ERGOB2100 Accessibility, Adaption and Technology Course description

An accessible environment are an important precondition for occupation and participation. Occupational therapists can work at system level with universal design, or at individual and group level with adaptation of the environment and the use of aids as a health-promoting or compensating measure Technology makes up a significant part of the aids currently available to users with physical, cognitive, mental or social challenges. Technology can also be used as part of the training of skills and functions in a rehabilitation process. Digital competence in development, use and security is important in a digitalised society.

Passed first year of the programme or equivalent.

After completing the course, the student is expected to have achieved the following learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills and general competence:;

Knowledge

The student is capable of

• describing universal design and adaptation of environment
• explaining how technology and aids can promote people’s occupation and participation
• describing different arenas such as home, school and workplace, and explain the connection between functional impairment, disability and participation

Skills

The student is capable of

• applying relevant knowledge about adaption of the city environment to promote independence, health and quality of life
• using relevant legislation, research and user experience to explain how the design of the surrounding environment influences occupation and participation
• justifying and communicating the need for physical and cognitive aids and adaptation of different arenas such as the home, school and workplace
• guiding people in testing, adaptation, training and follow-up in the use of aids and welfare technology
• reflecting on the benefits and challenges of using welfare technology

General competence

The student is capable of

• exchanging points of view and cooperating with others on the development of welfare technology and its use
• using activity analyses and adapting physical surroundings to promote inclusion, coping and participation in play, learning, work and recreation

Work and teaching methods comprise skills training, seminars, lectures, work and supervision in project groups and field studies in Oslo. Students work individually on three portfolio assignments to be graded in the exam.

Fieldwork

The field studies are based in an area in the public domain in Oslo. Students work with accessibility, adaptation and technical aids targeting a relevant user group.

In order to be permitted to sit the exam, the following must have been approved:;

• a minimum of 80 per cent attendance in scheduled teaching

Individual portfolio of two written assignments, maximum 1,000 words per assignment.

An overall grade will be awarded based on the portfolio. The two assignments are equally weighed when the portfolio is graded, but if the student fails one of the assignments, the overall grade awarded will also be F.

Resit exam: The student will have the opportunity to rework the assignment(s) in the portfolio that has been awarded an F once.

All aids are permitted, as long as the rules for source referencing are complied with.

A-F.

The course deals with complex issues of relevance to users and their families in relation to rehabilitation, habilitation, intervention and palliative care. Occupational therapists often have a coordinating role in interdisciplinary cooperation and cooperation across different sectors. User participation, family focused services, vocational rehabilitation, everyday rehabilitation and complex medical and social conditions are key topics in the course.