical abilities, cognitive abilities, processing perceptual abilities, vision differences, hearing differences, visual perception difficulties, fine motor control, hand dominance.  OTs and speech therapists can come together for amazing outcomes especially when looking at assistive technology for each individual.
 
A lot of AT recommendations, requests and prescriptions stems from a need within the educational environment for learning in school, but there is more that AT is capable when it escapes from the classroom.
 
During her honours study, Louise researched the lived experiences of those with AT devices, in and out of the classroom. Often technology is prescribed for a particular reason, but when we look into how AT is actually utilised, we see that it always extends beyond just the reason for prescription. A student had been given a laptop to do his homework with, but it was also used to play video games, watch Netflix, engage in online socialising and even to book travel plans. The laptop meant so much more to the student than just a device for doing homework on.
 
Kids are so much more than students, and their lives continue when they leave the school building and AT has the potential to positively impact all aspects of their lives. Having access to technology provides people with disabilities opportunities to use their technology functionally for tasks and activities that go far beyond which it was prescribed for.
 
ATs work to enable those who they are prescribed for to keep up with their peers and engage in the day-to-day activities that are typical of their developmental stage.
 
Technology is often required in day-to-day life, and it is ever expanding and growing. Because kids have access to technology from a young age mean they can develop other life skills and competencies, especially with communication.
 
Early intervention is the key to create better long-term outcomes, the sooner we give people a wide range of supports, and trial things early on to work out what does work, and not waiting until things become more complicated.
 
Overtime there has been a shift in the users of AT: older participants found that using AT highlighted their differences but now it helps them fit in.
 
AT plays a central role in determining all of the individual’s identities. They felt that it was formative in terms of their personality and their ability to cope. AT levelled the playing field and gave them the ability to feel more involved, complete tasks and keep up with their peers.
 
Technology is becoming more accessible and usable it presents less barriers to people with disabilities. Even mainstream technology is just as good as the specialised devices, and therefore there is not as much of a need to pursue specific assistive technology. OTs are so perfectly positioned to support kids to find assistive technology that suits their needs, both in the classroom and out enabling them to thrive.
 
OT is an ever-evolving profession that focuses on problem solving and getting individuals to achieve whatever is meaningful for them. For most people, technology makes things easier, but for people with disabilities, technology makes things possible.

To find out more, contact our Speechies and OTs at Spot Therapy Hub on spottherapyhub@gmail.com or 9389 3322. Also listen to us talk about other fascinating topics on our other episodes of The Spot Therapy Hub Podcast and our blogs on the www.spottherapyhub.com.au website.