The process of matching a person who has a disability with the most appropriate assistive technology requires a series of assessments, typically administered by multidisciplinary teams at specialized centers for technical aid. Assistive Technology Assessment Handbook fills the need for a reference that helps assistive technology experts perform assessments that more effectively connect the person and the technology. Emphasizing the well-being of the individual with a disability, the book proposes an ideal model of the assistive technology assessment process and outlines how this model can be applied in practice internationally. Organized into three parts, the handbook: Gives readers a toolkit for performing assessments Describes the roles of the assessment team members, among them the new profession of the psychotechnologist, who is skilled in understanding individuals and their psychosocial and technological needs and preferences Reviews cutting-edge technologies for rehabilitation and independent living, including brain-computer interfaces and microswitches The book synthesizes information scattered throughout the international literature, focusing on aspects that are particularly representative or innovative. It also addresses the challenges posed by the variety of health and social care systems and the different ways that individuals who need aid are defined-are they users, patients, clients, or consumers, and how does that affect the assessment? Edited by Stefano Federici and Marcia J. Scherer, internationally renowned leaders in the field of assistive technology assessment, this cross-cultural handbook includes contributions from leading experts across five continents. Guiding readers in matching the person and the appropriate assistive technology, it offers a framework for future practice and research. Listen to Stefano Federici talk about the handbook.

Assistive Technology Assessment Handbook, Second Edition, proposes an international ideal model for the assistive technology assessment process, outlining how this model can be applied in practice to re-conceptualize the phases of an assistive technology delivery system according to the biopsychosocial model of disability. The model provides reference guidelines for evidence-based practice, guiding both public and private centers that wish to compare, evaluate, and improve their ability to match a person with the correct technology model. This second edition also offers a contribution to the Global Cooperation on Assistive Technology (GATE) initiative, whose activities are strongly focused on the assistive products service delivery model. Organized into three parts, the handbook: gives readers a toolkit for performing assessments; describes the roles of the assessment team members, among them the new profession of psychotechnologist; and reviews technologies for rehabilitation and independent living, including brain-computer interfaces, exoskeletons, and technologies for music therapy. Edited by Stefano Federici and Marcia J. Scherer, this cross-cultural handbook includes contributions from leading experts across five continents, offering a framework for future practice and research.

The process of matching a person who has a disability with the most appropriate assistive technology requires a series of assessments, typically administered by multidisciplinary teams at specialized centers for technical aid. Assistive Technology Assessment Handbook fills the need for a reference that helps assistive technology experts perform assessments that more effectively connect the person and the technology. Emphasizing the well-being of the individual with a disability, the book proposes an ideal model of the assistive technology assessment process and outlines how this model can be applied in practice internationally. Organized into three parts, the handbook: Gives readers a toolkit for performing assessments Describes the roles of the assessment team members, among them the new profession of the psychotechnologist, who is skilled in understanding individuals and their psychosocial and technological needs and preferences Reviews cutting-edge technologies for rehabilitation and independent living, including brain-computer interfaces and microswitches The book synthesizes information scattered throughout the international literature, focusing on aspects that are particularly representative or innovative. It also addresses the challenges posed by the variety of health and social care systems and the different ways that individuals who need aid are defined-are they users, patients, clients, or consumers, and how does that affect the assessment? Edited by Stefano Federici and Marcia J. Scherer, internationally renowned leaders in the field of assistive technology assessment, this cross-cultural handbook includes contributions from leading experts across five continents. Guiding readers in matching the person and the appropriate assistive technology, it offers a framework for future practice and research. Listen to Stefano Federici talk about the handbook.

This book examines the role of everyday technology throughout the life cycle in order to demonstrate the wide acceptance and impact of everyday technology and how it is facilitating both practitioners and patients in contemporary practices. In response, then, this text speaks to a number of audiences. Students writing for undergraduate and postgraduate dissertations/proposals will find the array of works insightful, supported with a vast number of references signposting to key texts. For academics, practitioners and prospective researchers this text offers key empirical and methodological insight that can help focus and uncover originality in their own field. We anticipate that readers will find the collection of empirical examples useful for informing their own work, but also, it attempts to ignite new discussions and arguments regarding the application and use of everyday technology for enhancing health internationally. Explores the multifaceted use and application of each 'everyday technology' that impact on diagnosis, treatment and management of individuals. Examines an array of everyday technologies and how these that can either enhance and/or hinder patient/service user outcomes i.e. handheld devices, computer workstations, gamification and artificial intelligence. Discusses technologies that are intended to facilitate patient diagnosis, practitioner-patient relations, within an array of health contexts. Provides readers with an overview with future direction of everyday technologies and its limitations.

