Who is
LifeTec?
We are a social enterprise
that provides information,
education and advice on
assistive technologies.
We are Leaders …
at the forefront of
assistive technology
through:
• Education
• Research
• Partnerships
Our health
professionals
enable
solutions …
Interactive display centres
Enquiries line
Outreach services
Education
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“Knowledge is Power”
The creation of the LifeTec Guide to Selecting & Using AT
Knowledge is knowing a tomato is a fruit.
Wisdom is knowing not to put it in a fruit salad.
Intent of Project
• To provide a client resource to assist with the
assistive technology prescription process
• To empower clients to make informed
decisions
• To empower clients to take an active role in
the decision making process
• To enable clients to have power and control
over the process they find themselves in
Initial Project Creation
41 pages later…
Intentions Met???
Research
Choice Making
“Choice is the outcome of a process which
involves assessment and judgement; that is, the
evaluation of different options and making a
decision about which option to choose.”
“Information is an essential precondition for
the exercise of choice. Services need to ensure
that accessible information is available to
enable people to make informed choices.”
Rabiee, P. & Glendinning, C. (2010). Choice: what, when and why? Exploring the
importance of choice to disabled people. Disability & Society, 25:7, 827-839
Client Education
McKenna, K. & Tooth, L. (2006). Client Education: a partnership approach for
health practitioners. Sydney: UNSW Press.
AT Choice Making Process
De Jonge, D., Scherer, M. & Rodger, S. (2007). Assistive Technology in the
Workplace. St Louis: Elsevier.
Evaluating Created Resource
• DISCERN
Validation
• A copy is being supplied to all clients booking an
appointment with LifeTec
• We are currently collecting data on their
experience with using the guide
• Survey questions focus on usability & usefulness
• Uses a 10 point Leichardt rating scale
Validation
The Handbook is…
• Is easy to navigate (avg. 9.3/10)
• Provides information in a format that is easy
to understand (avg. 9.3/10)
• Addresses the majority of my concerns (avg.
8.5/10)
• Gives me information on where to go
next/what to do next (avg. 8.5/10)
Future
• Welcome anyone interested in using the guide
book to register interest
• Can supply the guide book in electronic
format as well as a survey tool to collect
information from clients on it’s usefulness
“Assistive Technology Professional Handbook
eBook
app ”
Our
is always open …
Opendoor
Invitation
LifeTec
Queensland
Brisbane
Centre
Newmarket
Level One, Reading Newmarket
Cnr Newmarket & Enoggera Roads
Newmarket QLD 4051
Townsville Centre
Domain Central
1300 885 886
mail@lifetec.org.au
Email:
mail@lifetec.org.au
www.lifetec.org.au
Website:
www.lifetec.org.au
Tel:
1300 885 886
References
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Brown-Triolo, D.L. (2001). Understanding the person behind the technology. Assistive technology: matching device and
consumer for successful rehabilitation. Washington: American Psychosocial Association.
Charnock, D. (1998). The DISCERN handbook. Oxford: Radcliffe Medical Press.
De Jonge, D., Scherer, M. & Rodger, S. (2007). Assistive Technology in the Workplace. St Louis: Elsevier.
Krefting, L. (1991). Rigor in qualitative research: The assessment of trustworthiness. American Journal of Occupational
Therapy, 45, 214-222.
Malec, J. F. (1999). Goal attainment scaling in rehabilitation. Neuropsychological Rehabilitation, 9(3-4), 253-275.
McKenna, K. & Tooth, L. (2006). Client Education: a partnership approach for health practitioners. Sydney: UNSW
Press.
Patton, M. Q. (1990). Qualitative evaluation and research methods (2nd ed.). Newberry Park, Ca: Sage Publications.
Phillips, B., & Zhao, H. (1993). Predictors of assistive technology abandonment. Assistive Technology, 5, 36-45.
Rabiee, P. & Glendinning, C. (2010). Choice: what, when and why? Exploring the importance of choice to disabled
people. Disability & Society, 25:7, 827-839
Scherer, M. J., & Galvin, J. C. (1996). An outcomes perspective to quality pathways to the most appropriate technology.
In J. C. Galvin & M. Scherer (Eds.), Evaluating, selecting, and using appropriate assistive technology (pp. 1-26).
Gaithersburg, MA: Aspen.
Scherer, M., Jutai, M., Fuhrer, L., Demers, F. (2007). A framework for modeling the selection of assistive technology.
Disability and Rehabilitation: assistive technology 2, 1:1-8.