The document discusses electronic assistive technology (EAT) provided by the Adult Communication and Assistive Technology Service. The service provides assessments and interventions to help clients communicate and access computers using EAT. This includes environmental controls, communication aids, computer accessibility devices, specialized wheelchair controls, and integrated systems that combine technologies. A successful EAT intervention requires an assessment of the client's needs and abilities, matching them with the appropriate technology, support during learning, and consideration of physical, cognitive, and environmental factors.

1. Electronic Assistive Technology (EAT)
Ladan Najafi, Clinical Scientist
Head of Adult Communication and
Assistive Technology (ACAT) Service
East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust
Sep 2014
Sep 2014

2. Overview of the session
Introduction of our guest service user
The ACAT Service
Electronic Assistive Technology
Assessment factors
Successful intervention

3. ACAT Service
Provides a service for adults with disability:
To enable them to communicate
To enable them to access their computer
We also support and train clients, carers, families and local therapists in relation to EAT
In collaboration with other services we get involved with:
Mobility – specialist controls
Integrated Systems

4. The Multidisciplinary Team
Clinical Scientist
Speech and Language Therapist
Occupational Therapist
Clinical Technologist
Therapy Assistant Practitioner
Secretary

5. Assistive Technology
Assistive Technology (AT) is any product or service designed to enable independence for disabled and older people.
Ref: User group consultation at the King's Fund, 2001, facilitated by Foundation for Assistive Technology (FAST)

6. Electronic Assistive Technology (EAT)
Environmental Control Systems
Communication Aids
Computer Accessibility Devices
Specialised Wheelchair Controls
Integrated Systems

7. Environmental Control

8. Communication Aids

9. Computer Accessibility Devices

10. Specialised Wheelchair Control

11. Integrated Systems
Combining systems (Example)

12. Selection Method
Direct: user is able to directly select their choice using hands, eye pointing, mouse
Indirect: user has to take intermediary steps to make their selection. The most common method is scanning

13. Input Devices

14. Assessment Factors
Current and future functional requirements
Current and previous equipment usage
Communication skills
Personal factors
Environmental factors
Sensory/perceptual ability
Cognitive ability
Physical skills

15. Assessment for AT
The assessment for AT is a complex process requiring not only an understanding of the individual but also of the technology to be used and the context it is to be used in.
If the issues discussed are not considered then it can lead to abandonment of the technology
Match the person with best available AT
Assessment is a process, not an event!

16. Successful Intervention
A successful assessment leading to a successful intervention relies on:
Appropriate postural management
Motivation
Reasonable expectation/s, being aware of and be prepared for a period of learning new technologies
Good network of support

18. Contact
Adult Communication & Assistive Technology Service
Clinical and Rehabilitation Engineering Department of Medical Physics Kent and Canterbury Hospital Canterbury CT1 3NG
Website: www.ekhuft.nhs.uk/acat

19. Additional Resources
Foundation for Assistive Technology (FAST)
http://www.fastuk.org/
Communication Matters http://www.communicationmatters.org.uk/
Ability Net
http://www.abilitynet.org.uk/advice-information
RNIB
http://www.rnib.org.uk/
OATS
http://www.oatsoft.org/
EAT Forums and Google groups