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Delaware Assistive Technology Initiative

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Vol. 2, No. 1, Jan/Feb 1994

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More on the Role of Team Members in Identifying Appropriate Technology for Individuals with Disabilities

Richard Lytton, M.A., CCC-SP Coordinator, Augmentative Communication & Technology Clinic, A.I. duPont Institute, Wilmington, DE

The September/October 1993 issue of The AT Messenger contained an excellent discussion of the professionals who might be involved in the evaluation and recommendation of assistive technology for people with disabilities. The discussion focused on the need to identify the skills and needs of an individual before selecting a device or system and described some professionals who contribute expertise about a person's physical functioning (occupational therapists, physical therapists), cognitive and language functioning (psychologists, special educators, speech-language pathologists), sensory functioning (audiologists, optometrists, ophthalmologists) and environmental supports and needs (social workers, vocational counselors). Rehabilitation engineers and manufacturers/distributors were also included as professionals who have much technical and equipment information to add to the process. The expertise of these people is an important supplement to the critical role of the consumer and his/her family in the assistive technology evaluation and recommendation process.

Physicians also should be included as important members of assistive technology teams. Many users of assistive technology have ongoing medical conditions that can influence their ability to benefit from their technology. These include conditions such as seizures, respiratory conditions, allergies or degenerative diseases. Some people, especially developing children and individuals with acquired disabilities, are in dynamic situations that necessitate periodic re-evaluation and monitoring to assure that technological aids meet the user's needs over time.

It is also important that the input of the various "experts" be coordinated and synthesized. Without such case management, a consumer, a parent, a treating therapist or teacher, or a funding agency may be confused by the different perspectives of different professionals. While parents or other family members can be the best "case manager" and advocate, this role may fall to a social worker, counselor or therapist. Often a physician is the most appropriate manager of the many components of a person's comprehensive care. This role may be assumed by a primary care physician (pediatrician, internist, family doctor, etc.) or by a specialist. For instance, physiatrists are specialists in rehabilitation medicine and are experienced in tying together a person's medical, therapeutic and social needs. Finally, and significantly, a physician must prescribe assistive technology (or "durable medical equipment") when health insurance funding is being sought. It can be helpful to involve this member of the team early in the process and not just when it comes time to apply to the insurance company or Medicaid.

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