Technology: a vital tool for persons with disabilities.Technology: A Vital Tool for Persons with Disabilities As a living tribute to the memory of a great leader in the field of rehabilitation rehabilitation: see physical therapy. , the National Rehabilitation Association, through its Switzer Memorial Committee, sponsors a special three-day program on an annual basis. Over the years these programs have become internationally known as the Switzer Seminars and they explore in-depth a timely subject of vital interest to the rehabilitation of individuals with disabilities. For the honor As a verb, to accept a bill of exchange, or to pay a note, check, or accepted bill, at maturity. To pay or to accept and pay, or, where a credit so engages, to purchase or discount a draft complying with the terms of the draft. to participate in the seminar, 20 persons are selected for their achievements and involvement in the area under study and they are designated by certificate as Switzer Scholars. The proceedings of the seminar are documented in the form of a monograph mon·o·graph n. A scholarly piece of writing of essay or book length on a specific, often limited subject. tr.v. mon·o·graphed, mon·o·graph·ing, mon·o·graphs To write a monograph on. designed to stimulate activity in a specific area of rehabilitation. Recommendations for action are provided in such areas a policy and program development, service delivery, research, training and legislative needs. These monographs receive wide distribution throughout the nation and abroad as well. The 13th Switzer Memorial Seminar, Technology and Employment of Persons with Disabilities, was held in Washington, D.C. from April 15-17, 1989, and hosted by the National Rehabilitation Hospital Hospital devoted to the rehabilitation of patients with various neurologic, musculoskeletal, orthopedic and other medical conditions following stabilization of their acute medical issues. (NRH NRH Nathaniel Rochester Hall (Rochester Institute of Technology) NRH Northeast Rehabilitation Hospital NRH Non-Flammable Ration Heater NRH Nero Cdrom Hybrid ). Welcomes were provided by Edward A. Eckenhoff Edward A. Eckenhoff is founder and president of the National Rehabilitation Hospital in Washington, DC. U.S. News & World Report consistently rates NRH among "America's Best Hospitals. , President, NRH; John W. Goldschmidt, M.D., Medical Director, NRH; Timothy C. Muzzio, Ph.D., Director, Education & Training, NRH; and Robert E. Brabham, Ph.D., Executive Director, National Rehabilitation Association. The Switzer Planning Committee planning committee n (in local government) → comité m de planificación , in outlining the goals and objectives of this seminar provided the subtopics to serve as a foundation for the three days of deliberations concerning jobs, technology and their applicability to persons with disabilities. Examples of the papers written expressly for the seminar included the following along with the author-scholar: -- An Overview of Technology Today by Dennis Chamot, Ph.D. -- Policy Issues in Technology by Steven Mendelsohn. -- Technology: Training and Awareness Needs by James L. Mueller. -- Service Delivery Models in Employment and Technology by Alexandra Enders En·ders , John Franklin 1897-1985. American bacteriologist. He shared a 1954 Nobel Prize for developing a method of growing the poliomyelitis virus in various tissue cultures. . -- Rehabilitation, Technology and Industry's Role by Clint Clint is the diminutive word for the given name Clinton and may refer to: People:
Ph.D. Comments & Observations These were some of the comments and ideas provided by the Switzer Scholars as they related to the action papers written for the seminar: * "Lots of things are going on, both technologically and economically. About the only thing we can be sure of is that changes will continue to come quickly. People with disabilities, as is true of all members of the workforce, will need to learn as much as they can about developments that occur in areas of interest to them, and then take every opportunity to be prepared. Technologies to help them are being developed. Seeing that they are made widely available, and seeing that people are ready to use standard technologies to perform business functions, must be a joint responsibility of employers, persons with disabilities, advocacy groups, and where appropriate, government. Nothing happens automatically." -- Dennis Chamot * "No one among those gathered here needs to be reminded of what assistive technology Hardware and software that help people who are physically impaired. Often called "accessibility options" when referring to enhancements for using the computer, the entire field of assistive technology is quite vast and even includes ramp and doorway construction in buildings to support has come to mean in the lives of disabled persons, nowhere more dramatically embodied em·bod·y tr.v. em·bod·ied, em·bod·y·ing, em·bod·ies 1. To give a bodily form to; incarnate. 2. To represent in bodily or material form: than in its profound impact on the range and quality of employment opportunities available to persons with every conceivable con·ceive v. con·ceived, con·ceiv·ing, con·ceives v.tr. 1. To become pregnant with (offspring). 2. type or degree of impairment Impairment 1. A reduction in a company's stated capital. 2. The total capital that is less than the par value of the company's capital stock. Notes: 1. This is usually reduced because of poorly estimated losses or gains. 