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THE "OVER-ELECTRIFICATION" OF ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY AND OUTREACH STRATEGIES

Martin E. Blair
Utah Assistive Technology Program
Utah State University
Logan, UT 84322-6855
voice: 801-797-3886
FAX: 801-797-2355
Internet: meblair@cc.usu.edu

Web Posted on: November 22, 1997

SUMMARY

This presentation provides an overview of outreach activities provided by the Utah Assistive Technology Program. Special emphasis is given to outreach activities geared to elderly and Native American consumers.

UTAH ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM

The Utah Assistive Technology Program (UATP) provides expertise, resources, and a structure to enhance and expand AT services provided by private and public agencies in Utah. This occurs through monitoring, coordination, information dissemination, empowering individuals, the identification and removal of barriers, and expanding state resources to assume these essential activities as federal funding under the Tech Act is phased out.

The primary components of UATP include:

  • a. The Utah Center for Assistive Technology (UCAT). This center provides five essential services not duplicated by existing service delivery agencies: (1)demonstration and hands-on tryout of AT, (2) customization, refurbishing, and adaptation of technology, (3) consultation to consumers on funding of AT, (4) recycling of computer technology, and (5) consultation, hands-on demonstration, technical assistance, and training to consumers and service providers in the utilization of AT.
  • b. Assistive Technology Access Centers are located in rural areas to address the needs of underrepresented and rural populations throughout Utah.
  • c. The Utah Assistive Technology Foundation (UATF) is a private foundation established by UATP to provide low-interest loans to consumers for the purchase of AT devices.
  • d. The identification and removal of barriers to the acquisition of AT is the combined function of the Consumer Council whose primary assignment is to identify barriers, and the Management and Implementation Board, with responsibility to eliminate or circumvent barriers, or take other appropriate action to increase the availability of and access to technology by consumers.

UATP OUTREACH INITIATIVES

IDENTIFY SERVICE PROVIDERS TO UNDERREPRESENTED AND RURAL POPULATIONS

* Identify and train 20 members of underrepresented and rural populations to act as AT service providers.

EMPOWERMENT PLAN

* UATP staff and the UATP Consumer Council will develop a training and technical assistance written plan identifying strategies for overcoming each of the barriers identified by the Consumer Council and various service delivery staff. This will focus on system-wide barriers that can be addressed through general education strategies (video and print media). The end result of this initiative will be improved self- and family-advocacy skills for consumers.

TRANSLATION OF EXISTING AND FUTURE MATERIALS

* UATP will translate selected video and written materials into the most common non-English languages in Utah (e.g., Spanish). Currently, videos to be translated include:

  • Students and Assistive Technology: Meeting the Need (8 min.)
  • Toys for All Children (10 min.)
  • The Sky's the Limit (10 min.)
  • Utah Center for Assistive Technology (8 min.)
  • American with Disabilities Act: A New Era (16 min.)

SERVICES TO THE ELDERLY

* UATP staff will identify various populations of elderly citizens (homebound, senior citizen centers, residential adult care) and provide assistive technology information and devices, including self- and family-advocacy skills. Part of this initiative will be the development of a elderly-oriented demonstration kit that has "gadgets" designed for daily living activities.

VOLUNTEER PROGRAM

* UATP staff will develop a volunteer program in which members of various populations will assist their peers in becoming aware of and acquiring assistive technology services and devices.

INFORMATION DISSEMINATION/NEWSLETTER

* Information in this quarterly newsletter is consumer focused and consumer driven. The current circulation is approximately 2,000 subscriptions.

FOCUS GROUP/PUBLIC HEARINGS

* The main focus of this initiative is to gain consumer satisfaction input. However, it will be completed in conjunction with mini-presentations and demonstration displays in the locations where the focus groups occur.

* An open display unit will be available with hands-on tryout of various devices.

ELDERLY/AGING OUTREACH

Our experience indicates that the elderly do not see themselves as "disabled." In general, they see themselves as just getting old. However, as age increases, functional capability decreases. Providing assistive technology to this population is essential.

The 1996 "Aging America" report by the National Institute on Aging states:

"Increasing age heightens the probability of functional limitations. In one survey, 9 percent of people age 65 through 69 required day-to-day assistance, including help with bathing, dressing, and eating, compared with 50 percent for those age 85 and older. One-third of elderly women age 75 and older are functionally dependent and in need of considerable assistance. The link between advancing age and increasing functional problems has enormous implications for long-term care... The number of elderly requiring services for functional disabilities can be expected to increase unless there are medical revolutions on several fronts..."

Assistive technology represents one "medical revolution" helping the elderly maintain independence in spite of functional limitations.

It is clear that assistive technology can be an important addition to the lives of the elderly. But what is the most appropriate assistive technology for this population? The following experience helps to answer that question.

