ENGR110/210: Perspectives in Assistive Technology

Bridging the Gap between Consumers and Products in Rehabilitation Medicine
Deborah E. Kenney, MS, OTR/L
Stanford University, VA Palo Alto Health Care System, and Foothill College

Abstract: Occupational therapists (OTs) are critical players in the transdisciplinary rehabilitation team. An OT's job is to help people, who because of illness, injury, or aging, have experienced a decrease in their ability to function independently in the areas of daily living, work, play, and leisure. Treatment by an OT often includes the prescription of assistive technology. This talk will focus on the aspects necessary to effectively fit the technology to the individual and support the use of this technology in the home environment, and the impediments to providing this. She will be joined by a panel of stroke survivors: Albert A. and Michael W. who will discuss their challenges and the assistive technology devices they have used.

Biosketch: Deborah Kenney is an Occupational Therapist and Research Manager in Orthopaedic Surgery, with professional experience spanning adaptive technology design, clinical practice and research coordination. Her work focuses on supporting evidence-based approaches to hand treatment and rehabilitation and improving functional outcomes for individuals with orthopaedic conditions and brain and spinal cord injuries. As a Research Manager, she designs and develops research tools and methodologies, maintains data integrity for clinical studies, and helps translate research findings into clinical practice. Her academic interests include functional recovery, outcomes measurement, and the integration of research into healthcare settings. Deborah brings a patient-centered perspective to her work, informed by her background in occupational therapy and her commitment to advancing quality and innovation in orthopaedic care.