#assistivetechnology Tag

Important: This article is for general information only. Choosing a wheelchair, scooter, walker, prosthesis or other mobility device should involve your physician, physical therapist or occupational therapist, who can assess fit, seating, pressure relief and safety for your specific needs.
Editor's note: This article mentions a mobility equipment retailer. Products, services and providers are not warranted or endorsed by MedicalResearch.com or Eminent Domains Inc.

People with mobility limitations, including older adults and people with disabilities, may find it hard to move independently at home, in shopping centers, in parks and in other public spaces. Some find it difficult to walk long distances, others rely on wheelchairs, and some struggle with stairs. Without the right mobility support, everyday activities can become harder. Technology is helping to close that gap through adaptive devices and smart software, making mobility equipment more advanced, more intuitive to use and better suited to independent living.

In this post, we review some of the key innovations in assistive devices that are helping make daily life more accessible.

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Doug Lear, an assistive technology specialist  at Northwest Ergonomics & Assistive Technology. In my role as an assistive technology specialist, I have been called upon to implement assistive technology solutions as part of a life care plan for those who have experienced a catastrophic accident. assistive-technology-life-care.jpg An example of using assistive technology as part of a life care plan would include a person who has suffered a catastrophic injury resulting in lifelong disabilities, such as a motor vehicle accident resulting in a spinal cord or brain injury.  This individual may be awarded a settlement based on the extent of their injuries. Therefore, it is important to sort out the necessary costs for future treatment and home health care so that the injured person can get the full amount needed to manage their care for the duration of their life. The injured person will often enlist the assistance of a life care planner to calculate and propose a total settlement amount needed to manage basic care. Obviously, this is an important juncture in the injured person’s life, and the process needs to be meticulous.