Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists

007 Technology

He moves cautiously and quietly towards his destination — aware of every sound, smell and sight. Jimmy approaches the front door and with just a slight turn of his head the door automatically opens for him. It’s dark, but he doesn’t hesitate as an infrared sensor recognizes his movement and suddenly the lights are on and the drapes are opened. Seconds later, with another turn of his head Jimmy is at the elevator. He doesn’t have to press any button in the elevator, as the familiar sound of his voice is enough to take him up to his destination.

Just like Q in the James Bond movies, occupational therapist Elizabeth Steggles and rehabilitation technologist James Leslie work with Jimmy to find the technology tools to make his life easier.

Just like Q in the James Bond movies, occupational therapist Elizabeth Steggles and rehabilitation technologist James Leslie work with Jimmy to find the technology tools to make his life easier. Together, they designed electronic equipment for Jimmy’s custom-built home that allows him maximum freedom and independence despite a motor vehicle accident that left him paralysed from the neck down two years ago.

Both Elizabeth and James work at Independence Technologies, a program of Hamilton Health Sciences in Ontario. Elizabeth assesses the clients’ needs, as well as the motor, psychological and cognitive abilities for clients like Jimmy. She then works with James to find solutions through the use of electronic aids to daily living (EADL). EADL enable people to be more independent at home and take advantage of education and employment opportunities in the community.

EADL may help individuals to control items in their environment such as call bells and telephones. Movements required to turn on a television are easy for most people but may be difficult for a person with physical limitations. “People with physical disabilities may find it hard to take up a leisure activity,” Elizabeth notes. “However, with the use of an electronic aid, the individual can control such appliances as the TV by means of any reliable function such as the blink of an eye or a voice command.”

Elizabeth also recommends operating systems that enable control of door operators, electronic powered beds (for changing positions and reducing the risk of bedsores) and telephones. “The telephone can be very important for individuals. They can arrange transportation, order groceries and do their banking. We’re basically assessing the clients’ needs and abilities to find solutions that work for them.”

EADL can be expensive. “Automobile insurance companies fund many of the clients we assess. Often we do fairly big installations for homes that can range from $15,000 to $60,000,” explains Elizabeth, “but we also often recommend simple devices such as a switch-activated remote control or a big button speakerphone that can cost as little as $50.” Independence Technologies carries out all aspects of installation from working with various trades people to ensure proper installation, to training family members and attendants to make sure the technology is used correctly and safely.

Elizabeth feels this type of program and equipment would also be helpful for children with disabilities. “Rather than ‘learned dependency’ we would see many more children doing more things for themselves earlier,” Elizabeth notes. She would also like to see more of this equipment used in the workplace. “Access to buildings can be easier with control devices.” Modifying and installing assistive devices in libraries, schools and workplaces will increase universal access.

Independence Technologies is working with researchers from Bloorview MacMillan Hospital, McMaster University and the University of Guelph. A current project involves developing a protocol to evaluate the cost and consequences associated with EADL. Another project with McMaster University, though in its early stages, involves equipment development.

Through the provision of suitable EADL, many people who are physically challenged have more opportunities. Occupational therapists give their clients a chance to maximize their potential and the freedom of increased independence. It is occupational therapists like Elizabeth Steggles that present more options for individuals to fully participate in some very important aspects of their lives.     — Vanessa Ong

More information regarding this program is available from Elizabeth Steggles by e-mail at steggles@hhsc.ca.

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