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Marcia J. Scherer, Ph.D., MPH
Institute for Matching Person & Technology, Inc.
486 Lake Road
Webster, New York 14580
716-671-3461 (phone)
http://members.aol.com/IMPT97/MPT.html
The National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation
Research (NIDRR) and the National Center for Health Statistics
(NCHS) co-sponsored a survey on assistive technology devices as
part of the National Health Interview Survey of 1990. The survey
shows that in 1990 more than 13.1 million Americans, about 5.3
percent of the population, were using assistive technology
devices. More people use assistive technology devices for
mobility (6.4 million) than any other general type of AT: 4.4
million use a cane or walking stick, the single most used
assistive technology devices. Other prevalent assistive
technologies are, in order, walkers (1.7 million), wheelchairs
(1.4 million), and back braces (1.2 million).
In spite of the fact that provision of assistive technology (AT)
to people with disabilities is encouraged in a succession of U.S.
statutes and there are federal mandates for comprehensive,
consumer-responsive AT and technology-related services, obtaining
such devices and services remains an arduous task for both the
individual and the professional. The match of person and
technology requires attention to aspects of the environments in
which the AT will be used, the needs and preferences of the user,
and the functions and features of the technology. If the match is
not a quality one from the standpoint of the consumer, the AT may
not be used, or will not be used optimally. There is a need for
improved interaction between the individuals delivering the
services and the individuals receiving the services because
studies and reports show a high level of dissatisfaction and
nonuse of technology by consumers (e.g. Scherer & Galvin,
1996).
An assessment process exists which has been effective in
addressing and organizing the many influences which impact on the
use of assistive technology: the Matching Person & Technology
(MPT) Model and accompanying assessment instruments (Scherer
1993). The model/theory addresses three primary areas to assess
as follows: (a) determination of the milieu/ environment factors
influencing use, (b) identification of the consumer's needs and
preferences, and (c) description of the functions and features of
the most desirable and appropriate technology. To operationalize
the model and theory, an assessment process consisting of several
instruments has been developed (Scherer, 1998a).
The Matching Person and Technology (MPT) process is one which
gathers information from a variety of sources through a set of
instruments; it has been validated for use by persons with
disabilities (ages 15 and up) (Scherer 1998b). Results of its use
have resulted in a high satisfaction of the selection of
?useable? technology; options that match not only the
individual?s strengths and participatory needs, but also look at
his/her preferences and temperament. This information is then
balanced with the characteristics of the environment that the
technology will be used in (activity level, caretakers and
professionals technology comfort level, etc.) along with the
features and functions of the technology itself. This is a
practical and research tool which identifies barriers to
assistive technology use for a particular individual.
A research project was designed to develop prototypes of (a) a
series of interpretive guidelines for implementing a
consumer-directed and cost-effective process for matching person
and AT and (b) an interactive training program designed to
address the AT educational needs of rehabilitation professionals.
The methodology involved (a) recruitment of professional and
consumer users of the existing Matching Person and Technology
(MPT) assessment process; (b) obtaining professional and consumer
feedback on the process of completing the MPT instruments, (c)
the development of prototype AT user profiles, computerized
interpretive guidelines, and the content for an interactive
training program for matching person and technology, and (d) an
assessment of the influence of reimbursement (payor and/or
insurance) on the designation of the AT prescribed or ordered for
each consumer. At the conclusion of the project, prototype
versions of MPT interpretive guidelines and the content for an
interactive training program were developed and are ready for
refinement and validation.
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