Douglas Hobson, PhD
Elaine Trefler, MEd, OTR, FAOTA, ATP

Having worked in the field of assistive technology for almost 40 years we have witnessed many changes, most for the better. In the area of technology itself, there are more options commercially available, lighter and more varied materials and techniques for customizing solutions that take hours instead of days.

Education programs, both in the formal education environment and through continuing education, are more readily available and exist in many formats. There are books, videos, lecture series, and now web based programs that can be delivered anywhere in the world.

Service delivery options abound. Once, the only way someone could obtain a wheelchair was through an inpatient rehabilitation facility. Now there out-patient clinics, therapists and engineers in private practice who can work with clients, tele-rehabilitation models where technology can be recommended based on remote evaluations and to our dismay, web based dealers who will sell anything to anyone. Clients no longer need to travel long distances to receive services and the technology they need.

Finally, there is the research in our young field. There is still research into pressure management but the scope of research results is growing to include the cause and management of repetitive stress injuries and outcome measurements both the tools and the processes, to name just two. Standards work is resulting in guidelines for both wheelchair and seating technology, transportation safety equipment and seating terminology. We could soon all be using standard terminology to describe the seated posture that would enable world-wide sharing of research results.

Where we go from here is up to you and the people you serve. The challenge is to define new directions based on client need. Good luck. We will watch you move forward and applaud your progress.