Assistive technology for pharmacists with disabilities

There are a number of different types of assistive technologies that can help pharmacists working in the retail or clinical environment. In both of these settings, you may be required to move around on a regular basis. If your disability is related to mobility, then you may benefit from assistive technology devices.

Assistive technology or adaptive technology (AT) is an umbrella term that includes assistive, adaptive, and rehabilitative devices for people with disabilities and also includes the process used in selecting, locating, and using them. AT promotes greater independence by enabling people to perform tasks that they were formerly unable to accomplish, or had great difficulty accomplishing, by providing enhancements to or changed methods of interacting with the technology needed to accomplish such tasks.

Pharmacists who have a mobility-related disability would probably benefit by using one of the following:

Durable Medical Equipment (DME)

  • Seating products that assist people to sit comfortably and safely (seating systems, cushions, therapeutic seats).
  • Standing products to support people with disabilities in the standing position while maintaining/improving their health (standing frame, standing wheelchair, active stander).
  • Walking products to aid people with disabilities who are able to walk or stand with assistance (canes, crutches, walkers, gait trainers).
  • Advanced technology walking products to aid people with disabilities, such as paraplegia or cerebral palsy, who would not at all able to walk or stand (exoskeletons).
  • Wheeled mobility products that enable people with reduced mobility to move freely indoors and outdoors (wheelchairs/scooters)
  • Vehicles modified with Height adjustable suspension, to allow wheelchair entry to the vehicle
  • Robot-aided rehabilitation is a sensory-motor rehabilitation technique based on the use of robots and mechatronic devices

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