Applied Skills and Technology: Human Factors and Design in Occupational Therapy

This course introduces students to the fields of assistive technology, human factors, and design as applied to occupational therapy. This course covers theoretical, research and industry literature pertaining to the design of environments, devices, and tools that are functional, safe, and satisfying to the general population with particular emphasis for people with mobility, cognitive, and sensory problems leading to occupational performance issues. 

Students will learn about the basic principles of three perspectives: 1) human factors and people with occupational performance issues; 2) technology and its historic, present, and future applications; and 3) how proper design can be used to achieve safety and promote occupational engagement and the quality of life of people with disabilities. Students will learn about how these perspectives can be applied in three types of environments: 1) homes; 2) workplaces; and 3) public settings, including educational environments, care institutions, hospitals, shopping areas, parks, and transportation. Students will also learn how these perspectives can be applied in selecting and prescribing effective computer applications, including user interfaces, internet accessibility, and input/output devices