DSPs Using and Supporting Technology Use

David Van Hook, author

In the ever-evolving field of assistive technology (AT) for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, a common approach to using AT often leads to disappointment. The typical strategy of starting with technology—attending conferences, scouring the latest gadgets, and hoping to match a device to a person's needs—usually fails. Instead, a person-centered approach is more promising. A person-centered approach shifts the focus from the technology to the individual's needs and wants. The insights and information shared in this article are based on my extensive experience of over 17 years in consulting, assessing, and implementing AT products, services, and supports. I have trained teams and consulted across the West Coast on AT.

The Conventional Approach and Its Pitfalls

Many well-intentioned professionals and caregivers start by exploring the newest and most promising technologies. They get excited about the potential of certain devices and systems, imagining how they might benefit the people they care for or serve.

However, focusing on the technology rather than the person is likely to fail. The reasons for this vary: The technology might not work as anticipated, the individual might find it uncomfortable or challenging to use, or there may be a lack of buy-in from the person who is supposed to benefit from it.

However, focusing on the technology rather than the person is likely to fail. The reasons for this vary. The technology might not work as anticipated, the individual might find it uncomfortable or challenging to use, or there may be a lack of buy-in from the person who is supposed to benefit from it. This approach is like trying to fit a square peg into a round hole! If this has been your experience, I encourage you to shift your focus.

Shifting to a Person-Centered Approach

Instead of trying to match people to technology, match the technology to the people. First, seek to understand the person and the problem you are trying to solve with AT. What are the person’s preferences, strengths, challenges, and goals? By placing the person at the center of the process, the search for appropriate AT becomes more targeted and relevant.

Consider an analogy from consumer technology. While Apple AirPods Pro might be excellent for many people, they are not universally suitable. Some individuals might need over-the-ear headphones due to comfort preferences or require specific features like enhanced noise cancellation. Similarly, assistive technology must be customized to fit the unique needs of each individual rather than expecting one solution to work for everyone. Years ago, we worked with a client facing a communication barrier who initially received a Dynavox speech device. However, this device did not meet the individual's needs due to its visibility and lack of user acceptance. We later introduced an iPad with a communication app that better suited the individual's preferences, particularly due to its "coolness factor," which ultimately led to successful adoption.

Implementing the Person-Centered Approach

Direct support professionals (DSPs) should assess the issue the AT intends to solve and the individual's strengths, needs, and preferences. This involves active listening and engaging with the person, possibly their family and others who support them, to gather insights into their daily life, strengths, and challenges.

From there, the process involves exploring various technologies that are known to address the issue that the person is trying to solve with AT. As you explore, try to find an AT option or several options that are known to meet these specific needs. Exploring is a collaborative effort that might include trials of different devices, gathering feedback, and making necessary adjustments. This iterative process ensures that the chosen technology truly enhances the person's quality of life and fosters greater independence.

Training and Consistency: Vital Components of Success

A person-centered approach is crucial, but it is only the beginning of the road to success with AT. Ongoing training is needed for the person using the AT, the DSP, and others who support the person. Consistent use of the AT and regular check-ins ensure that the technology meets the individual's evolving needs. As a DSP, you can proactively plan for these check-ins. You can gather data to support the person and others in making decisions and suggestions about future use or changes in AT.

Common Challenges and Rebuttals

Skeptics might argue that a person-centered approach is too time-consuming or resource intensive. They might believe that standard solutions are more practical and cost-effective. Initially, a person-centered approach might require more time and resources, but evidence from my experiences in supporting a person-centered approach to AT suggests it leads to better outcomes. When AT is well-matched to a person’s needs, strengths, and preferences, it is more likely to be used effectively. Further, when DSPs and other caregivers support a person in learning to use the technology consistently, it reduces the likelihood of abandoning it before fully testing its use. This can reduce the need for costly replacements.

Another misconception is that a person-centered approach lacks scalability. On the contrary, organizations create flexible frameworks and expectations to adapt to various contexts by developing systems and strategies that prioritize individual needs. Training DSPs in these principles can ensure that the person-centered approach becomes an integral part of the organizational culture, ultimately benefiting more individuals.

Conclusion

The person-centered approach to AT is not just a strategy but a philosophy that recognizes each individual's inherent value and uniqueness. By starting with the person and letting their strengths and needs guide the search for appropriate technology, we can significantly improve the success rates of AT implementations. This approach fosters greater independence and satisfaction for the people we support, leading to more sustainable and effective use.

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