OT 576:
This course focuses on the design and use of assistive technologies, adaptations, and environmental modifications to enhance performance, safety, and independence. Content includes opportunities for fabrication and adaptation. Personal environments, community environments, and practice settings are analyzed for accessibility, necessary modifications, and compliance with legal requirements. Students develop evaluation and intervention plans for assistive technology based on case studies. Technology and telehealth applications for the healthcare provider is also explored
Meeting Times, Location, & Course Delivery Details
Contact Information
Upon Successful completion of this course...
OT 576 Assistive Technology & Design Applications
B.3.8 Assess, grade, and modify the way persons, groups, and populations perform occupations and activities by adapting processes, modifying environments, implementing assistive technology or adaptive equipment, and applying ergonomic principles to reflect the changing needs of the client, sociocultural context, and technological advances.
B.3.11 Evaluate the needs of persons, groups, or populations to design programs that enhance community mobility, and determine alternative means of transportation in community settings, including driver rehabilitation and other community access options.
B.3.15 Apply the principles of assessment to identify appropriate features of assistive technologies and durable medical equipment to support the client’s participation. Demonstrate the ability to design, fabricate, apply, fit, and train in assistive technologies and devices (e.g., aids for communication, mobility, sensory loss, computer access, seating, and positioning systems) used to enhance occupational performance. Document a justification to secure funding.
B.3.18 Demonstrate knowledge of the use of technology in practice, which must include: • Electronic documentation systems • Virtual environments • Telehealth technology
Polger, J., & Encarnacoao, P., Smith, E. & Cook, A. (2026). Assistive Technologies Principles and Practice (6th ed.). Elsevier. Paperback ISBN: 978-0-443-10969-0
| Occupational Therapy Program Mission: The mission of the Occupational Therapy program at Wilmington College is to prepare exceptional occupational therapy professionals that recognize and respond to the unique needs of rural communities with a focus on evidence and occupational-based practices that are client centered. |
Upon completion of the Occupational Therapy program, students will...
Use critical reasoning to recognize health care needs, especially those in rural contexts, and provide evidence-based occupational therapy services to a variety of populations employing a variety of service delivery models, in different health care settings, and within community-based systems.
Provide services within a client-centered, occupational-based theoretical foundation with consideration of the underlying factors including, but not limited to, the culture and contexts that influence the individual’s ability to engage in meaningful occupational tasks and roles.
Clearly articulate, document, and apply professional principles and ethics, in advocacy of the client’s and family’s needs, as well as the needs of the OT profession.
Provide direct and indirect services to promote and sustain health, facilitate typical growth and development, prevent deficits, and maintain, restore, or enhance function through compensation, adaptation, and participation in appropriate therapeutic methods, environmental modifications, use of adaptive equipment, and assistive technologies to enhance meaningful occupational engagement.
Demonstrate the ability to manage and evaluate the efficacy of occupational therapy services including client care outcomes, departmental operations, documentation and reimbursement, and the supervision of appropriate personnel, including fieldwork students, within the guidelines of professional practice.
Initiate and participate in collaborative and cooperative interactions with intra-disciplinary and interdisciplinary professionals, clients, families, significant others, and caregivers to achieve the desired occupational therapy outcomes.
