Environmental Adaptations

Table of Contents

Virtual Environmental Adaptions (Adaptive Switches) Demonstration

For more information, please contact Amy Woods, Occupational Therapy Assistant, at amy.l.woods@okstate.edu or 405-744-7734.

Key Takeaways

What are Environmental Adaptations and Assistive Technology (AT)?

  • Environmental adaptations can be structural or non-structural alterations of a home or any other setting.
  • This type of AT promotes access to an object in the home or other settings that is difficult to navigate.
  • Environmental adaptations help individuals complete everyday activities within any setting.

Common No-Tech and Low-Tech Environmental Adaptations / AT Solutions:

  • Ensure a person has access to all parts of the environment by arranging furniture to meet the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessibility standards.
  • Adapt items using PVC pipe, foam, and various objects from home improvement stores to improve positioning, access to, and manipulation of devices and equipment.

Who, When, and Where are Environmental Adaptations / AT Appropriate?

  • For anyone who needs an alternative access method for the environment
  • When an individual cannot run an electronic device by standard instruction due to cognitive or physical impairments
  • Environmental adaptations and controls can be appropriate in any setting to lessen or remove physical barriers

Why are Environmental Adaptations / AT Important?

  • Reduces support from caregivers
  • Lessens or removes physical barriers
  • Increases safety
  • Maintains or prolongs functional independence

Case Studies

Education

Employment

Community Living

Situations for Environmental Adaptations / AT:

School Environment

  • Accessing entrances and exits of the building(s)
  • Operating musical instruments
  • Accessing restroom facilities
  • Accessing computers and functions
  • Operating toys
  • Accessing food and tables in the cafeteria
  • Operating sports equipment
  • Accessing the playground
  • Operating games
  • Accessing objects and places within a classroom

Work Environment

  • Accessing entrances and exits of the building(s)
  • Accessing computers and functions
  • Placing and answering phone calls
  • Accessing restroom facilities
  • Navigating in/around the building
  • Operating appliances in the lunchroom
  • Using fax and copy machines
  • Accessing the parking lot or public transportation

 Home Environment

  • Accessing entrances and exits of the house
  • Answering the door
  • Operating appliances
  • Placing and answering calls
  • Entering and exiting rooms in the house
  • Accessing all cabinetry
  • Accessing computers and functions
  • Operating lights
  • Operating fans
  • Accessing the toilet/shower

Community

  • Accessing the parking lot or public transportation
  • Accessing entrances and exits of buildings
  • Accessing general information
  • Accessing public restrooms


Commonly Asked Questions about Environmental Adaptations / AT:

  • Q – What are structural and non-structural modifications?
    • A – Structural modifications are permanent changes to a building/structure (Ex. widening halls/doorways in a home, creating a roll-in shower in the bathroom). Non-structural modifications are temporary or minor installations or alterations of a building/structure (Ex. rearranging furniture, ramps, special door hinges that widen openings, hand held shower, magnetic door catches).
  • Q – What is the difference between environmental adaptations and AT?
    • A – Environmental AT devices are any piece of equipment, software program, or product system that improves the functional capabilities of a person. Environmental adaptations are built to address situations in one’s environment to reduce physical barriers.
  • Q – What are environmental controls?
    • A – Environmental controls are devices that enable an individual to operate electronics independently through a variety of access methods (switches, Bluetooth, smart devices) throughout one’s setting(s).
  • Q – What are access methods?
    • A – Access methods are the way in which an individual interacts with electronics and the environment. There are two primary access methods: direct selection (Ex. Eye gaze) and switches. These can be used to access a multitude of electronics, computer software/hardware, and communication devices. Switches are available in a variety of colors, shapes, sizes, and connection abilities.

 AT Solutions at Oklahoma ABLE Tech:

Visit Oklahoma ABLE Tech’s Environmental Adaptations / AT Inventory

Visit Oklahoma ABLE Tech’s Environmental Adaptations AT/DME Reuse/Exchange Inventory

Helpful Links and PDF Resources:

Guides and Articles:

Video/Webinar/Podcast Resources: