Living in a State of Stuck

The first point that I found interesting in ths chapter is that a person-centered approach needs to be used when matching a student with AT. In order for the appropriate use of the technology, there are a number of factors that must be met: readiness and motivation on the part of the user/caregiver and a positive social climate that will value its use.

I was quite shocked at the abandonment figure that was given - 8 to 75% depending on the device!!!! How sad that the numbers can be that high. However, I know firsthand how easy it can be for a junior high student to stop using the technology. Last year, we provided an AlphaSmart for a student in our school. We (the school) showed the student and his parents how to use it although its use was
shortlived. The student simply didn't want to use the technology.


Photo of an AlphaSmart

The factors that influence the use or non-use of more optional assistive technologies (not essential to the user) can be viewed as follows:
1. The characteristics of the Milieu or setting(s) in which the assistive technology is to be used,
2. The pertinent features of the individual’s Personality, temperament, and preferences
3. The salient characteristics of the assistive Technology itself.

While technical comfort and skills are necessary, it is also important to consider one's cognitive skills, in addition to his/her temperament and personality. A quote that I found relevant was the following: "Assistive technology use, however, usually requires the person to admit that he or she cannot, and possibly never will, do a particular functional task independently. It means admitting a loss or
functional limitation, and this can be distressing." (p. 9)

An assistive technology is abandoned or discarded when:
1. It does not improve functioning beyond what the person is currently using or
alternatives that the individual judges as being better or easier.
2. Servicing and repair were difficult to obtain and/or were very expensive. (It is important to have a back-up system!!)
3. The device performed unreliably.
4. The person felt uncomfortable, insecure or embarrassed using it

It is important that the right balance be reached to avoid being stuck!