Relationship to Curriculum Design and Themes
The Wilmington College Occupational Therapy Program has a rural focus with three themes woven throughout the curriculum. The three themes reflect aspects of current occupational therapy practice and care and are as follows:
Evidence-Based Practice
Occupation-Based Practice
Client-Centered Care
Tentative Schedule
| Week 1 | Topics | Assignments | |
| August 18 - 22 | Lecture - Intro to Assistive Technology Evaluation and Services Lab –
| Readings: Chapter 2: pg.7-10 The Human Activity Assistive Technology Model
Chapter 5: Assistive Technology Service Delivery Chapter 6: pg. 116-120 (Functional Movement Evaluation) Assignments: In Class Assignment: Functional Evaluation | |
| Week 2 | Topics | Assignments | |
| Aug. 25 – Aug.29 | Lecture - Lab -
| Readings: Chapter 11: Manipulating Technologies: Aids to Daily Living Assignments: In Class Assignment: Grading ADLs
| |
| Week 3 | Topics | Assignments | |
Sept. 1 -5 Labor Day Sept. 1st | Lecture - Assistive Technology for IADLs: Meal Prep/Home Management, Health Management, & Safety/Emergency Maintenance Lab –
*Meal Prep Activity | Readings: Chapter 13: Cognition Technologies Assignments: In Class Assignment: Meal Prep Reflection
| |
| Week 4 | Topics | Assignments | |
| September 8 -12 | Lecture –
Lab –
| Readings: Chapter 8: Mobility Technologies: Seating Assignments: Quiz #1 (over content presented in weeks 1, 2, & 3)
Seating Assessment & LOMN Assignment, Due Sun. Sept 21 @ 11:59 pm | |
| Week 5 | Topics | Assignments | |
| September 15 -19 | Lecture - Assistive Technologies that Enable Personal Mobility Lab - Wheelchair Vendor Guest Lecture | Readings: Chapter 9: Mobility Technologies: Personal Mobility | |
| Week 6 | Topics | Assignments | |
| September 22 - 26 |
Lecture- Assistive Technology for Play, Leisure, and Social Participation Lab- • Toy Switch Lab • Homemade switch adapters | Readings: Chapter 6: Human-Technology Interface Assignments: In-Class Assignment: Switch-use Reflection | |
| Week 7 | Topics | Assignments | |
| Sept. 29- Oct. 3 | Lecture - Assistive Technology for Communication PRC-Saltillo Guest Lecture, Emily Simon | Readings: Chapter 14: Augmentative and Alternative Communication Systems Assignments: Quiz # 2 (covering weeks 4, 5, & 6)
| |
| Week 8 | Topics | Assignments | |
October 6-10 Professional Dev. Day (no classes)- Oct. 7th | Midterm Practical: AT Design Project: Evaluation, Fabrication, and Funding due Sunday, October 5th @ 11:59 pm | ||
| Week 9 | Topics | Assignments | |
October 13- 17 Fall Break Oct. 13th | Lecture - Assistive Technology for Education & Work Lab -
| Readings: Chapter 7: Access to Mainstream Information and Communication Technologies Assignments: In Class Assignment: Accessibility Features | |
| Week 10 | Topics | Assignments | |
| October 20-24 | Lecture - Lab- *Home Eval
| Readings: Assigned Readings in BB Assignments: Quiz #3: (covering content in weeks 7 & 9) Home Eval and Intervention Plan Due Sunday, October 26th at 11:59 pm | |
| Week 11 | Topics | Assignments | |
| October 27- 31 | Lecture- Universal Design in the Community Lab - *Playground Assessment | Readings: Assigned Readings in BB Assignments: Playground Eval and Intervention Plan Due Sunday, November 2nd at 11:59 pm | |
| Week 12 | Topics | Assignments | |
| November 3- 7 | Lecture - Lab -
| Readings: Chapter 10: Mobility Technologies: Transportation Assignments: Quiz #4 (covering content in weeks 10, 11, 12) In-Class Assignment: Driving & Community Mobility Eval & Intervention | |
| Week 13 | Topics | Assignments | |
| November 10- 14 |
TriHealth CARFIT training and Community Event
| Assignments: In-Class Assignment: CARFIT CHECKOFF | |
| Week 14 | Topics | Assignments | |
| November 17- Nov. 21 |
Lecture – Assistive Technology for the OT Practitioner: Artificial Intelligence, Telehealth, and the Virtual Environment Lab – Telehealth Delivery | Readings: BB Uploads Assignments: In-Class Assignment: Virtual Classroom | |
November 24 - 28 Thanksgiving Break No Classes | |||
| Week 15 | Topics | Assignments | |
| December 1-5 | AT Design Project: Assistive Tech Application and Training Presentations
| ||
| Week 16 | Topics | Assignments | |
| December 8-12 | WRITTEN COMPREHENSIVE FINAL | ||
***Reasonable changes to the course schedule may be made by the faculty or instructor of record at any time during the semester.