2. . In facilitating participation in the emerging information and service sectors of our economy, in providing the functional capabilities requisite to the performance of a wide variety of tasks, and in making workers with disabilities fully competitive in those increase proportion of jobs which utilize computers or related technology, assistive technology has already expanded the economic horizons of Americans with disabilities as significantly as any force or trend of recent history." -- Steven Mendelsohn * "Americans have a strong national pride in technological achievements; from famous inventors to the Industrial Revolution to the space program. The American "can do" attitude has led us to believe that nothing is impossible. We may be right, but we have been anything but even-handed in our application of technology. The same country which has sent men and women into space is only now realizing the potential of technology to dramatically increase opportunities for people with disabilities. And in our sudden excitement over these new-found possibilities, we have often found ourselves seeking to apply the most dramatic and exciting technologies, when simpler solutions would be sufficient." -- James Mueller * "The independent living movement, a growing elderly population, technological opportunities, and younger generations who expect technological solutions to be readily available, are coming together to generate a fertile fer·tile adj. 1. Capable of conceiving and bearing young. 2. Fertilized. Used of an ovum. field for advancing the current state of the art in applied technology. There is urgent need for the capacity to plan and implement coordinated assistive technology delivery and payment systems that can surmount sur·mount tr.v. sur·mount·ed, sur·mount·ing, sur·mounts 1. To overcome (an obstacle, for example); conquer. 2. To ascend to the top of; climb. 3. a. To place something above; top. the barriers imposed by previous legislation and lead to the availability of quality technological assistance which truly meets the needs of each individual disabled person." -- Alexandra Enders * "Industry and the rehabilitation community are really partners in serving persons with disabilities. Industry provides technology that opens up social, educational and employment opportunities for disabled consumers. The rehabilitation community provides services that enable disabled consumers to take full advantage of these opportunities. However, there is room for improvement. Industry needs to learn more about consumers with disabilities, and realize the business opportunity they represent. Industry also needs to better understand how significantly its products can assist, or hinder hin·der 1 v. hin·dered, hin·der·ing, hin·ders v.tr. 1. To be or get in the way of. 2. To obstruct or delay the progress of. v.intr. , individuals with disabilities. In turn, the rehabilitation community needs to better understand the needs of industry, and support industry's efforts to provide more accessible technology. The rehabilitation community can encourage and guide the development of accessible technology by: -- Showing product designers how to make their products more accessible to persons with disabilities -- Making companies aware of the business opportunities represented by the consumer market (persons with disabilities). This dialogue has begun, but it needs to expand and become a conscious strategy for both parties." -- Clint Gibler * "I perceive that one of the greatest barriers to employment of persons with disabilities is still the employer's misconceptions Misconceptions is an American sitcom television series for The WB Network for the 2005-2006 season that never aired. It features Jane Leeves, formerly of Frasier, and French Stewart, formerly of 3rd Rock From the Sun. and reservations about the "adapted worksite". I do not view this as a major concern, however, if it is only an attitudinal barrier. It usually takes only a short while to convince the employer that our role is not solely that of developing some piece of hardware, which will be force-fed to him ... but of listening, in the hope of co-developing some compensatory strategies by which to accomplish the desired task. If, in the final analysis, we must develop a device or modification to do so, it will usually be well received by the employer." -- David Law * "As disabled consumers and their families assume a more active role in the selection of appropriate technology, service providers need to become better facilitators. As we understand why applied technology fails, we can develop solutions for increased acceptance and utilization of technology in the work place. Rehabilitation technologists need training on how to conduct an assistive technology assessment at the work place and how to identify and coordinate resources to obtain needed solutions. Rehabilitation technologists do not need to become the designers and fabricators, but rather a broker between the consumer and the needed solution. In rural areas, where isolation and funding are major barriers, statewide ingenuity networks can be established to assist consumers and service providers. These ingenuity networks can be comprised of local blacksmiths, saddle makers, shoe makers, electricians, machinists, carpenters, and the home town inventors. This is a very cost effective approach to providing needed solutions." -- Terry Willkomm * "Of all age groups affected by disabilities, it is vitally important to reach the young disabled population. Tools that we use at