ERGOB2100 Accessibility, Adaption and Technology Course description

Accessible environments 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.

The student must have passed the 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. Throughout the course, students work individually on an assignment 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

Project examination in the form of an individual written work that is developed during the course. Scope: a maximum of 3000 words. The student can choose between two or more set research questions.

Resit examination: If the student is awarded the grade F (fails the written assignment), he/she will be given one (1) opportunity to submit a reworked version.

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

A-F.

All answers are assessed by one examiner. An external examiner is used regularly, at a minimum of every third completion of the course. When selecting answers for external evaluation, a minimum of 10 percent of the answers shall be included, with no fewer than 5 answers. The external examiner’s assessment of the selected answers shall benefit all students.