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Keren I'm sure you're aware that some sectors capitalise on this already. I know two communication aid users whose parents confidently manage all the (changing) environmental controls needs of the user by programming the VOCA. The other side of the coin is the reports I hear of parents losing user files (allegedly). Sometimes the technology hinders - many ECS users can't change the numbers in their phonebooks. Some people are incredibly resourceful. A colleague told me of his (successful) search for the ideal tyre for his wheelchair (all fitted by him) - I'm sure the wheelchair service isn't aware. Also I know one ECS user who has employed his own electronics technician to develop control of his house. I'm realise that some services feel more comfortable in retaining all control for fear of litigation, but if we don't enter into partnerships with AT users then we're losing a lot. But then I've not been sued. Yet. Barry Barry Taylor, Clinical Scientist Medical Physics Department Tulley Medical Physics Building, Hull Royal Infirmary Anlaby Road, Hull HU3 2JZ Tel 01482 675928, fax 01482 675750 [log in to unmask] -----Original Message----- From: A discussion list for Assistive Technology professionals. [mailto:[log in to unmask]]On Behalf Of Keren Down Sent: 15 November 2006 18:38 To: [log in to unmask] Subject: Self Care in Assistive Technology Just thought I'd bring our latest paper to your attention. FAST've looked at the potential for developing Self Care approaches in Assistive Technology, proposed what we think are the key issues and also looked at some existing models which could be used to develop self care programmes in AT. The full paper (10 pages only) is available to download from the FAST website ( http://www.fastuk.org/) I think there is an interesting debate to be had within the AT community about sharing risk with users and the formal agreements that probably need to be put in place to allow that more actively. I'm not sure also how professionals feel about programmes to build the capacity of users to manage high-tech EAT themselves more effectively and to gain technical skills / capacity to manage all AT more actively. We've proposed developing training programmes along similar lines to that currently being run by Enable Ireland (which is a joint programme training users and practitioners together) to support users to be competent to manage EAT . Let me know your views (even if you think it's pie in the sky when we don't currently have decent education / training for practitioners most of the time!) Cheers. Keren --------------------------------------------------------- Keren Down Director Foundation for Assistive Technology - FAST 12 City Forum 250 City Road London EC1V 8AF Tel: +44 (0) 20 7253 3303 Fax: +44 (0) 20 7253 5990 Reg. Charity Number: 1061636 Why not go to the FAST website at http://www.fastuk.org to find out more about FAST and how you can be involved. To stay up to date with the latest news on assistive technology why not subscribe to the AT Forum's monthly email bulletin by sending an email to: [log in to unmask] Check out previous bulletins at http://www.fastuk.org/atforum.php. -----------------------------------------------------------