During a recent demonstration at a residential living facility, my colleague was demonstrating various communication devices. In a loud voice, one woman spoke up, "I don't like all those electric gadgets." Her feelings were echoed by the rest of the participants. My colleague quickly changed gears and demonstrated sock aids, talking watches, Dycem-like non-slip materials, large grip eating utensils, and low-cost adaptation techniques. Within minutes the participants were out of their chairs, up at the table, and trying out the over 50 daily living "gadgets." My colleague learned that many elderly persons are more interested in what can be done with Elmer's glue, hair curlers, and pipe insulation than with the latest in electronics.

UATP has learned that the most receptive human service agency to assistive technology issues for the elderly is the Area Agency on Aging. Their mission is to help the elderly remain as independent as possible. Each state has a number of regional Area Agencies on Aging to achieve this mission.

STRATEGIES

UATP has devised several strategies to meet the needs of the ever-growing elderly population. First and foremost, UATP is collaborating with Area Agencies on Aging (AAA) to leave $500 demonstration kits at each AAA office for demonstration purposes. In addition, smaller demonstration kits worth $100 are placed in senior citizen centers. The items for these smaller kits are determined by the local senior center staff. These staff are most familiar with the specific needs of their patrons. In all cases, senior center kits include devices that assist with daily living activities. These kits are used by paid and volunteer senior center staff to present assistive technology information at health fairs and other community events.

In addition, UATP is currently producing a video program for adult children. This program deals with home accommodations necessary to help elderly parents and their children make living arrangement choices (own home, home of child, residential facility, etc.).

ANTICIPATED OUTCOMES

UATP anticipates reaching over 1,500 elderly this year and increasing that number to over 5,000 by the end of next year.

NATIVE AMERICAN OUTREACH

UATP is in the beginning stages of Native American outreach. Utah is home to several nations: the Ute Nation, the Paiute Nation, and the Navajo Nation. The needs of Native Americans are very specific, yet varied. In almost all cases, citizens of these nations live very rural areas with few "big city" conveniences. These conveniences include paved roads, side walks, and public buildings that meet ADA minimum accessibility standards. Added to the physical differences are the cultural differences. While independence is highly valued in Anglo culture, many who live by traditional native cultural standards value interdependence, particularly with the elderly. These issues have provided UATP staff an opportunity to rethink and even redesign outreach activities.

STRATEGIES

Due to years of mistrust and broken promises between native and Anglo cultures, many service providers, particularly Anglos, find it difficult to gain trust and credibility in native communities. Thus, providing on-going service is difficult.

Innovative and less direct methods of outreach have been the most effective means of outreach. A first step to effective outreach is to gain the confidence of tribal or clan officials who have already gained the trust of the people they serve. These individuals may or may not be tribal members, but they have gained the trust and respect of their constituency.

Once a relationship with tribal leaders is established, the first contact should be with tribal health officials, primarily Indian Health Services. Key people in this office include Public Health Nurses and Community Health Representatives (CHR). The CHR's have the most direct contact with the elderly and those with disabilities. From these professionals, learn about tribal socials, parent meetings, social customs, etc. Seek an invitation to be a contributing part of these events. Next, meet with education leaders. Seek an invitation to be a part of education activities as well. Thirdly, social service staff from the tribe and from Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) offices are also excellent contacts. Be aware that some tribes have social service staff from BOTH the tribe and BIA. Make sure that commitments to participate are realistic and that commitments are fulfilled. Gaining trust and credibility are essential activities; this process may take years!

ANTICIPATED OUTCOMES

UATP has worked hard to be accepted by the Native American nations within Utah. A trusting relationship is being forged--but it takes time. To date, we have met with tribal officials of the Ute, Navajo and Paiute nations and been involved in 2 socials of the Paiute Nation. We anticipate involvement in future social activities and community health fairs.

SUMMARY

UATP has a mandate to provide outreach services to underrepresented and rural populations. This has focused our attention on translating materials into Spanish and developing a demonstration kit program for the elderly. The Native American outreach activity is going somewhat slower than planned. However, we have learned that patience, respect, and a firm commitment to follow through with promises is essential to an effective outreach program. The old saying, "They don't care how much you know until they know how much you care" is an essential guide to outreach activities for the elderly and native populations.

COMMON SENSE OUTREACH FOR THE ELDERLY, RURAL AND UNDERREPRESENTED

  • Focus on assistive technology to assist in daily activities (meal preparation, dressing, bathing, housekeeping, etc.).
  • Work diligently to gain the trust and respect of those you share information with. Confirm all meetings in writing, send thank you notes to all who help arrange your meetings, follow through with all requests for assistance. Face-to-face contact is essential to success.
  • Seek invitations to participate in social gatherings. Be careful to not "barge" in.
  • Find and work with a public or private agency whose mission is consistent with yours and whose primary purpose is to help people gain, maintain, or regain independence.
  • Find out the needs of the community you desire to serve and make sure that your assistance meets those needs rather than your need to show off the latest "cool stuff."
  • Be patiently persistent!

REFERENCE

Aging America poses unprecedented challenge, says new census, aging institute report. (1996, May 20). National Institute on Aging. Press Release.

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