Review on Assistive Technology Provision

Sam Shepherd
2 days ago
3 min read

By August Pfeislticker

Introduction

Assistive Technology (AT) resources are used widely to supplement individuals hindered by Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD), emphasizing their independence in decision-making and freedom to navigate life. These resources are administered through a provisionary process in which prospective AT is carefully selected to meet the individual’s needs and ensures they are getting the highest benefit of their equipment. This process has been streamlined by the World Health Organization (WHO) into a four-step process— selection, fit, use, and follow-up [1].

Precursors to AT Selection

Before AT solutions can even be proposed, factors including initiation between health care providers and delivery systems as well as funding allocation and authorization of technology must be met before assessing the user and selecting an AT product. Highlighted by the Horizontal European Activities in Rehabilitation Technology (HEART) study, initiation and authorization are key factors earlier on in the AT provision process [2].

Individuals may be referred for AT services from a variety of sources, including but not limited to healthcare providers, employers, teachers, or even self referrals, of which then an initial screening is employed to:

1. Determine if AT is a potential solution.

2. Permit guidance to a professional AT organization for a personal assessment.

Authorization includes formal documentation or prescription on why the specific AT is medically needed for the individual and its intended use. It is then reviewed by the individual’s insurance provider, determining if the request is authorized.

Selection

When formulating an AT solution, the user’s abilities, intended uses, and location must be assessed before selecting a resource. Identifying current restrictions in the user’s day-to-day life, occupations or activities they participate in, and where they are located is a good place to start [3]. By first assessing the user’s background, personalized info can then be used in selecting potential AT for the user.

Fit

Upon selection of an AT resource, the user and administrator work together in ensuring that the equipment can be comfortably used as intended [3]. Acknowledging that in many cases AT resources do not come in a “one-size fits all” solution-type, revision and moderation may be made as needed for user compatibility.

Use

After the user has received their equipment, necessary training and teaching resources are employed to ensure it’s being used correctly and to its fullest ability [3]. Similar to physical therapy procedures, proper demonstration of movements and repeated fixtures on uses are important to establish so equipment does not become misused or abandoned.

Follow-up

At any point in which the user feels that its equipment fails to meet its needs, they, or their representative, should meet with their service provider to further consult the best plan of action going forward. Follow-up procedures are issued to check and moderate the AT as the user’s needs evolve and change over time [3]. Effective follow-up processes ensure the AT resource remains valuable and in-use to the user, avoiding device abandonment.

AT Provision Challenges and their Solutions

Even with processes in place, AT provision systems lack standardized assessment and provision guidelines, generating inconsistency in services like screening and documentation referrals resulting in poor client outcomes. Increasing service costs and restrictive payment systems abuse financial barriers and require individuals to seek external funding sources [4]. Continued policy efforts in increasing AT awareness and accessibility are needed for strengthened provision of AT [5]. Current solutions aim toward increasing alternative funding programs with more advantageous loans, grants, and awards, ultimately reducing the financial barriers associated with AT and limiting financial burden [6].

Conclusion

The provision of AT is complex and fragmented, differing case by case. This multi-faceted process takes on many steps to ensure proper AT is employed to meet its user’s needs and for however long it is needed. Despite evident challenges in funding and inconsistency between providers, by embracing these solutions and advocating for policy changes, we can help ensure that AT provision is not just a process, but a reliable pathway to a more inclusive and independent life for all.

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