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Entry into the AT field:
1977
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How I got into the
field
I was Coordinator of the
research laboratory in the University of Washington Department of Physical
Medicine and Rehabilitation and therapists constantly came to the lab wanting
help to resolve problems they encountered in seeking independence for people
with severe disabilities. My professional background includes a Bachelors in
Physical Therapy and Masters in Public Administration/Social Management of
Technology.
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Important event(s) that influenced
my early decision to get into the assistive technology field
There was no one event, just going onto the Rehab
ward and doing something with relatively simple technology that gave a young
person with quadriplegia even a small amount of control of life
activities.
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Why I chose the AT
field
It evolved from being involved
in R&D, the results of which began to transfer to practical solutions for
people. My motivation for choosing the field is being able to cause a positive
change in a person's independence.
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My inspiration and
mentor
While there is no person in
particular, there are many like-minded colleagues.
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Why the field is important to me
and the central focus of my work
The
assistive technology field is entrepreneurial. It allows you to help maximize
the potential of a human resource. I was able to operate a successful and
profitable, fee for service private practice in AT.
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My memorable successes and
greatest contributions to the field
There were many successes, but the best were
those in which I was able to help a motivated person achieve their goal of
independence. They always made me feel "warm and fuzzy." I consider one of my
greatest contributions having led the charge in RESNA's professional
development efforts that eventually evolved to become the credentialing of
service providers.
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My most memorable
failures
The failures were not
failures of the technology application but usually of circumstance in
situations where unpredictable or unforeseen factors beyond immediate control
scuttled the plan and the person did not achieve their goal. Most of the time
there was nothing that could be done- you had to let go.
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Significant changes and advances
in the field since I first entered it
I believe the most significant change in the
field is the transfer of technology to service delivery particularly electronic
and digital. I consider the availability of processor driven solutions to be
one of the most significant advances in the field. They allow us to provide
significant extensions to the function and independence of people with severe
disabilities.
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On the future of rehabilitation
engineering and assistive technology
I believe it will continue to integrate as
standard practice in rehabilitation and community based programs that serve to
improve opportunities for people.
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My role within RESNA and what it
gave back to me
I've been a board
member, President, Chair of committees such as Quality Assurance and
Professional Standards. My participation in RESNA has given me the opportunity
to gain a lot of useful knowledge and to meet and share with wonderful
like-minded people.
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On the future of RESNA
RESNA will continue to represent the people who's
mission it is to develop and apply technology that will improve peoples
lives.
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My suggestions for those just
entering the field
Become an
entrepreneur who works to optimize the resources possessed by a person with at
disability.
