This module focuses on Assistive Technology and Universal Design and on their application to work.   Examples of technology and design are used to establish learning opportunities.  We also provide case scenarios of where Assistive Technology and Universal Design have been applied in real work environments with successful outcomes. Being able to identify the need for and determine the appropriate application of Assistive Devices is an important level of knowledge and skill in an individual helping workers with disabilities enter, stay in or return to work. This module will explain the who, what, where, why, when, and how of the concept of Assistive Technology and provide you with greater confidence in its application.  We take the discussion one step further and explore Universal or Inclusive Design.  Universal Design is a relatively new concept that ensures all individuals, regardless on their age, social status, or impairment, or any other factor affecting their ability to work, are able to engage with their work activities and environment. You will learn how important this concept is becoming and how to effectively introduce the parameters into the workplace.

Module Content 


This Assistive Technology section of this module covers the following content:

  • What is Assistive Technology?
  • The benefits of Assistive Technology
  • How is Assistive Technology categorized?
  • Examples of Assistive Technology and their uses
  • The process for selecting Assistive Technology
  • Conducting research associated with Assistive Technology
  • Reasons why using Assistive Technology might fail
  • What should an employer do in support of Assistive Technology?


The section on Universal Design looks at:

  • What is Universal Design?
  • The 7 principles of Universal Design 
  • 10 important conclusions in Universal Design
  • The drivers behind Universal Design
  • Universal Design in practice
  • The Global Inclusion Benchmark.

Module Design 


The module includes the following components:


Product

Size

Allotted Time for Completion

Reading material with endnotes, websites list, and references

51 pages

12,169 words

3 hours

Video presentation 

69 slides 

1.5 hours

Quiz (must achieve 80%)

30 questions 

1 hour

Total 


5.5 hours

About the instructor

Director of Education and Professional Development

Gail Kovacs

Gail has 43+ years of front-line, management, project and curriculum development experience in health care, disability management and vocational rehabilitation in both the public and private sector and in Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom and other European countries.Gail is a Director of KMG Health Partners, an international firm providing Disability Management / Vocational Rehabilitation management, audit and training services. The company leads or participates in projects that assist with the development of the profession and with the evolution of client, customer and provider services. KMG trains Occupational Health and Safety, Human Resources and Line Management within employers. KMG also trains other professionals in the field. Gail has extensive activity in supporting large and small organizations with disability management processes. Gail has developed and delivered curriculum and training modules for Foreign Trained Health Professionals in Ontario to assist moving them from practicing as doctors to practicing as Disability Managers. She has also created the Study Guide, workshop and on-line training for the 8 professional domains of the Canadian Certified Vocational Evaluator (CCVE) exam.Recently she completed the development of training for front line construction supervisors in British Columbia to help them enhance their communications skills during stay in work and recover at work processes. This was in collaboration with WorkSafe B.C.Gail is a Registered Rehabilitation Professional (RRP) and a Certified Vocational Rehabilitation Professional (CVRP). She is a Past President of the Vocational Rehabilitation Association of Canada (VRA Canada) and of the Canadian Assessment, Vocational Evaluation and Work Adjustment Society (CAVEWAS). She has also been on the Board of Directors for the College of Vocational Rehabilitation Professionals (CVRP). She was a Trustee and Vice Chair of the Vocational Rehabilitation Association (VRA) in the UK and has supported standards development with the VRA, UK Rehab Council and British Standards Institution.Gail has a certificate in Human Resources Development and professionally practices as an Ergonomist. She is also a Canadian Certified Rehabilitation Counsellor (CCRC), a Certified Disability Management Professional (CDMP), and a Consensus Based Disability Management Auditor (CBDMA). She has been awarded the Fellowship of the Vocational Rehabilitation Association of Canada, the Award of Excellence from CAVEWAS, and a lifetime membership with the VRA UK all in recognition of her professional achievements in Vocational Rehabilitation and for her dedication and commitment to professional development and to client and customer services.