TECHPOINTS-Technology Intervention Preparation Steps-TIPS

Introduction

Consideration of assistive technology resources and services should be a regular part of what any vocational rehabilitation counselor may utilize as they work with persons on their caseloads, regardless of the disability or specific functional capacity. TECHPOINTS provides counselors and other staff with an easy to follow reference to help determine when and how technology resources and services could be used with individuals served.

TECHPOINTS will not tell counselors what to do, but it will raise questions and offer suggestions that will help to make consideration of technology-related needs a routine part of rehabilitation services.

Determining who may need assistive technology resources or services is one of the important responsibilities of the vocational rehabilitation counselor. Unless the VR counselor recognizes potential AT needs and is open to exploring possible options, it is unlikely that many of the persons served will have access to technology resources and services.

TECHPOINTS considers the possible role for technology-related services by looking at;

• the individual,
• environments where the individual is likely to function and then,
• specific tasks and activities that the individual would likely be required to perform.

Using the TECHPOINTS approach will help to systematically consider technology options throughout the rehabilitation process. Use of assistive technology should be individually planned and carefully matched with the needs and capabilities of the individual. The Matching Persons with Technology materials that you will be using will help to ensure that this takes place so that appropriate technology solutions are determined.