Assignment Descriptions | ||
Assignment | B Standard Addressed | Description |
Quizzes x4 | B3.8 | Students will complete quizzes to demonstrate their understanding of knowledge related to assistive technology features and service delivery.
|
In-Class Assignments | B3.8; B3.11; B3.18 | Students will demonstrate their understanding of the features of assistive technology & AT service delivery, including topics related to driver rehabilitation, community mobility, environmental assessments, and virtual services, via various in-class assignments. |
Seating Assessment & Letter of Medical Necessity | B3.15 | Students will write a letter of medical necessity to secure funding for AT. |
Midterm: Assistive Tech Evaluation, Fabrication & Funding, Parts 1 & 2 | B3.15 | Students will demonstrate their understanding of assistive technology and devices by completing a three-part project. The first three parts will be submitted as their midterm grade. The project will culminate with a formal presentation of all project parts and a demonstration and training in device use.
Part 1: Students will apply the principles of assessment to identify occupational performance needs for a client. Students will identify the features of assistive technology to support the client’s participation in their desired occupation and will identify options for funding. Students will submit the completed project part 1 template as part of their midterm submission.
Part 2: Students will fabricate an assistive device based on the design they established in part 1. Students will trial the assistive device and identify the device’s strengths and areas needed for improvement. Students will identify different ways to grade and fund the device. Students will submit the completed project part 2 template with attached images of the assistive device as part of their midterm submission.
|
Home & Community Eval and Intervention Plan | B3.8 | Students will complete an environmental assessment and develop a plan for intervention to adapt and modify processes and the environment to enhance the client’s occupational performance. Students will provide recommendations to the client for community resources and referrals. |
AT Design Project Presentation | B3.15 | Part 3: Students will complete a formal presentation of their AT Design project and will provide a demonstration and training in the use of their assistive device. |
Final: Written Examination | B3.8; B.3.11; B3.15; B3.18 | Students will demonstrate their knowledge of assistive technology assessment, design, via a comprehensive final assessment of content covered throughout the course. |
***Please note: A minimum of a “B” is required to pass a class in Occupational Therapy. If the student does not receive a minimum of a “B” in the course, he/she will have one opportunity to re-take the course and pass it when it is offered in the next year to continue to progress through the program. Two failures may result in dismissal.
Class assignments are designed to ensure that students are building the skills needed to become competent, entry-level practitioners by graduation. Each class uses a variety of evaluation methods to meet diverse student learning styles. Students are expected to fully prepare for each class and meet all assigned due dates. Late submissions are not permitted. Reasonable exceptions may be made at the instructor’s discretion.
The grading scale will be as follows:
Evaluation Methods | ||
Assignment | Course Grade | Letter Grade Equivalents: |
Quizzes x 4 | 10% | A = 90-100 B = 80-89 F = 0-79
|
In-class assignments | 5% | |
Seating Assessment & LOMN | 10% | |
Midterm: AT Design Project (Evaluation, Fabrication, and Funding) | 15% | |
Home Evaluation and Intervention Plan | 15% | |
Playground Evaluation and Intervention Plan | 15% | |
AT Design Project Presentation (Application & Training) | 10% |
|
Written Comprehensive Final | 20% |
|
| Methods of Evaluation | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Case Study | X | Presentation | X |
Exams | X | Demonstration | X |
Group Projects |
| Individual Project | X |
Assignments/Papers | X | Essay Test |
|
EBP Literature Analysis |
| Objective Test/Quiz | X |
Lab Performance/Competency |
| Lab Practical |
|
Journaling |
| Participation/In-Class Activities | X |
Fieldwork Performance Evaluation |
| Other |
|
| Methods of Instruction | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Case Analysis | X | Role Play | X |
Roundtable Discussion |
| Clinical Simulations | X |
Discussion Questioning/Interviewing | X | Community Integration Experience | X |
Experiential Learning | X | Multimedia Activities |
|
Fieldwork Experience |
| Other |
|
Group Presentation |
|
|
|
Lecture | X |
|
|
Lab Activities | X |
|
|
Out-of-Class Work Expectation
A minimum of 2 hours of out-of-class student work is expected for each hour of in-class time for traditional face-to-face courses. For online and hybrid courses, the combination of face-to-face time and out-of-class work should be equal to 3 hours per credit hour per week.
