Question
What are the things we need to know or "take home" messages about assistive technology and its use with clients with neurovisual deficits?
Answer
- Assistive technologies designed for acquired eye diseases may be useful for people with neurovisual deficits as well.
There may be some devices on the market that would work with both populations.
- The severity of cognitive/ perceptual problems associated with neurovisual deficits will probably determine the potential for use of AT.
Motor deficits can impair their ability to use AT as well, but we can usually find a way to adapt the device to compensate. On the other hand, it is much harder to compensate for cognitive and perceptual problems which can limit your choices.
- Evidence for use of AT is sorely lacking.
Research is needed so that we know what works and what doesn't. The more research behind the devices, the more likely it will be used in therapy.
- Prism adaptation therapy shows promise.
This therapy is showing promise, but does not yet have the evidence to support it. Again, we need to continue to do research in this area to see its effectiveness.
- Audible & tactile compensation may be beneficial.
This type of feedback could really help your clients; however, they will need to be trained how to use it.
- Advantages for use of AT with people with neurovisual deficits is yet to be determined.
Again, we need more research and the sharing of knowledge to make determinations.
- Explore AT use with caution and consult with neuro-opthalmologists & optometrists.
It may be a process of exploration with many different devices is needed. You will need to encourage the use of the device so that habituation can take place. If ultimately the device does not work, then you will need to try something else.
