The role of Assistive Technology in the Occupational Therapy

Abstract

Introduction: Assistive Technology consists a concept with great appeal and contribution to the occupation therapy
science. The categories and types of Assistive Technology can help people who face mobility, communication, speech
problems and all kinds of development difficulties.
In this context, the contribution of technology is decisive, as through the organized application of devices, technologies, software and systems, the functionality of people with disabilities is improved. The example of computer access
by people with disabilities, through which people can meet their needs for independent living in the workplace,
entertainment, communication and increase their independence and self-confidence is very important. Therefore,
Assistive Technology consists a very important tool for the occupational therapy science, as through it, the socialization of the individual is strengthened, his relationships with himself and his colleagues are improved, as well as his
relationships with the material environment. It is worth mentioning the electronic wheelchair, which is one of the
most important applications of Assistive Technology, with a significant impact on occupational therapy intervention.
Purpose: The appropriate technological environment in the occupational therapy science is particularly crucial for
the elimination of social inequalities, social exclusion and the promotion of the principles of social justice. The purpose of this study is to highlight the role and contribution of the Assistive Technology in the occupational therapy
environment against social inequalities.
Material and Method: The study was conducted through a review that included research, review articles and papers, concerning Assistive Technology at the national and international level, mainly published during the last twenty
years. The research data derive from the bibliographic review of articles in Greek and English related to the subject in
the electronic databases Med net, Google Scholar, Pubmed, Scopus with index words: “Assistive Technology”, “Occupational Therapy”, “People with Disabilities”, “Social Ιnequalities”.
Results: The selection or development of an assistive technology is identified with the adoption of a process, which
aims to meet the needs of the individual when he is involved in important activities in his daily activities. The failure
to achieve this goal increases the risk of abandonment or underuse of often expensive devices. Therefore, it is not enough for the device to enable communication, but it ought to do so, as far as possible, in the way the individual
prefers. Under these circumstances, the role of the occupational therapist is particularly important, because he places
his clinical reasoning within theoretical models and develops his therapeutic plan, through one or more practical
adapted models.
Conclusions: The restoration of a person’s ability to function independently and exercise choice and control over their
daily activities increases their productivity and satisfaction in activities of daily living. The role of Assistive Technology
is of huge importance not only for the promotion of the principles of social justice but also for its assistance towards
the science of occupational therapy.