Instructor Course Policies
The following professional behaviors will be expected and enforced in and out of class in the WC Occupational Therapy Program at the discretion of the instructor:
| PARTICIPATION |
|---|
| Daily participation is a key part of this course and students are expected to attend all programmed portions of the course. Students are encouraged to communicate with the instructor before class time if any issue arises that may interfere with their ability to participate or require them to step out of the class during unscheduled breaks. Active participation in all daily discussion, community outings, and class/laboratory experiences in this course will be noted by instructors during each session. Students deemed to be disinterested, unengaged, or otherwise occupied, will not receive participation points at the discretion of the instructor with no recourse on the part of the student. Students should arrive prepared for class to discuss, answer questions, and participate in all class lectures, meeting times and activities. Students should make every effort to use the bathroom during scheduled breaks offered approximately once per hour during instruction. If a student leaves the class at other times, it is their responsibility to communicate to the instructor ahead of time of an issue that my prevent them from sitting in class for approximately 60 minutes. Any student who is not engaged in the class, completing other activities not related to the course or the assigned activity, or completing assignments such as studying for another course will be asked to leave the class. Absence, tardiness, and participation points can all be affected by each incident. |
| Absences |
| Instructors reserve the right to determine whether an absence is excused or unexcused. Absences result in 1% off the overall final grade each day the student is absent (e.g., If a student is absent 4 days over the semester, 4% of the overall final grade is deducted resulting in an overall course grade of 96% vs. 100%. Reasonable exceptions may be made at the instructor’s discretion. |
| Excused Absence |
| An excused absence is defined as a student’s unexpected illness/health with a medical note, bereavement for immediate family (e.g., spouse, children, grandparents, grandchildren, parents, siblings), or an unexpected life event (e.g. Emergencies, hospitalizations, and legal obligations). An excused absence will result in the student’s ability to make-up assigned work/assignments and submit within two days for full credit. Reasonable exceptions may be made at the instructor’s discretion. |
| Unexcused Absences |
An unexcused absence is defined as 1.) birthdays, 2.) holidays that are not approved on the Wilmington College graduate calendar, 3.) weddings, 4.) vacations/trips, 5.) absence due to illness without a medical note, or 6.) work. Unexcused absences will result in a student’s inability to submit assigned in-class work on the day of absence. Regular assignments (those that are not completed in-class), and that are due for submission on the same day that a student is absent, MUST be turned in by the due date regardless of whether the student is present for class to avoid a zero grade. In the case of ALL absences, whether excused or unexcused, you are expected to contact your instructor to get information and materials missed. If a student has unexcused absences of 3 or more days of any single course, they can be considered for failure of the course and possible dismissal from the program. |
| Tardiness |
Students are expected to arrive to class or learning session on time including arriving on time after a break in class or learning session. After one late arrival, the instructor contacts the student if the student did not communicate ahead of time regarding the late arrival. Upon the second late arrival, whether excused or unexcused, the instructor notifies the student’s faculty advisor to request the development of an action plan to prevent further occurrences. The student is responsible for any missed material and assignments resulting from tardiness. Failing to notify the instructor of tardiness or absence before class starts, or consistent tardiness may impact your overall grade. Tardiness over five minutes will result in 1% off the overall final grade each day the student is tardy. (e.g. If a student is tardy 4 days over the semester, 4% of the overall final grade is deducted resulting in an overall course grade of 96% vs. 100%. Reasonable exceptions may be made at the instructor’s discretion. |
| Academic misconduct may result in a failing grade, and a letter regarding the incident may be placed in the student’s permanent file in the Office of Academic Affairs. Academic misconduct includes all types of scholastic dishonesty and includes, but is not limited to, cheating on examinations or assignments, interfering with another student’s work, representing work done by another as your own, and plagiarizing. |
| Scholastic Dishonesty |
Any student who commits an act of scholastic dishonesty is subject to discipline. Scholastic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to cheating, plagiarism, collusion, the submission for credit of any work or materials that are attributable to another person. Examples of scholastic dishonesty include: Cheating
Plagiarism
Collusion
|
| Plagiarism |
| Plagiarism is not tolerated and can result in dismissal from the program. Resources are available to help students understand how to avoid plagiarism. Faculty may require students to submit their written assignments through plagiarism software prior to submission. It is the student’s responsibility to ask for help if needed. See the college catalogue and website for further information. |