an early age are easily assimilated, and become a natural part of our environment. By having an awareness early on as to what is possible, these youngsters can broaden both their own aspirations aspirations npl → aspiraciones fpl (= ambition); ambición f aspirations npl (= hopes, ambition) → aspirations fpl , as well as others' expectation of their potential. The question to explore: how adequately are our special education teachers prepared to capitalize on Cap´i`tal`ize on` v. t. 1. To turn (an opportunity) to one's advantage; to take advantage of (a situation); to profit from; as, to capitalize on an opponent's mistakes s>. the technological opportunities available to help their students reduce, or perhaps, eliminate, the environmental handicaps imposed by their disabilities? Perhaps the most under-served segment of the disabled population are those of working age, who are most seriously impaired. If in fact this group stands to benefit most dramatically from technological innovation, how can this most socially isolated group be reached? Does this perhaps have implications for personal assistance, i.e., "attendant ATTENDANT. One who owes a duty or service to another, or in some sort depends upon him. Termes de la Ley, h.t. As to attendant terms, see Powell on Morts. Index, tit. Attendant term; Park on Dower, c. 1 7. " programs? -- Mary Pat Radabaugh * "We must provide youngsters, who have disabilities, with marketable Marketable are securities that can be easily converted into cash. Such securities will generally have highly liquid markets allowing the security to be sold at a reasonable price very quickly. skills that can adequately prepare them for jobs that will be readily available, not jobs which will be non-existent. We cannot assume that youngsters with disabilities can aspire to aspire to verb aim for, desire, pursue, hope for, long for, crave, seek out, wish for, dream about, yearn for, hunger for, hanker after, be eager for, set your heart on, set your sights on, be ambitious for and prepare for jobs that they do not realize can be made accessible to them. I would go further to say that we need to prepare them for the "hot," topical topical /top·i·cal/ (top´i-k'l) pertaining to a particular area, as a topical antiinfective applied to a certain area of the skin and affecting only the area to which it is applied. top·i·cal adj. jobs of the next two decades." -- John Leslie The name John Leslie may refer to several people:
Implications for Action Numerous recommendations and implications for needed action were developed by the Switzer Scholars over the three days of deliberations. For the sake of brevity Brevity Adonis’ garden of short life. [Br. Lit.: I Henry IV] bubbles symbolic of transitoriness of life. [Art: Hall, 54] cherry fair cherry orchards where fruit was briefly sold; symbolic of transience. only a sampling of the recommendations are provided for your review. Some of these ideas are described as follows: -- Provide consumers with increased opportunities to actively participate in the selection and utilization of assistive technology. Recommendations are to improve reporting to the consumer, improve product information, train consumers in the use of technology, and train providers on how to involve consumers in the prescription process. -- Recommend that attempts be made to present choices to the consumer, thus promoting a degree of competition with resultant This article is about the resultant of polynomials. For the result of adding two or more vectors, see Parallelogram rule. For the technique in organ building, see Resultant (organ). In mathematics, the resultant of two monic polynomials lowering of the consumer's final cost for adaptive and assistive technologies. -- Encourage development of service delivery programs that serve the rural, poor, and other underserved populations. -- Recommend that the end-user be the recipient of clear and accessible documentation regarding applications and functions of assistive devices. -- Develop legislation that would provide incentives to encourage private sector local involvement in the technology service delivery process. -- Technology specialists must be readily available for localized Translated into the spoken language of the country. See localization. , on-site problem-solving. -- In order for rehabilitation technicians to be effective, trained personnel at all levels are an absolute must--i.e., rehabilitation counselors, consumers, advocacy groups, rehabilitation engineers, and technologists. -- Technology related training through systems that are currently in place (e.g., programs for certified See certification. Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors vocational rehabilitation counselor, n term coined in the 1960s and 1970s for a professional who incorporates the best of psychology, social work, and nursing in an attempt to integrate psychology with traditional rehabilitation protocols. ) should be emphasized. This approach will provide the most efficient and effective way to enhance technology related service delivery in the long-run. -- Both formal (degree or certification) training and informal (technical assistance, conferences, in-service in-service In-service training adjective Referring to any form of on-the-job training noun In-service training of an employee workshops) training should be emphasized. This will provide necessary skills for new professionals as well as retraining re·train tr. & intr.v. re·trained, re·train·ing, re·trains To train or