Class Reading Reflection: Living in the State of Stuck

After reading Dilemmas, Challenges, and Opportunities from Living in the State of Stuck, I can't help but feel frustrated yet more informed. To learn that almost one-third of all Assistive Technology (AT) devices are abandoned leaves me with a strong sense of knowing that a great deal of knowledge, work, energy and passion must go into matching an individual with the most appropriate AT. I was impressed learning about the "Matching Person and Technology (MPT)" model (Scherer, 1998). Focusing on the characteristics of 'Milieu, Person and Assistive Technology', appears to provide a successful starting place to support the selection of appropriate devices. Inclusive of the individual, their environment, the team and the vast number of assistive technology options available, it is without doubt an extensive process that must be taken seriously to ensure success. Caution is the word that comes to mind when learning about devices and selection. In the past, I would have learned about a device and quickly jumped to conclusions regarding who it would be good for and actually purchase the device without much thought pertaining to some of the things mentioned in this reading. I look forward to learning more about device selection.