Levantamento de Necessidades e Implementação Sistemática de Tecnologia Assistiva no cotidiano de uma criança com deficiência física

Abstract

Introduction: Assistive technology aims to promote the functionality and autonomy of people with disabilities or reduced mobility, aiming at their independence and social inclusion. The objective of this work was to investigate the needs related to Assistive Technology in the daily lives of children with physical disabilities and to initiate a systematic implementation process, based on observation in real contexts, with the active participation of the child and family. Methodology: This is intervention research, through a single case study, with a descriptive character and a qualitative approach, carried out in person at an outpatient care unit and in the natural contexts of the participating child (home and school). For data collection, an initial assessment script was used, with open and closed questions, and the standardized instrument "Pediatric Disability Assessment Inventory - PEDI", in addition to offering opportunities for the child and mother to express themselves throughout the research process. Three children's occupations (ADLs, Mobility and Education) were selected to direct the evaluation and intervention process with an emphasis on assistive technology, with five steps being pre-established to systematize the AT implementation process. Results: Based on the needs raised and the priorities established by the family, initial tests were selected and carried out with AT devices for ADLs in general, with the making of orthoses for the wrist and thumb (MSD and MSE), for the activity of the bath and in the Education area, which also reached the fifth stage of experimentation in real contexts. In addition, devices were indicated to facilitate mobility and writing. Final considerations: It was possible to carry out a survey of information that values the perception of the family and the child in Assistive Technology. Given the number of needs raised, it was verified the importance that the implementation process be systematized and happen as early as possible, to optimize the phases of functional development.