Assistive Technologies: Principles and Practice

It’s here: the latest edition of the one text you need to master assistive strategies, make confident clinical decisions, and help improve the quality of life for people with disabilities. Based on the Human Activity Assistive Technology (HAAT) model, Assistive Technologies: Principles and Practice, 4th Edition provides detailed coverage of the broad range of devices, services, and practices that comprise assistive technology, and focuses on the relationship between the human user and the assisted activity within specific contexts. Updated and expanded, this new edition features coverage of new ethical issues, more explicit applications of the HAAT model, and a variety of global issues highlighting technology applications and service delivery in developing countries.

• Human Activity Assistive Technology (HAAT) framework demonstrates assistive technology within common, everyday contexts for more relevant application.
• Focus on clinical application guides you in applying concepts to real-world situations.
• Review questions and chapter summaries in each chapter help you assess your understanding and identify areas where more study is needed.
• Content on the impact of AT on children and the role of AT in play and education for children with disabilities demonstrates how AT can be used for early intervention and to enhance development.
• Coverage of changing AT needs throughout the lifespan emphasizes how AT fits into people’s lives and contributes to their full participation in society.
• Principles and practice of assistive technology provides the foundation for effective decision-making.

• NEW! Global issues content broadens the focus of application beyond North America to include technology applications and service delivery in developing countries.
• NEW! Ethical issues and occupational justice content exposes you to vital information as you start interacting with clients.
• NEW! More case studies added throughout the text foster an understanding of how assistive technologies are used and how they function.
• NEW! Updated content reflects current technology and helps keep you current.
• NEW! Explicit applications of the HAAT model in each of the chapters on specific technologies and more emphasis on the interactions among the elements make content even easier to understand.

Professor Emeritus Albert M. Cook, Communication Sciences and Disorders, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.

Professor Emerita Janice Miller Polgar works at the School of Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada.