It’s not often we come across a thick, comprehensive resource volume written clearly and in a style that encourages browsing by even a layperson time after time. Joan Green’s recent publication is just such a book.
Green, who has more than 20 years of experience integrating assistive technology into therapy, has accumulated a wealth of practical solutions to deal with the financial and time constraints of modern programs. Her book offers simple explanations about the many ways technology enhances treatment for those who have difficulty with a variety of tasks, including:
• Language
• Voice
• Reading
• Thinking
• Memory
• Speech
• Learning
• Writing
• Concentrating
Specific recommendations are discussed for office, school and acute-care set-up. Computer choices are delineated in detail, from notebooks to handhelds to tablets and many more. Pros and cons of each option appear, including cost considerations.
But the bulk of the book, and the reason it merits its hefty price tag, are the many chapters that are chock-full of pertinent websites and the latest software options - what they provide, what they cost, who they best service. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed with what’s out on the market and how the assistive technology products compare, here’s your guide. Features of each product are bulleted, making the text easy to access.
It’s also an excellent way to evaluate what software you might want to add to an existing therapy program. Green has grouped the resources according to what clients need to improve in. Thus, if you have a patient struggling with, say, written expression, there are 48 pages of neatly categorized treatment and technology options to assist you in making decisions.
The book will save you time looking all over the internet for assistive devices (and always feeling that there are some you’ve missed), and it has the added bonus that it isn’t a promotional tool for any brand or method. Rather, it’s a compendium of currently available tools that can update and enhance your treatment regimen.
Although targeted at professionals in fields from psychology to teaching, this volume would be immensely helpful to families who want to ensure that their loved ones are getting the best, and most appropriate, treatment available. Imagine being able to evaluate different technology regimens to make informed choices, instead of depending solely on what you’re told.
Having information about the vast majority of assistive device choices puts family members on a more equal playing field with the medical community or teachers, ensuring a hand-in-hand focus on patient /student outcome. And finally, such a resource allows parents to supplement with appropriate programs at home.
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