Case study – adapting a TV/VCR control for a person with severe developmental disability

Issue title: Assistive Technology and Persons with Developmental Disabilities

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Willems, Bernardus F.^{a; *} | Loebl, Dina^b

Affiliations: [a] Hospital for Joint Diseases, Occupational and Industrial Orthopaedic Center, 63 Downing Street, New York, NY 10014, USA | [b] Harvard University Graduate School of Education, Larsen Hall 407, Appian Way, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA

Correspondence: [*] Corresponding author. Tel: + 1 212 2556690 ext. 128; Fax: + 1 212 2556754.

Abstract: This paper demonstrates the implementation of adaptive technology to assist a 26 year-old woman (WR) with severe developmental disabilities in her daily life activities. A multidisciplinary team of University-affiliated professionals and staff at a Center for persons with developmental disabilities worked together in evaluating WR and interfacing her with a specially adapted remote control for a TV/VCR. This paper delineates the process of identifying WR's specific needs to determine attributes of technology most conducive to her functioning.

Keywords: Assistive technology, Adaptive devices, TV/VCR adaptation, Developmental disability, Case study

DOI: 10.3233/TAD-1995-43-412

Journal: Technology and Disability, vol. 4, no. 3-4, pp. 287-294, 1995