A Home-Centered Approach to Assistive Technology Provision for Young Children with Disabilities

Abstract

This article discusses a home-centered approach to the use of assistive technology. A home-centered approach essentially addresses two questions: (a) How can assistive technology interventions for children with disabilities be implemented successfully in the home environment? and (b) How can the family system be considered in the use of assistive technology in the home environment? This article helps answer these questions by reviewing the literature in two encompassing areas: children's home environments and self-determination, and family systems and assistive technology. The first area examines the home as the primary learning environment for children and how the home environment can contribute to the development of skills. The second area discusses how family culture, resources, interactions, and goals for the future must be considered if assistive technology is to be susccessful in the home environment. The article provides a discussion of suggestions for working with families in the process of identifying and providing assistive technologies for young children in the home environment.