Establishing Access to Technology: An Evaluation and Intervention Model to Increase the Participation of Children With Cerebral Palsy
By McCarty, Elizabeth; Morress, Claire; Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Clinics of North America, Vol. 20, No. 3, pp. 523-534Publication Date: August 2009
Article describes a 3-phase model of evaluation and intervention developed to maximize access to and control of assistive technology (AT) for children with cerebral palsy. The model relies on a continuous cycle of evaluation, intervention, and modification which occurs in one or more of 3 sequential phrases of skill acquisition: Phase I - exploratory use, Phase II - consistent use, and Phase III - novel use. During evaluation, emphasis is on two points: the control site, defined as the body part the child uses to activate the AT interface, such as the hand, head, or index finger; and the control interface, exemplified by a joystick, head mouse, or switch, used to control the AT device. A multidisciplinary treatment team is recommended during the evaluation process to identify the most appropriate control site and interface, determine the developmental level of the child, and select the most motivating activities for initial intervention. Key to successful technology use in Phase I is to allow the child time to explore the new technology via motivating and varied activities that do not require a special outcome. Phase II is characterized by goal-directed use of the control interface and exploratory use of the device for different ends. In Phase III, the child has gained mastery of the control site and control interface and learns to conceptualize and generalize device use across multiple settings for a variety of purposes. Future directions for further development of the model are discussed.
Published by: Elsevier Inc. (Website:http://www.elsevier.com)
Link to text: http://www.pmr.theclinics.com/article/PIIS1047965109000229
