Summary of Living in a State of Stuck Chapter 8

Marcia Scherer has provided a detailed report on the Dilemmas, Challenges, and Opportunities that continue to be seen in the area of assistive technology, in chapter 8 of her book Living in the State of Stuck Version 4 . I enjoyed reading this chapter tremendously. It gave me a much better idea of how the technology is distributed to the individual in the best practice.

Her main thesis of the Chapter is that AT must be matched to the individual and that the process must be a person-centered focus. People abandon technology that does not work for them. The money is waisted if it is not appropriate for the individual. But more importantly it can lead to a loss of independence or injury.

She points out causes for why the device may be obsolete to the user such as lack of motivation or lack of access. 

"Most of these issues can be addressed appropriately in a comprehensive evaluation and selection process that considers the person's ongoing needs, takes a long-term view of an individual's assistive device use, and is, first and foremost, focused on the user's interests, needs, readiness, and capabilities." (Scherer)

She goes on to discuss the MPT model for matching person to technology.

the Milieu is the environment where the technology will be used. She emphasizes the importance of trial periods. If users do not have the opportunity to use their skills then they are less likely to use the device. The individual's culture and social support must also be taken into consideration.

The Person is obviously important when finding the right technology for the individual. They must be comfortable physically and mentally with the technology. It must be cognitively appropriate for the individual. The personality and temperament must also be considered. How a disability can change over time must be regarded when technology is being determined for the individual.

And finally the Technology must be looked at closely when matching an individual to it. Scherer points out that design factors, service deliverery, funding and cost effectiveness must all be considered.

Following the MPT model will help the individual receive the most appropriate technology. 

The chapter was well written and easy to understand. It did spark some questions for me which I will add to my blog in the next post.