undergo training again. re·train for professionals currently working in the field. -- Accrediting bodies (such as the Council for Rehabilitation Education, National Council for Accreditation accreditation, n a process of formal recognition of a school or institution attesting to the required ability and performance in an area of education, training, or practice. of Teacher Education, Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities) need to incorporate technology training into standards for training (institutions of higher education) and employment (services to clients) in order to ensure technology skills are required for training and employment. -- Research should be conducted relative to the incentives provided to the private sector, to enhance the employment of persons with disabilities through the utilization of technology. -- Recommend that the rehabilitation profession needs to perceive the relationship between industry and rehabilitation as a business and to pursue specific problems as a business. -- Where there is a continuum Continuum (pl. -tinua or -tinuums) can refer to:
services, which can benefit individuals in terms of employment or quality of life, on a long-term Long-term Three or more years. In the context of accounting, more than 1 year. long-term 1. Of or relating to a gain or loss in the value of a security that has been held over a specific length of time. Compare short-term. basis, means must be found whereby all organizations involved can identify and assume their financial and professional responsibilities to achieve the goals directed by the consumers. Closing Thoughts Switzer Scholar Dr. Lawrence A. Scadden provided a thought-provoking paragraph when he noted that, "Assistive technology as a means to promote employment of people with disabilities must be viewed in the context of an individual's life as a whole; employment is only a part of daily experience, and work is only a part of the life experiences faced in the work place. Workers with disabilities may need technology for the performance of activities of daily living that will improve work performance -- technology that will provide assistance for transportation, communication, personal grooming Combining, consolidating and segregating network traffic using devices such as digital cross-connects, add/drop multiplexers and SONET switches. Grooming is a telephone term that typically refers to managing high-capacity lines between central offices, carriers, ISPs and very large , and use of the bathroom. In addition, a distinction must be made between assistive devices assistive device Public health Any device designed or adapted to help people with physical or emotional disorders to perform actions, tasks, and activities. See Americans with Disabilities Act, Architectural barriers, Assistive technology. and the value and benefit they have for the individual. The latter consideration should be of primary concern to service providers." Over nine months worth of effort have gone into the development of the 13th Switzer Seminar and its findings and recommendations. It is the hope of the 1989 Switzer Scholars, the Switzer Planning Committee and the Switzer Memorial Committee of the National Rehabilitation Association that this information will stimulate communications between all parties interested in the independence of persons with disabilities. Obviously, much remains to be done in the appropriate match of technology and the end-user. The decade of the 1990s will provide us with many new opportunities and challenges, but we must learn how to harness the potential benefits of the new technologies in appropriate and meaningful ways. Order Your Copy of the Proceedings The complete proceedings of the 13th Switzer Memorial Seminar will be available for purchase at NRA's annual conference, "ACCESS TO SUCCESS", September 6-10 in Orlando, Florida The city of Orlando is a major city in central Florida and is the county seat of Orange County, Florida. According to the 2000 census, the city population was 185,951. A 2006 U.S. . To order your copy of Technology and Employment of Persons with Disabilities, Monograph Number 13, complete the Order Form below and mail it with your check or credit card information for $10 (advance sale price). After the conference, the 13th Monograph will cost $12. PHOTO : Switzer Scholars Rod Brunker (left), Director, National Special Needs Center of AT&T and PHOTO : Paul Hearne, Executive Director, National Council on Disability discuss an issue at the PHOTO : Memorial Seminar. PHOTO : Sam McFarland, Switzer Scholar from the National Rehabilitation Hospital and Carl Hansen, PHOTO : Chairperson chairperson Chairman The head of an academic department. See 'Chair.', Cf Chief. , Switzer Memorial Committee of NRA NRA (National Rifle Association of America) organization that encourages sharpshooting and use of firearms for hunting. [Am. Pop. Culture: NCE, 1895] See : Hunting . CARL E. HANSEN, Ed.D., is the Chairperson of the Switzer Memorial Committee of the National Rehabilitation Association and Professor at the University of Texas at Austin “University of Texas” redirects here. For other system schools, see University of Texas System. The University of Texas at Austin (often referred to as The University of Texas, UT Austin, UT, or Texas . LEONARD G. PERLMAN, Ed.D., is Coordinator of the Switzer Memorial Seminars and is also a consultant in rehabilitation to the public and private sectors. |
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