ABSTRACT

Objective: The purpose of this study is to survey the perception of occupational therapists on assistive technology in order to provide them with the actual and present conditions of assistive technology services so they can professionally convey such assistive technology services and their related devices for people with disabilities. Also this study aims to investigate improvement method to present the application of assistive technology.Methods: The participants were 256 occupational therapists licensed in South Korea who have experienced clinical training. The study period was from October 28 to November 4, 2006.Result: 136 out of 230 occupational therapists responded that they heard the term ‘assistive technology’ in their university or college class. A large number of occupational therapists believed that assistive technology helps to carry out occupational performance, and the most effective performance area was recognized as activities of daily living. The core important matters needed to improve assistive technology were responded in the following order: opening of related introductory classes, supplementary classes opened by an organization, other professionally related seminars or workshops, and certified processes approved by a government agency. The perception on the general characteristics of assistive technology was closely related with educational and practical backgrounds. The perception on assistive technology among occupational therapists was relatively low: averaging only 10 out of 28 in score. Individuals with higher educational and vocational experience showed a higher percentage of recognizing assistive technology.Conclusion: In order to systematically train occupational therapists as experts in assistive technology, more assistive technology related courses should be incorporated into occupational therapy education curriculum and continuing education needs to be provided.