Defining the role of a job coach, this book sets out EU-wide training standards for helping people with disabilities gain and maintain meaningful employment. The book includes the perspectives of both people with disabilities and their job coaches, offering first-hand experience of the specific issues faced by those who want to enter the competitive open jobs market. It describes how to provide bespoke support for people with an intellectual disability, physical disability, as well as for autistic people and individuals with mental health conditions. Guidance on functional assessment, task analysis, collaborating with employers and training for new and student job coaches is also included.

The first book of its kind, this text outlines and defines the process for selecting, integrating, and utilizing assistive technology in the work environment. Each stage of the process is examined in depth, and effective strategies are presented to help overcome the barriers likely to be encountered at each stage. The book also provides insight into the client's experience by drawing on research that explores the experiences of people using assistive technology in the workplace and the issues they face in acquiring and using their technology in the work environment. Results from the Assistive Technology User Study are explained - an extensive and unique research project undertaken by the authors that examines the experiences of AT users in the workplace, the barriers they experience, and the support strategies they use to function in the work environment. AT user quotes and anecdotes bring immediacy to obstacles faced in the workplace. Vignettes and case studies throughout the text encourage students to apply principles to real-life situations. Appendices include listings for various professional organizations, funding, listservs, and research resources, as well as lists of questions therapists and clients should ask in various situations. Material progresses in a logical manner, examining each facet of workplace AT beyond its theory and evaluation. Consumer/client-centered focus takes the client's needs into account, featuring anecdotes from the users interviewed in the AT User Study. Employer concerns are addressed, using anecdotes to illustrate issues from the employer's perspective - an essential factor to consider when selecting appropriate technology.

""Assistive Technologies and Other Support for People with Brain Impairment," by Marcia J. Scherer, is a must-have text for academic instructors and their students. The author's synopsis of brain impairment, current rehabilitation strategies, available assistive technologies and resources, as well as the practical merging of the above, makes this an invaluable addition to any academic program in cognitive rehabilitation....The author's inclusion of a section regarding current funding options makes this text truly invaluable and a leader amongst its contemporaries."--Brain Injury

"This book is an extensive and impressive overview, not only of current research in assistive technology (AT), but also of its relationship to cognitive dysfunction, and of the experiences that people with cognitive disabilities present from birth or due to acquired brain injury.... It] will be valuable not only for healthcare professionals, but also as a knowledge base for users, families, and carers."--Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine

"Marcia Scherer's book is timely, ambitiously thorough, and provides a framework for understanding complex needs and their rehabilitation..."Assistive Technologies and Other Supports for People with Brain Impairment" is, to my mind, the first book of sufficient depth, theoretical clarity and usefulness to be considerable as a textbook of this exciting field."--Neuropsychological Rehabilitation

"Dr. Scherer provides a comprehensive and well-integrated examination of disabilities associated with brain impairment and how to approach the use of adaptive technologies."--Journal of Technology in Human Services

" This book] gives a clear and detailed overview of how the brain reacts to impairment and gives illustrated examples of effective integration of AT into the lives of people with cognitive disability. The resources referred to are primarily American but the principles are universal."--The Newsletter of the Australian Rehabilitation and Assistive Technology Association

"The author's strong and diverse experience in clinical, research and technology has resulted in an important guide for practitioners, families, caregivers and persons with disability who are seeking assistive technology supports."--Brain Injury Professional

"Despite fast-paced changes in both consumer technology and medical assistive technology, the book is up-to-date, incorporating discussion of the latest devices and approaches. The writing is clear and the book is well-organized, with a substantial number of comprehensive tables and charts that make this a valuable reference work."--Cognitive and Behavioral Neurology

Integrating current research with the experiences of people with cognitive disabilities, this volume examines how assistive and cognitive support technologies are being harnessed to provide assistance for thinking, remembering, and learning. The book vividly describes real-life situations in which cognitively impaired individuals use assistive supports and the advantages and limitations these individuals perceive from their use. It provides information on how cognitively impaired individuals and their families and caregivers can select the most appropriate technologies from a wide array of accommodations and resources, including individualized protocols of different forms of support to facilitate optimal functioning.

The text offers practitioners a comprehensive and systematic process for ensuring their clients' effective application and utilization of this technology. This book will also provide insight for users of assistive technology and their families and caregivers to ensure optimal technology use. Key Features:

Outlines an effective process for integrating assistive technologies into the activities and lifestyle of users with cognitive disabilities Explains how to match individuals with the most appropriate devices to enhance independent functioning Provides a detailed overview of neurological and physical characteristics of various cognitive disabilities present at birth or acquired through accident, illness, or aging Includes figures, checklists, assessment tools, and illustrations throughout the text for enhanced learning