8th Annual Jubilee: Conference on Practice
Session F-3

Jessica Dashner OTD OTR/L received a Clinical Doctorate in Occupational Therapy from Washington University in 2002 and a Bachelors of Science from McKendree College in 1999.  She is currently working in the Social Participation, Environment and Assistive Technology Research Laboratory for Dr. David Gray at Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri.  Her job responsibilities include performing interviews and survey development for various projects, participant recruitment, evaluating participants on the Mobility Skills Course, administering exercise protocols to research participants, performing assistive technology assessments at the Enabling Mobility Center, and assisting as a Lab Instructor for the Assistive Technology class at Washington University’s Program in Occupational Therapy.

Current projects include grants from National Center for Medical Rehabilitation Research (NCMRR), the Rehabilitation Research and Training Center on Measurement and Interdependence and Community Living (MICL), and Missouri Foundation for Health.   In addition, Mrs. Dashner is trained to perform assessments and training sessions for the iBOT 4000 mobility device system. 

Brief Summary:
Assistive Technology (AT) has the potential to improve participation and increase independence of individuals with disabilities.  However, many problems exist with achieving an optimal fit between reliable, affordable and durable AT for the maximum participation of people with disabilities in activities they find are important to them.  In part, this deficit is due to the lack of information to those who are responsible for assessing the need for AT, designing AT, manufacturing AT, funding AT and using AT.  Occupational Therapists have an important role in assuring proper selection and facilitation of technology into their client’s daily lives.  This presentation will provide an overview of Assistive Technology product and services while examining the impact of devices on participation on the lives of people with disabilities.

Objectives:

1. Define the role of occupational therapists, vendors and other rehabilitation specialists in the provision of AT products and services
2. Identify appropriate assistive technology devices that meet the needs of individuals with impairments within environments where the AT may be used
3. Develop an understanding of potential users of AT and the impact devices have on participation
4. Increase awareness of community based programs that are designed to assist with AT acquisition