Integrating medical, assistive, and universal design products and technologies: Assistive Technology Service Method (ATSM)

Abstract

Introduction: ISO26000 provides guidance on effective organizational performance that recognizes social responsibility (including rights of persons with disabilities (PWD)), engages stakeholders, and contributes to sustainable development []. Millennium Development Goals 2010 state: while progress has been made, insufficient dedication to sustainable development, and inequalities to the most vulnerable people require attention []. World Report on Disability 2011 recommendations includes improved data collection and removal of barriers to rehabilitation that empower PWD []. Background: The Assistive Technology Service Method (ATSM), Assistive Technology Device Classification (ATDC) and Matching Person and Technology (MPT) provide an evidence-based, standardized, internationally comparable framework to improve rehabilitation interventions []. The ATSM and ATDC support universal design (UD) principles and provision of universal technology. The MPT assures interventions are effective and satisfactory to end-users []. The ICF conceptual framework and common language are used throughout []. Method: Research findings on healthcare needs are translated. ATSM applications in support of these findings are presented. Results: National initiatives demonstrate the need and value of the ATSM as an evidence-based, user-centric, interdisciplinary method to improve individual and organizational performance for rehabilitation [including AT] services. Conclusion: Two Disability & Rehabilitation: Assistive Technology articles demonstrate ATSM and ATDC use to strengthen rehabilitation services and integrate Universal Design principles for socially responsible behavior.

Implications for Rehabilitation

• An evidence-based framework for the provision of assistive technology demonstrates the translation of research to improve inter-disciplinary rehabilitation practice.

• A patient-centered approach moves practice from the medical toward the societal model to improve the effectiveness of rehabilitation outcomes.

• Efficient service provision, including the promotion of universal products and technologies, supports sustainable rehabilitation healthcare.

Keywords::

• Assistive Technology Device Classification (Atdc)
• Assistive Technology Service Method (Atsm)
• Impact2
• Iso 26000:2010 Guidance on Social Responsibility
• Matching Person & Technology (Mpt)
• Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America (Resna)
• Universal Design (Ud)
• World Health Organization International Classification of Functioning
• Disability and Health (Icf)

Declaration of Interest: The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.