| Artificial Intelligence |
| You are not permitted to use generative AI tools for any work in courses. This includes the use of popular tools like ChatGPT, Midjourney, GitHub Co-Pilot, as well as all other tools built on generative AI technologies. Due to the nature of this program, work can only be fairly and accurately evaluated if student writing has NOT been assisted by generative AI. Use of generative AI for assignments in this course will be considered a violation of the College’s academic integrity policies. Assigned reading and corresponding written assignments in this program are designed to develop independent skills and thoughtful perspective through reflective technical writing. Use of AI undermines that work, its purpose, and ultimately any benefit that it could provide towards students’ learning experience. Therefore, the use of any generative AI to help with any assignments will be considered cheating/plagiarism and will be graded and handled accordingly. |
| Professional Behaviors |
Students are also expected to be professional in all interactions associated with the school and program. Professional behavior is expected to be maintained in all classrooms and campus buildings, and when in the community for assigned class activities. Unprofessional behavior will be addressed immediately, and the student will be held accountable for immediate resolution of the issue. A process for development and monitoring of professional behaviors has been incorporated into the program. Students will meet (at minimum) each semester with their faculty advisor to review progress towards goals. Students will develop skills in self-reflection and self-evaluation that will support life-long professional development. Behaviors which detract from students learning will not be tolerated. These behaviors include but are not limited to talking during class when an instructor or other student has the floor, attire that distracts from students learning, entering, and exiting during instruction, and incoming messages on electronic devices. |
Additional Course Policies
Americans with Disabilities Act
If you have a documented disability that requires accommodations, contact Spencer Izor, the Associate VP for Compliance: spencer.izor@wilmington.edu, 937-481-2365, or visit her office in College Hall, Room 306.” If it is a class in the Prison Education Program, refer them to the Site Coordinator rather than to Spencer.
Cell Phones
All phones will be turned off/silenced and put away during class and only accessed during break times. If an emergency occurs and the professor is informed appropriately, an exception may be made. Faculty approval is required for any exceptions to cell phone and electronic device use and is at the discretion of the individual instructor.
Dress Code
Students are expected to be always clean and neat. Students are expected to wear polo shirts/collared shirts and khaki, black or casual pants in dark colors during class. No jeans, leggings, or sweatpants are allowed. All clothing must be loose enough to allow free movement through all ranges, especially during lab activities. When participating in anatomy and kinesiology labs students may be asked to change into appropriate lab clothing as designated by instructors. Rubber-soled, close-toed shoes are required. No clogs, flipflops, or sandals are allowed.
Jewelry, perfumes, and after shave scents must be kept to a minimum. When guest speakers or other visitors are present, students must wear their Wilmington College OT Student name tags. Pajamas or tank tops will not be permitted during class, including courses delivered in an online format.
Electronic Devices
The use of electronic devices (including headphones) during class or any instructional activity or session for personal communication, private exploration, or any other purpose outside of the activities prescribed by the Professor for that session is not permitted.
Exams and Quizzes
Any midterm or final assessment CANNOT be rescheduled for an unexcused absence. Time allotted for exams and quizzes will vary between courses. In general, students are allowed two hours for examinations and thirty minutes for quizzes. Official time allotted for exams and quizzes is at the discretion of the individual instructor. In general, students are allowed one hour for multiple choice exams, 30 minutes for quizzes, and two hours for exams containing case studies, short answer items, or essay questions. Time frames for practical exams given individually or in pairs are determined by the amount of content involved and the expectation of the demonstration, at the discretion of the instructor. All students must submit an Early/Late Exam Request Form in order to change the time of their exam for any excused absence. *Free medical and mental health services are available from the Wilmington College Health and Wellness Center. The Health and Wellness Center can be utilized to obtain a medical note (937)-481-2217.
Food & Drink
Any food must only be consumed in breaks, outside or in the student lounge. Students are allowed lidded drinking cups in the classroom. All students are responsible for their own clean up. All kitchen items must be washed and replaced immediately after use. Refrigerators must be emptied of all student items each Thursday before students can leave the building. The program is not responsible for items left in the department over weekends, holidays, or breaks.
Inclusive Learning
Wilmington College is committed to actively pursuing justice and equity for all and in providing an inclusive learning environment that is healthy, safe, and designed to support the success of all participants in their educational pursuits.
