Assistive Technology: A Resource for School, Work, and Community.

Flippo KF, Inge KJ, Barcus JM, eds. Baltimore, MD 21285-0624, Paul H Brookes Publishing Co, 1995, paperback, 301 pp, illus, $34.

The purpose of this book is to provide a foundation for both users and professionals when dealing with assistive technology in all aspects of daily living for persons with disabilities. The text focuses on a variety of environments including home, school, work, and the community in general. Case studies are interspersed throughout, providing immediate application of the material presented. Historical and contemporary approaches to funding of assistive technology is provided, thus fostering immediate applicability of this information.

The book begins by providing a well-developed review of assistive-technology legislation and policy formulation in the United States. Although slow to start, the movement to ensure appropriate assistive technology for persons with disabilities is increasing, especially as a result of the burgeoning technological advances in recent years and the influence of PL 101-335, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA).

The second part of the book identifies a variety of applications of technology for persons with disabilities. A thorough review of argumentative and alternative communication devices and techniques is provided. A brief review of mobility aids, including canes, walking poles, crutches, walkers, and wheeled mobility aids is included, and some mention is made of assisted driving devices. The chapter describing technology for individuals with sensory impairments focuses primarily on visual and hearing deficits and describes both low-tech and high-tech assistive devices. Procedures for school system personnel to assess the need for the technological devices are thoroughly provided. The chapter on adaptive environments in the workplace has as its premise the concept that adaptations do not always need to be high tech or high priced. Examples of low-tech, less costly adaptations are provided for some common problems. The chapter further reviews both generic and disability-specific commercially available devices to facilitate return to work and includes discussion on computers, telephone technologies, environmental controls, robotics, and constructed devices. Assistive technology and other accommodation strategies for sports and recreational activities are discussed. Great emphasis is given to the implications of the ADA on recreation programs. Some practical suggestions for general and disability-specific adaptations are provided. A bulleted, partial listing of accessibility standards and general accommodations for recreation programs provides the reader with an excellent checklist to ensure compliance with the law. This chapter's appendixes provide outstanding information on resources on the ADA; accessibility; universal design; and organizations, publications, and manufacturers relative to sports and recreational adaptations.

The final section of the book discusses assistive technology issues. This chapter points out that, with the implementation of the ADA, we have just begun to recognize the need for training across disciplines and within organizational hierarchies. With few formal training opportunities currently available, this is an area where development is needed to ensure that the spirit and letter of the ADA is carried out. A chapter on staff development for assistive-technology personnel provides enough detail for the reader to immediately implement many of the concepts and suggestions. Although many of the early chapters in the book contain very concrete suggestions for funding, one of the final chapters addresses creative financing of assistive technology. Included is information on federal, state, and private insurance programs. The alternative-financing discussion includes information on private funding and credit financing from a variety of currently existing programs. An agenda for legislators, consumers, advocates, service providers, and others--developed by the National Council on Disability's Study on the Financing of Assistive Technology Devices and Services for Individuals with Disabilities--is provided. In a chapter on community services, the authors describe the common characteristics of successful community programs. The final chapter deals with the user's perspective of assistive technology. It includes first-hand examples of the authors' experiences with securing and using assistive devices. It also provides suggestions on how to improve service delivery to persons with disabilities.

The editors and contributors to this book have clearly achieved their stated goal. Overall, the book provides a wake-up call for all who are involved with persons with disabilities to implement the laws that have been enacted to ensure the rights of individuals with disabilities. What little repetition there is among chapters, allows each chapter to stand alone as well as be part of a comprehensive text. This would be excellent required reading for professional education and training for rehabilitation counselors, rehabilitation social workers, rehabilitation engineers, occupational therapists, special education teachers and administrators, and educators for all of these groups. It would also serve as an outstanding reference text in professional physical therapy educational programs and as a reference for physical therapy practitioners.

Paulette M Cebulski, PhD, PT
University of Michigan-Flint
Flint, Mich

Dr Cebulski is an Associate Professor and Director, Department of Physical Therapy at the University of Michigan-Flint.