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Unit of study_

OCCP5251: Technology for Living

It is becoming increasingly important for occupational therapists to be 'tech-savvy' in order to address client goals and facilitate independence and participation. Modern technology can support the independence of people with disabilities in important tasks such as work, study, communication and connecting with others, recreation, living safely and managing a household. This unit will explore the ways that modern electronic technologies such as computers, iPads and tablets, and telephones can be accessed and used by people of all ages with various disabilities. It will also explore technologies that enable people with disabilities to control their environment, such as operating entertainment systems, doors, lights, windows and emergency call systems. The unit will be practical and skills-based, involving demonstrations and hands-on use of technologies, real-life case studies and guest speakers. The theoretical underpinnings of this area will also be examined, by exploring relevant conceptual frameworks, assessment tools, and recent literature. The unit provides a foundation for students wishing to specialise in this area of practice. It will also provide students with skills that can be applied to clients in many areas of practice, as well as providing information on resources and referral to specialised services.

Code OCCP5251
Academic unit Participation Sciences
Credit points 6
Prerequisites:
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OCCP5208 and OCCP5218 and OCCP5219
Corequisites:
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None
Prohibitions:
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None

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

  • LO1. describe potential client goals related to technology use in the areas of self-care, home control and safety, education, work and leisure for people with a range of health conditions and disabilities
  • LO2. demonstrate skills in assessing individual needs, recommending and setting up assistive technology to facilitate access to computers, tablets, phones and mounting and positioning systems
  • LO3. demonstrate awareness of the types of environmental control systems which can be used to control the home environment
  • LO4. prescribe and set up basic environmental control systems
  • LO5. prepare a funding application for assistive technology equipment and services which demonstrates strong clinical reasoning
  • LO6. conduct a training session in technology use, including identifying training needs, conducting training and preparing learning materials.