Use of a Team-Based Approach to Assistive Technology Assessment and Planning for Children with Multiple Disabilities: A Pilot Study
By Copley, Jodie, PhD; Ziviani, Jenny, MEd, PhD; Assistive Technology, Vol. 19, No. 3, pp. 109-127Publication Date: Fall 2007
This pilot study was used to develop and evaluate a team-based assistive technology (AT) assessment and planning process for children with multiple disabilities and members of their educational teams. Fourteen students and their education teams participated in the process, which incorporated the Lifespace Access Profile (LAP) and the Lifespace Access Profile Upper Extension (LAPUE) questionnaires as AT assessment tools. The LAP and LAPUE contain 5 major sections: physical resources, cognitive resources, emotional resources, support resources, and environmental analysis. Data were collected from multiple sources including post-pilot questionnaires, pre- and post-assessment technology goals, and field notes. Analysis of the data indicated that the team-based process had a number of benefits, including development of more specific and achievable technology goals; increased knowledge, skills, and confidence of team members; more effective teamwork to assist decision-making; and better coordination of technology use between home and school.
Published by: Rehabilitation Engineering & Assistive Technology Society of North America (RESNA) (Website:http://www.resna.org)
