Who is LifeTec?

We are a social enterprise that provides information, education and advice on assistive technologies.

at the forefront of assistive technology through:• Education • Research• Partnerships

We are Leaders …We are Leaders …

Interactive display centresEnquiries line Outreach services Education

Our health Our health professionalprofessionals enable s enable solutions … solutions …

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““Knowledge is Power”Knowledge is Power”The creation of the LifeTec Guide to Selecting & Using ATThe 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.

• 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

Intent of Project

Initial Project Creation

41 pages later…

Intentions Met???Intentions Met???

Research

“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.”

Choice Making

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.

• DISCERN

Evaluating Created Resource

• 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)

Validation

• 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 ”

Future

eBookapp

Open Invitation

LifeTec QueenslandLevel One, Reading NewmarketCnr Newmarket & Enoggera RoadsNewmarket QLD 4051

1300 885 886mail@lifetec.org.auwww.lifetec.org.au

Brisbane CentreNewmarket

Townsville CentreDomain Central

Email: mail@lifetec.org.auWebsite: www.lifetec.org.au Tel: 1300 885 886

Our door is always open …

References• 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.