Achieving Successful Employment Outcomes with the Use of Assistive Technology. Report from the Study Group, Institute on Rehabilitation Issues (24th, Washington, DC, May 1998).

Developed as a result of an institute on rehabilitation issues, this document is a guide to assistive technology as it affects successful competitive employment outcomes for people with disabilities. Chapter 1 offers basic information on assistive technology including basic assumptions, service provider approaches, options for technology provision, and costs and benefits. Chapter 2 focuses on the pivotal role of the consumer, stressing the importance of attitude, the awareness process, and approach. Chapter 3 considers the assistive technology team including the counselor, consumer, rehabilitation technologist, employer, and others. The following chapter examines administrative challenges with emphasis on the importance of listening and then taking necessary actions. Chapter 5 is on application of assistive technology for the consumer and covers technology applications in the vocational rehabilitation process and employment, home-based employment, and marketplace issues. Chapter 6 considers some innovative approaches to assistive technology such as equipment loan banks, used equipment exchanges, and telecommunication device distribution programs. Chapter 7 addresses the legislative foundation of assistive technology including 18 specific laws or regulations such as the Rehabilitation Amendments of 1998. Chapter 8 lists additional information resources including Internet resources, related projects, and rehabilitation engineering research centers. (Contains 32 references.) (DB)