Using Technology to Support Social Competence

Introduction

Technology is rapidly changing and has become increasingly accessible to all people. More importantly, the increased accessibility to technology can provide the needed supports and scaffolds to aid an individual with a disability to overcome barriers for access, participation, and independence (Dell, Newton, & Petroff, 2011). Assistive technologies (AT), a particular kind of technology that may be used by a person with a disability, is defined in the Technology-Related Assistance for Individuals with Disabilities Act (1988) for all individuals with disabilities and also in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA, 2004) relevant to children participating in educational programs. In both definitions, assistive technologies are not defined by specific devices, but rather by the intended function of the technology which is to “increase, maintain, or improve the functional capabilities” of an individual with a disability. Further the definitions state that AT can be any item, equipment or product system, commercial, modified, or customized. This definition indicates the wide range of possibilities that may be considered assistive technology from very low-tech items such as paper picture supports to higher technology supports, such as dedicated communication devices. Devices, such as a screen readers for those with low vision, wheelchairs used by those with mobility challenges and alternative keyboards for those with computer access needs, are easy to recognize as AT. However, items such as smart phones, as well as tablets and laptop computers, which are used by the general population, may also be considered AT under certain circumstances; that is, when they allow a person with a disability to access a portion of life that might not otherwise be available. For example, a tablet computer that contains an application with customized social narratives may be instrumental in helping a person with autism develop and maintain relationships or seek help in an appropriate manner. A reminder app on some smart phones may be useful for an individual with a traumatic brain injury (TBI) who may have difficulties with memory. Again, AT is not defined by a specific product or device, but by the way it is used and needed by the individual with a disability.

Assistive technologies are not randomly chosen, selected only from available technologies found in the immediate environment, or identified based on a long process of trial and error, but rather should be selected using a systematic team assessment process that considers the strengths and needs of the individual, expected tasks for participation and environments where the tasks will occur. Those identified needs are then matched to features of technologies that can support the individual. Finally, trials are conducted of the possible AT solutions that contain the identified features to determine the effectiveness of the technology in meeting the identified needs of the individual. Two models are often used to help guide the AT assessment process. The first is framework called SETT that was proposed by Zabala (2002). This acronym refers to Student, Environment, Tasks, and Tools and is designed to help guide school team discussions about the need for assistive technology. Cook and Hussey (1995) suggested the HAAT model – an acronym for Human, Activity, and AT. This model is often used to plan and structure the AT assessment process for adults. Both models take into account the strength, needs and abilities of the individual, targeted tasks or activities and contexts and environments when determining the needed AT supports. While the terminology may be slightly different between the two models, the data gathered and considered is generally identical with a process that allows for a thorough problem-solving approach geared toward the selection of AT supports.