Assistive Technology for People with Acquired Brain Injury

Abstract

This chapter provides an overview of studies that have evaluated the use of assistive technology with individuals diagnosed with acquired brain injury. The chapter begins with an overview of acquired brain injury and the potential impact on functional skill areas. Following this introduction, an overview of selected research studies examining both low-tech and hi-tech assistive technology interventions for acquired brain injury is presented. This overview of research studies is organized into four categories based on the skill domain targeted for improvement through the use of assistive technology. These categories include cognition, communication, leisure, and vocational skills. The final section of this chapter analyzes the overall outcomes of the four categories of studies reviewed, and presents implications of these findings for practice and for future research.