Module 9 – Assistive Technology to Enhance Independent Living (P.8 of 8)

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Module Summary

This module explored how AT could enhance the independent living skills of persons with disabilities. As discussed in Module 9, individuals with or without disabilities who display independent living skills are more empowered, self-determined, self-respecting, and able to integrate themselves into their home, school, work, and community in general ( Bryant & Bryant, 2003) . These necessary independent living skills, which can be enhanced through the use of AT include:
  • Mobility
  • Activities of daily living/self care
    • Grooming (washing, brushing teeth, combing hair, etc.)
    • Eating and drinking
    • Dressing
    • Taking care of the house (e.g. cleaning, doing laundry)
  • Communication
  • Leisure
  • School or Work activities
This module provided a description of various AT devices that are intended to facilitate the grooming, safety, organizational, daily and leisure activities of persons with disabilities. The next module will discuss the topic of Universal Design, which relates to designing environments to accommodate the needs of all individuals.

Review Questions

These questions are intended to help you review important material from this module, they do not need to be submitted.

  1. What is independent living?
  2. What is the independent living philosophy?
  3. How can a person with a disability use AT to enhance independent living skills?
  4. Which are considered independent living skills and what AT devices can help enhance these skills?
  5. List some of the AT devices that may assist a person with their recreation/leisure activities.

Please complete and submit Assignment #9.

Congratulations! You have finished Module 9.

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