Current Evidence and Practice for the Role of OT with Assistive Technology for People with Spinal Cord Injuries

Assistive technology for individuals with SCI, specifically computer and smartphone equipment and the hardware and software devices that make these more usable, is commonly introduced by occupational therapists and its use has been well documented in the literature. However, evidence regarding the impact of AT on functional (e.g., employment, social participation) and/or psychosocial (e.g., self-efficacy, quality of life) outcomes after tetraplegia is limited. This presentation will provide an overview of the role occupational therapy and assistive technology for people with spinal cord injury throughout the lifespan. It will review current research findings on perceived barriers or facilitators of AT access/utilization and its impact on functional and psychosocial outcomes after tetraplegia. Completing this training offers 2 CE hours.