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By
Sandra Fusion, Staff Writer
There are approximately 43
million Americans who
experience some form of disability. Many are
able to function without adaptive or assistive
devices. For those who experience mobility
issues, technological advances may be a key to
helping them achieve a level of independence not
previously available.
Approximately 6.8 million
Americans use assistive devices to help them
with mobility issues (Source: Kaye, H. S., Kang,
T. and LaPlante, M.P. (2000). Mobility Device
Use in the United States. Disability Statistics
Report, (14). Washington, D.C.: U.S. Department
of Education, National Institute on Disability
and Rehabilitation Research).
The type of technology can
be an advance in computer-assisted technology or
it can be as simple as a cane or crutches. The
most common form of mobility is the wheelchair.
In many cases, individuals use manual
wheelchairs, with the rest made up of motorized
wheelchairs or scooters. Researchers in the
study quoted previously noted that the majority
of individuals who use mobility devices are
elderly.
There are many other types
of technology that can be useful to someone who
may be having mobility challenges. Some of these
include global positioning systems (GPS) devices
that can be worn by the blind or visually
impaired, adaptations to automobiles or vans for
accessibility, and even home or building
modifications.
Where to Begin?
When making assessments of
the technology that is available, it is most
important to step back and take inventory of the
specific mobility challenges that someone may
have. This step is one where many different
people may be able to offer insight. The
patient’s physician and nursing staff can make
suggestions of the types of range of motion or
physical limitations that are most likely to be
involved. In addition, rehabilitation staff may
have useful insight since their focus is keeping
the individual as mobile as possible to maintain
independence. Finally, caregivers – both paid
and family members – also have information on a
day-to-day basis of the patient’s progress,
limitations, and even areas that can be easily
overlooked by professionals who do not have
moment-to-moment contact with the patient.
Some issues that should be
considered include:
- Are there barriers in the
home that can be addressed?
Furniture, floor plan lay-out, steps or
doorways that may
not be accessible.
- How long will mobility be an issue for
the patient?
Depending on the length of time, more
extensive changes
may need to be addressed.
- How much help does the individual need?
Is it a simple
issue or are extensive
changes/renovations needed?
- Is the condition likely to worsen, making
mobility even
more challenging in the future (whether
immediate or
long-term)?
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