small changesBIG DIFFERENCES

Aimee Sterk, MSW

Michigan Disability Rights Coalition

aimee@prosynergy.org

(616) 797-9769

Welcome & Introductions

Name Organization Why did you decide to come today? How does your life or job intersect with

Assistive Technology?

What is Assistive Technology (AT)?

Assistive Technology or AT is any item, product, system, or equipment that improves life for people with disabilities.

Most AT is low-tech.

Accessing AT--Evaluation

Steps Identify what you want to do or need to do (goals) Recognize strengths/weaknesses Know your environment

When and where you need AT Know your resources

Economic, community Research

Talk to others with similar needs Access OTs and other healthcare professionals Choose devices you will actually use

General Rules for AT

Use the simplest device or approach Use the cheapest device that works Always try it out to make sure it fits Include warranties, training, and

maintenance in your consideration

What are the benefits of AT? Verbrugge Study (1997) American Journal of Public Health

Surveyed people with disabilities of all ages Younger people were more like to access AT AT is the most effective strategy for reducing and resolving

limitations of disabilities AT is more efficacious than personal assistance for reducing

disability For the bulk of people with health and age-related disabilities,

low-tech equipment is sufficient People that used more devices were more independent People owned an average of 14 devices and used 11 There isn’t a need to invent more devices, just a need to make

them more widely available, known of, and more appealing to use

Effectiveness of AT Mann Study (1999) Archives of Family Medicine In a randomized controlled trial, half of subjects

received assistance from OTs who performed home environmental and AT assessments and intervention. The other half received supports as usual.

Decline can be slowed with AT intervention (compared to standard supports)

Institutional costs can be reduced Increased use of AT is related to greater

functional independence

Mann Study (1999) Interventions A majority of intervention devices addressed

motor impairment and of these, devices for bathing and meal preparation were the most often used

Other frequently used devices addressed dressing, leisure, and use of the telephone.

Researchers propose that the decrease in institutional (hospital) costs was related to falls and falls accounted for 4 hospitalizations in the treatment group and 11 hospitalizations in the control group.

Prevention of Falls in the Elderly

Ellis Study (1999) Lancet Post fall referrals to medical and OT assessment

for treatment group The risk of falling was significantly reduced

in the intervention group The odds of admission to the hospital were

significantly reduced in the intervention group

Functional decline was reduced in the intervention group

What type of AT was used for these study participants? Vibration devices to wake

people up Motion detecting lights to

prevent falls Assistive listening devices for

conversation and TV Bath transfer benches

(bathrooms have the most falls and injuries)

Toilet & tub bars Meal preparation tools

Walkers with wheels, baskets, seats, and brakes

Bed assists (help sit up) Ramps and temp. ramps Photophones Pill dispensers

Over 28% of hospital admissions for 65+ is due to med errors/problems

Talking watches w/reminders Jar openers Dressing aides Eating aides

Some Caveats

We can’t show you every type of device because:We don’t want to carry that much stuff,

especially the big stuffSome devices really do need evaluationsWe are trying to show some innovative and

useful devices to get you thinking… and hopefully doing additional research

Group Presentations

Divide into 6 groups Present the items in your bags to the rest

of the groupWhat are the devices?

Some are tricky, take a guess and we’ll tell you the ones you do not know

Would people you work with find them useful?

Kitchen-related AT

What other Kitchen-related devices have you helped people access?Any brainstorming needs/difficult situations?

Waking & Grooming AT

What other Waking & Grooming AT devices have you helped people access?

Any brainstorming needs?

Environmental Control AT

What other Environmental Control devices have you helped people access?Any brainstorming needs?

Mobility AT

What other Mobility AT devices have you helped people access?Any brainstorming needs?

Memory/Wandering/Safety

What other Memory/Wandering/Safety AT devices have you helped people access?Any brainstorming needs?

AT for Recreation

What other Recreation AT have you helped people access?Any brainstorming needs?

Where to buy the AT you saw today: Two main providers (discounts available)

Active & Able www.activeandable.comDynamic Living www.dynamic-living.com

www.amazon.com or Home Depot (motion-activated light)

Bed Bath, and Beyond www.alzstore.com

Resources

Access to information about AT and AT devices can slow decline, increase functional independence, and decrease hospitalization stays and costs

Resources: www.abledata.com http://assistivetech.net www.copower.org OTs, PTs, Rehab Engineers and other experts on AT

What am I going to do

with that used device?

I sure do need a new

device…

AT Xchange

www.atxchange.org A free way for people with disabilities to access used AT.

Michigan Assistive Technology Loan Fund Low-interest loan program for people with disabilities,

seniors, and their family members Use your loan to buy AT

modified vehicles, ramps, scooters, hearing aids, computers, or other equipment, which will help you navigate your daily life

You may borrow up to $30,000, flexible loan terms Make monthly loan payments back to the credit union Visit www.michiganloanfunds.org or call 1.800.828.2714

Whew!