The process of providing Assistive technology (AT) to clients is complicated, with many factors being taken into consideration when providing AT.  This process requires a medical professional (occupational therapist, assistive technology practitioner, rehabilitation engineers, vendor, or funder) to provide a justification that a physical deficit is present and that a medical necessity exists that justifies the need for AT.  An issue identified by consumers regarding AT provision is Abandonment.

Occupational therapists help people “engage in everyday activities or occupations that they want and need to do in a manner that supports health and participation” (AOTA, 2008, p. 626).  People with SCI living in the community often need assistance with occupations such as activities of daily living and instrumental activities of daily living, assistive technology and home modifications (Hammel et al., 2002).  Occupational therapists are the leading professionals in the inpatient rehabilitation setting who prescribe AT (Rigby, Ryan, & Campbell, 2011; Steggles, 2005). “OT services directly assist individuals with disabilities in the selection, acquisition and use of an assistive technology device”(Mann & Lane, 1995).

Most often, professionals view the primary role of AT as restoring functional independence to individuals with disabilities.  They tend to see their role as assessing the individual for AT needs and preferences, ordering and training individuals on AT use, and adapting AT (Scherer, 2010).

To identify problems with AT provision by therapists and to develop an educational/informational tool that enhances occupational therapists’ ability to adequately identify, recommend, and trial AT for people with SCI.

A survey was used to collect information from speech language pathologists, physical therapists, and occupational therapists.  Respondents reported issues associated with the current AT provision process, reported decreased confidence levels with high tech AT, highlighted a need for increased education and training with AT, and provided feedback on the preferred medium  for information decimation.

A majority of respondents in the study reported that they preferred using a tool in the form of a mobile application or website.  This led to the creation of this tool called the Assistive technology prescription tool for Occupational therapy (ATPT-OT) in a website format.

The site is designed to help occupational therapists with selecting and trailing AT during the assessment stage of AT provision for clients with SCI.  Additionally, a resource section has been added to help therapists find local, state, and national sources of support in AT provision and a link to the tool's Facebook page, where users can speak with other therapists and AT specialists.

I am Ikechukwu Igbo and I am an occupational therapist who completed my clinical doctorate degree from NOVA Southeastern University.  I have been a therapist for 7 years and have work experience in acute care, inpatient facilities, and home health with primarily adults with intellectual disabilities, neurological impairments, and orthopedic issues.  I am interested in the promotion of occupational therapy and in advocating for occupational justice globally especially in developing countries.