These occupational therapy technology tools can transform your students’ lives.

<p>
From time-tested tools to the latest innovations, technology can be life-changing 
for students who receive occupational therapy services. If you’re a school-based 
occupational therapist and you want to provide the best possible therapy for the 
kids you serve, 
consider how these tech tools can improve your students’ lives!
</p>
<p> Think for a moment about the students on your caseload. What challenges do 
  they face? Have they been diagnosed with autism, ADHD, cerebral palsy, dysgraphia, 
  or dyslexia? Do you serve kids with hearing or vision impairments, traumatic brain 
  injury, or developmental disabilities? What particular issues do they struggle 
  with and how could technology help them better access the curriculum and 
  participate in daily activities of living? 
</p>

<h2>What Technology Tools Do Occupational Therapists Use?</h2>

<p>
 Technology tools that occupational therapists use with students include mobility aids, 
 communication devices, keyboarding tools, interactive games, and adaptive equipment. 
</p>
<h2>What Kind of Technology Is Used in Occupational Therapy?</h2>
<p>Occupational therapists typically use assistive technology that can be grouped into 
  two categories:
</p>

<ul>
  <li><strong>Low-tech assistive technology:</strong> Devices like walkers, magnifiers, 
  pencil grips, etc., that are simple, straightforward solutions.
  </li>

  <li><strong> High-tech assistive technology:</strong> Tools like virtual reality or 
  health monitors that use complex technological innovations to aid individuals 
  with disabilities.
  </li>
</ul>

<h2>Occupational Therapy Technology Tools (2024)</h2>
<p>Here are some OT tech tools to consider using with your students and who they typically can help the most.</p>
<table style="width:100%">
  <thead>
     <tr>
       <th>For students who have challenges with…	</th>	
       <th>Technology</th>
       <th>Tips</th>
     </tr>
  </thead>
  <tbody>

   
<tr>
  <td rowspan="5">Mobility</th>
  <td>Walkers</td>
     <td>
       <ul>
        <li>Adjust to fit height and strength of student</li>
        <li> Include seat for resting if needed </li>
     </ul>
 </td>
</tr>
<tr>
  <td> Scooters </td>
    <td> 
       <ul>
           <li> Use for students with moderate mobility issues</li>
       </ul>
    </td>
</tr>
<tr>
  <td> Wheelchairs </td>
    <td> 
       <ul>
           <li> Use for students with severe mobility issues</li>
           <li> Choose from manual or electric </li>
       </ul>
    </td>
</tr>
<tr>
  <td> Ramps and rails </td>
    <td> 
       <ul>
           <li>Can help students navigate environments more effectively and safely </li>
       </ul>
    </td>
</tr>
<tr>
  <td> Robotic therapy devices </td>
    <td> 
       <ul>
           <li>Wave of the future – exoskeleton systems, portable assistive devices and orthoses will become much more available moving forward</li>
       </ul>
    </td>
</tr>

   
<tr>
  <td rowspan="6">Motor skills</th>
  <td>Zipper pulls and button hooks </td>
     <td>
       <ul>
        <li>Help promote independence when changing for gym or daily dressing</li>
      </ul>
 </td>
</tr>
<tr>
  <td> Shoehorns and sock aids </td>
    <td> 
       <ul>
           <li>Enables student to put on socks and shoes without having to bend over or cross legs </li>
       </ul>
    </td>
</tr>
<tr>
  <td> Custom utensils </td>
    <td> 
       <ul>
           <li>Specially designed forks, spoons and knives allow students to grip tools to feed themselves</li>
       </ul>
    </td>
</tr>
<tr>
  <td>Grabber </td>
    <td> 
       <ul>
           <li>Allows students to pick up objects and grasp without having to bend over </li>
       </ul>
    </td>
</tr>
<tr>
  <td> Positioning aids, keyguards, slant boards and other typing tools</td>
    <td> 
       <ul>
           <li>Help students learn to type</li>
           <li>Can customize for each student and adapt as needed over time</li>

       </ul>
    </td>
</tr>
<tr>
  <td>	Pencil grips		Helps kids hold a pencil and learn to write or draw </td>
  <td> <ul>
         <li>Helps kids hold a pencil and learn to write or draw</li>
        </ul>
   </td>     
</tr>

   
<tr>
  <td rowspan="2">Communication</th>
  <td>Communication	Communication boards </td>

    <td>
       <ul>
        <li>Helps students interact with others using low-tech board with pictures and symbols
        </li>
      </ul>
  </td>
</tr>
<tr>
  <td> Speech-generating devices </td>
    <td> 
       <ul>
           <li>Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices that can replace or support spoken language  </li>
       </ul>
    </td>
</tr>


   
<tr>
  <td rowspan="3">Life skills</th>
  <td>Virtual reality – simulated environments</td>
  <td>
       <ul>
        <li>Can help students practice classroom tasks, crossing the street, social interactions, etc.
        </li>
      </ul>
  </td>
</tr>
<tr>
  <td> Motivational games and interactive memory games </td>
    <td> 
       <ul>
           <li>Can improve engagement and make learning more fun</li>
       </ul>
    </td>
</tr>
<tr>
  <td> 	Automated systems and voice-activated assistants</td>
    <td> 
       <ul>
           <li>Can help with setting alarms, adjusting lighting, opening doors </li>
       </ul>
    </td>
</tr>


   
<tr>
  <td rowspan="2">Medical conditions</th>
  <td>Fitness trackers and wearables</td>
  <td>
      <ul>
        <li>Can help students meet their OT and activity goals </li>
        <li>Can help parents stay informed about their children’s location </li>
      </ul>
  </td>
</tr>
<tr>
  <td> Health monitors </td>
    <td> 
       <ul>
           <li>
            Can help physicians monitor conditions, track health data, and provide real-time 
            feedback for patients with fragile conditions
           </li>
       </ul>
    </td>
</tr>
  </tbody>
</table>

<h2>Occupational Therapy Technology Tools of the Future</h2>
<p> Moving forward, technological innovations will continue to expand opportunities 
  for individuals with disabilities. Advancements that are already impacting the 
  field of OT and continuing to unfold include:
</p>
<ul>
  <li> <strong>Artificial intelligence:</strong> To develop comprehensive and 
  predictive treatment protocols, analyze data and track goals </li>
  <li><strong> 3-D motion analysis:</strong> To provide kinesthetic data for rehabilitation, 
  clinical measurement, and improvement of functional tasks</li>
  <li><strong> Nanotechnology:</strong> To track and evaluate gait, eye movement, and brain
   function using tiny sensors
  </li>
</ul>

<p>
  From simple, low-tech tools like guard rails to advanced innovations like 
  interactive VR games, technology can change the trajectory of students’ lives. 
  All it takes is having an informed, educated occupational therapist who is 
  determined to find the best possible solutions for each child!
</p>

<h2>Are You an Occupational Therapist in Search of a New Adventure?</h2>
<p><strong>Explore our</strong> <a href="https://www.crosscountry.com/education" target="_blank">school OT jobs</a> 
at Cross Country Education.</p>

Occupational Therapy Technology Tools All School-based OTs Should Know About