1.) Assistive Technology affords the person being served the ability to have their plans in front of them at all times.
Antiquated, printed copies of care plans on are not mobile - and are not as easily changed as the person-served accomplishes their goals. Assistive technology grants individuals with intellectual disabilities the opportunity to feel more a part of the planning process as they carry it with them to help keep them on track.
2.) Assistive Technology provides accessibility.
Mobile technology opens the door for text-to speech; allowing individuals who are print-challenged to “play” each section of their plan. The user experience can be enhanced by enabling the person-served to independently select the specific section of interest that they wish to listen to. This helps prevent overwhelming them with too much information at once.
3.) Assistive Technology provides succinct, actionable steps to a customized care plan.
Care plans should not be approached as a one-size-fits-all solution and manual processes like creating written instructions, manuals, and binders take time and energy that could be spent elsewhere. Assistive technology provides a more malleable platform to establish and manage care plans that are more customized to the individual.
4.) Assistive Technology is remotely supportable by Care Providers and Job Coaches.
Assistive technology has afforded Care Providers with the ability to communicate with clients and monitor setbacks and progress in their person-centered care plan ANY TIME and ANYWHERE. This is a big advancement in the quality of care that Care Providers and Vocational Rehabilitation agencies/organizations can offer their clients. It has equipped them with virtual “eyes” inside the homes of the people they serve without being intrusive to their lives.
If you are looking to simplify and/or increase the efficacy of your person-centered plans with clients, we encourage you to check out FLOURISH, CreateAbility’s new app that helps you establish, manage goals…and helps your clients achieve them!
