This text provides a strong framework on which to base assistive technology practice and specific information regarding assistive devices currently available. The purpose is to provide a framework for assistive technology application that is both broad in scope and specific in content. The authors achieve this by incorporating information from the wide range of assistive technology services that are available (occupational therapists, speech/language pathologists, rehabilitation engineers, physical therapists, special educators, and vocational rehabilitation counselors) and using this information to present a comprehensive overview of assistive technology. Specifics are addressed by breaking down the field of assistive technology into discrete areas (i.e., seating and positioning, augmentative communication, control interfaces) and then discussing relevant topics in each of these areas. This book is specifically targeted to undergraduate and graduate university students as well as practitioners with limited experience in assistive technology. With its broad scope, this book also offers the more experienced assistive technology practitioner a different perspective on familiar material. The organization of the text is clear and easy to understand. The beginning of each chapter includes very clear chapter outlines and learning objectives. Illustrations and charts are very helpful in clarifying information presented in the narrative. There are numerous references to products that provide the reader with the resources necessary to gather further information. This is a very thorough text, providing the reader with a comprehensive background for practice in assistive technology as well asproviding specific examples of technology that are available to address a variety of consumer needs. Both students and practitioners will gain knowledge and insight from this text. It is undeniably a greatly needed resource in the field of assistive technology.
Reviewer: Mary Isaacson, EdD, OTR/L, FAOTA, ATP (University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center)
Description: This fifth edition is the "go-to" book for assistive technology overview, assessment, and service provision. As in the fourth edition, which was published in 2015, the Human Activity Assistive Technology (HAAT) model, developed by two of the authors, provides a framework and structure for the book. Through this framework, the authors introduce readers to the wide range of assistive technology devices, services, and practices. The HAAT framework focuses on the relationship of the person using the technology, the assistive technology, and the activity impacted by the technology, all within the environmental context.
Purpose: The field of assistive technology is changing. This book supports students in the fields of rehabilitation and engineering. It provides an introductory yet comprehensive approach for evaluating and accessing assistive technology. In addition, it provides practitioners and service providers with evidence-based knowledge about assistive technology that is useful for immediate application in practice. This practical yet comprehensive book lays the foundation for assistive technology.
Audience: The primary audience is students in the field of rehabilitation; it is written in such a way that it is helpful for students in occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech language pathology, and rehabilitation engineering. The book provides a comprehensive and holistic approach to assistive technology assessment and service provision. In addition, clinicians who have an interest in specializing in the field of assistive technology or are seeking specialty certification will find this book helpful in practice and while studying for certification exams. Technology users may find it a helpful guide as well. The authors offer a nice diversity representing the fields of communication sciences and occupational therapy. This new edition introduces a third author with a background in robotics who explores the use of assistive technology globally.
Features: In this newest version of the book, the authors first explore major influences and modifications in the field. In addition to an increased emphasis of robotics and the impact of assistive technology at a global level, mainstream technology has made a positive impact on the accessibility of technology for all users. As mainstream technology, including the variety and numbers of phone and tablet applications, continues to grow exponentially, this book provides foundational knowledge for exploring these technologies. The book continues to use the HAAT model, presenting this foundation early on and thus providing a framework. The HAAT model is introduced in chapter 1 and expanded on throughout chapters 2 and 3. Chapter 4 delves into technology from a global perspective and chapter 5 takes a solid look at ethical issues in the field. Chapters 6 and 7 focus on the client and service delivery, chapter 8 examines control interfaces, and chapter 9 focuses on input accessibility and mainstream technologies. The last eight chapters explore specific technologies ranging from technologies for seating to technologies that assist with cognitive impairments. All chapters are comprehensive, with the addition of supplemental charts, pictures, and drawings to support the learning process.
Assessment: This comprehensive book continues to lead the field of assistive technology. The authors have published an updated edition approximately every five years, which is reasonable considering the ever-changing nature of the field. This book comes with the highest of recommendations and will be perfect for a faculty member deciding on a book to utilize with students, a clinician practicing in the field of assistive technology, a rehabilitation engineer in search of a guidebook, or a person with a disability exploring ways to enhance his/her own knowledge about the technology they use every day.
