( Congressional Report, 1988• Cook and Hussey, 1995• Dooley, 1997).

Categorization of assistive technology

Assistive technology is distinguished in:

Computer, the use of the computer by people with disabilities who are trained to use the full range of activities that can be accomplished through a computer to perform daily functional roles.

Alternative- Augmentative Communication (A.A.C.) it concerns the methods of replacing the conventional oral speech which for any reason presents limitations, with other alternative forms of communication.

Environmental control, it concerns the methods of handling the devices of the environment (such as the functions of the TV, the opening-closing of a door, the regulation of the temperature, the operation of the fans, etc.) through a specific device (Dickey & Shealey, 1987° Holme et al, 1997).

Powered Wheelchair, the powered wheelchair through personalized access and control systems, enabled a large number of people with disabilities to move independently in the area and to carry out a wide range of activities that are necessary for their daily living (Chase & Bailey, 1990° Hasdai et al, 1997).

Types of assistive technology. There are a number of categorizations that refer to assistive technology and depending on the perspective through which they are examined and the correlation between them there are the following types:

Assistive Technology: Assistive technology as already mentioned aims to help the individual to carry out the activities which are part of their functional occupation and which he is unable to carry out due to his limitations and disability. (Pedretti et al, 1992).

Rehabilitative or educational technology. Rehabilitation or training technology aims to develop and restore damaged skills so that they can be used in assistive technology devices (Cook & Hoosey, 1995▪ Cook & Hoosey, 2002).

Low or light technology: Although this characterization is considered relatively inaccurate, refers to simple items and appliances that can be manufactured or purchased from general commercial or online stores (such as large surface switches, control levers made of material that is typically recognizable by touch, and more) and does not intend to underestimate some of them. (Cook & Hoosey, 1995▪ Mann & Lane, 1995▪ Vanderheiben,1987)

High technology: Usually a device is described as high-tech when it is relatively expensive or particularly complex to manufacture. Generally, high-tech includes highly specialized and complex devices, such as electric wheelchairs,integrated device control systems (telephone) or integrated environmental control systems (π.χ. χειρισμός τηλεόρασης ή ρύθμιση φωτισμού). (Cook & Hoosey, 1995▪ Mann & Lane, 1995)

Minimal technology and maximal technology. Assistive technology devices are designed to meet a constant need: at one end of this continuum is the minimal need to replace part of a function through the provision of specialized assistance (devices that meet this need are referred to as low-tech devices) while at the other end are the needs that require the complete substitution of some function of the individual (devices that meet these needs are referred to as high-tech devices such as computer used as an alternative communication device to restore written speech in a person with cerebral palsy) (Cook & Hoosey, 1995▪ Vanderheiden,1987)

Commercial technology. A person with disabilities can use trade devices which are also used by the general population (remote controls) or commercially available devices (special structures) and serve him in his specialized personal needs. (Cook & Hoosey,1995▪ Mann & Lane, 1995). Custom technology. Sometimes the devices that a person with disabilities procures from the trade can use them after first modifying them appropriately with the help of a specialist, or may request the complete construction of a device that meets his individual needs (plexiglass key guide ) (Cook & Hoosey, 1995▪ Mann & Lane, 1995)

Occupational therapist

The involvement of the occupational therapist in the field of Rehabilitation through Assistive Technology focuses mainly on improving customer functionality and quality of life.Covering these therapeutic purposes requires a particularly high level of specialized knowledge on the part of the occupational therapist, organization, ingenuity and the ability to use a wide variety of required products.

The Occupational Therapist is the foremost specialist who with the use of assistive technology either at a low technology level or at a high technology level, will ensure an effective level of meeting the needs of the client and will contribute to the formation of a better standard of living (Bain, 1997a)

Central to the effectiveness of the intervention is the therapeutic relationship that develops between the occupational therapist and the individual, This relationship is an interaction and should be based on empathy, honesty and respect for the individual's views and choices or priorities. (Cook & Hoosey, 1995▪ Μαλαματίδου,1997) Also important is the role of the occupational therapist in terms of cooperation with companies that manufacture or modify assistive devices, employers, teachers and therapists from previous interventions received by the individual. The occupational therapist in detail during the intervention of assistive technology:

• assesses the individual (in terms of skills and functional life roles), the features of the available devices (complexity, texture of construction materials, possible actions) and the environment (home, school, work, community) in which the devices are expected to be used
• collaborates with the interdisciplinary team to select the most appropriate devices for each case
• to make the necessary modifications to the devices when necessary
• trains the customer in the use and proper maintenance of the devices, in case the intervention concerns children the education includes the parents of the child or those who have taken care of him. It is noteworthy, however, that customers often become so capable that they train their own environment in the use of Assistive Technology devices they use. (Cook & Hoosey, 1995)

Frequently re-examines both the functional level of the individual and the devices he uses and suggests the corresponding adjustments or changes required (Bain,1997° Struck, 1996)

In most assistive technology services, occupational therapists are the coordinators of the entire interdisciplinary team and have overall responsibility for the program..

Occupational therapy is linked to technology throughout its course. In occupational therapy practice, from its first traditional treatment programs to modern forms of intervention, simple and complex technological devices were used to better treat clients, such as splints, manual or electric wheelchairs, computers for evaluation, mouth or head bars and more. ( Pedretti,1991▪ Schwartz, 1988).

Assistive technology, when you choose carefully and methodically for each customer, has the potential to substantially improve his quality of life. So it comes down to a tool, used by the occupational therapist, to increase the rate of successful involvement of the individual in the activities of his daily life (self-care, productivity, leisure), to minimize the impact of a development disruption (aesthetic-motor, cognitive, psychosocial), but also to enhance the independence and self-esteem of the individual. (A.O.T.A., 1998)

The occupational therapist contributes significantly to the creation of a successful selection and matching of the client's skills and needs with the corresponding assistive technology devices, through his ability to analyze:

• the skills required
• the characteristics of the technological device
• the requirements of the functional activity as well
• the environmental contexts in which the transition will take place and the devices will be used
• This role of the occupational therapist in the provision of health services and assistive technology is particularly important and dominant and is part of his wider competence. (A.O.T.A 1998)