A critical interface: occupational therapy, engineering and assistive technology

Senior level engineering students have the background necessary to design and construct many useful assistive devices, yet they are mostly unaware of the needs of disabled individuals. In contrast, occupational therapists know the needs of individuals with disabilities, but do not have the technical skills or resources to design or build such devices. The present document describes an ongoing program in which assistive technology design projects are developed by materials and mechanical engineering undergraduates. The success of the program is founded upon an established interface between engineers, occupational therapists and clients. Recommendations for projects are solicited from occupational therapists at United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) of Greater Birmingham who also provide expert consultation to ensure that the resulting designs best meet the needs of the client. Engineering students select projects, develop designs and upon approval, construct devices for use by UCP clients and staff. Projects developed for children and adult clients are presented, including one custom prototype device and a modification of an “off the shelf” item. These projects, which have been successfully included in clinical settings and have improved the quality of life for the clients, highlight different approaches to satisfying special needs that cannot be met with conventional commercial devices