Reducing Assistive Technology Abandonment

As discussed in Module 5, obtaining and using an AT device is a life changing event. AT devices provide a person with a disability with access to daily functions that they otherwise would not have because of their disability. These functions can include mobility, communication, computer access, and more. Because an AT device can be so beneficial, it is important to create proper person-technology matches when prescribing AT devices or software to reduce AT abandonment. The research results from the previous page display some easily fixable issues that lead to AT abandonment due to disenchantment. Keeping the following in mind when evaluating for and prescribing AT can help create a better person-technology match while also reducing the chance for AT abandonment due to disenchantment.

• Achieving a good ecological and multidisciplinary approach to the AT assessment involves including the potential AT user in the AT selection process and thus tends to reduce AT abandonment.
• To achieve a proper person-technology match, it is important for  practitioners to consider all relevant personnel the user will interact with and environments within which the AT may be used. Proper person-technology matches typically result in a lower abandonment rate.
• AT assessments should be ecological, practical, and ongoing. Periodic follow-ups should always be provided to help determine when an AT device needs to be replaced.
• Prior to the purchase of an AT device, the potential user should be provided with a trial period to make sure the device will work for them.

Utilizing the above guidelines will help to reduce AT abandonment due to disenchantment through thoroughly following proper AT evaluation and device selection protocol to create a proper person-technology match. AT evaluations that are performed properly and within every environment where the device will be used should accurately identify the potential user's abilities and needs. Knowing these abilities and needs leads to an ideal person-technology match. If an AT user is abandoning a device because it is not effective, chances are the evaluator did not consider device usage in one or more of the user's environments, resulting in a poor person-technology match.

During the device selection process, the AT professional is encouraged to include the potential user in every step. The potential user will be the one utilizing the device and thus must be comfortable with the selection, otherwise abandonment will most likely occur. It is also recommended that the user be provided with a significant trial period prior to acquisition of the AT device. This allows the user to determine whether or not a selected device actually meets their needs. Often during a trial period, the AT user will come across a feature they were previously unaware of that affects the device's use. Discovering this during a trial period allows for a change in the AT plan whereas discovering this after the device has been purchased typically leads to abandonment.

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