Minimal Technical Standards
A student is expected to meet these standards as outlined on the MSOT program’s Minimum Technical Standards document (Appendix B in Student Handbook).
Online Netiquette
Online communication can be challenging. It’s possible to miscommunicate what we mean or to misunderstand what our classmates mean given the lack of body language and immediate feedback. Therefore, please keep these netiquette (network etiquette) guidelines in mind. Failure to observe them may result in disciplinary action.
· Always consider audience. All communication should reflect polite consideration of other’s ideas.
· Respect and courtesy must be always provided to classmates and instructors. No harassment or inappropriate postings will be tolerated.
· When reacting to someone else’s message, address the ideas, not the person. Post only what anyone would comfortably state in a face-to-face situation.
Physical Contact:
Disclaimer: Due to the nature of occupational therapy practice, there may be physical contact with other classmates and instructors in order to fully comprehend and correctly perform specific evaluation and intervention techniques. By reading this statement and signing the syllabus attestation, you agree to fully participate and accept the necessity for physical contact by instructors, guest speakers, and other classmates for professional and educational purposes.-Level Policy item
Face to Face Courses
Wilmington College defines a Face-to-Face course as one which meets in a physical space on a regular weekly schedule. All students enrolled in a Face-to-Face course are expected to physically attend and participate in all class sessions.
Hybrid Flex Courses
In a Hybrid Flex course, you will have a scheduled day(s) each week where you will be required to meet in your scheduled classroom. You will also have assignments and other participation activities that must be completed and submitted electronically each week through the prescribed manner in Blackboard. Participation in the scheduled live class sessions and all weekly course requirements must be completed and submitted electronically in the prescribed manner to the course instructor within the instructors assigned deadlines for assignments and participation that week.
Hybrid Traditional Courses
In a Hybrid Traditional course, you will have scheduled day(s) where you will be required to meet in your scheduled classroom and other day(s) you will participate at the scheduled class time by attending the class live online via the platform specified in your course syllabus. You will have assignments that must be completed each week. Participation in the scheduled live classroom and corresponding synchronous sessions is required. Weekly course requirements must be completed and submitted electronically in the prescribed manner to the course instructor within the instructor's assigned deadlines for assignments and participation that week.
Online Asynchronous Courses
An Online Asynchronous course does not have a set meeting time. Each class week will have participation and engagement requirements that must be completed during that week as determined by your instructor. Wilmington College defines an online course week as one which commences at 12:00 A.M. each Monday and ends at 11:59 P.M. the following Sunday. All weekly course requirements must be completed and submitted electronically in the prescribed manner to the course instructor within the instructors assigned deadlines for assignments and participation that week.
Online Synchronous Courses
An Online Synchronous course will require that you attend the live online synchronous sessions during the scheduled meeting times indicated in your course schedule and in the course syllabus. Each class week will have participation and engagement requirements that must be completed during that week as determined by your instructor. Wilmington College defines an online course week as one which commences at 12:00 A.M. each Monday and ends at 11:59 P.M. the following Sunday. All weekly course requirements must be completed and submitted electronically in the prescribed manner to the course instructor within the instructors assigned deadlines for assignments and participation that week.
Syllabus Attestation
WILMINGTON COLLEGE MASTER OF SCIENCE (MS) IN OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY PROGRAM
Student Syllabus Attestation
Course Name and Number: ________________________________________________________
Semester and Year: _________________________________
My signature verifies that I have received, read, and understand the policies as stated in the course syllabus. I agree to abide by the policies and expectations outlined for this course.
Student Name: _______________________________________________________
Student Signature: ______________________________ Date: _______________
Institutional and Program-Level Policies
All exams will follow the Final Exam Schedule. Students scheduled to take three or more final examinations on one day may request to arrange their examination schedule, so no more than two exams occur on one day.
Requests for early or late exams are considered only under extreme circumstances. Prior to the exam period, the student must file a written request on the Early/Late Exam Form available in the Student One Stop Center, Academic Records, and on the WC portal. The form must be signed by the Instructor and the Academic Dean, approving the alternate exam time. This process must be completed prior to the scheduled exam period.
Undergraduate: SP25 Final Exam Schedule Graduate: