Living in the State of Stuck: How Assistive Technology Impacts the Lives of People With Disabilities

by Marcia J. Scherer

In the latest edition of this well-regarded work, Dr. Scherer brings us up-to-date on the "battles won and battles lost" of the disabled men and women whom she followed closely in previous volumes. The result is an engaging, eye-opening, and frank discussion on assistive technology from the standpoint of those who use it (or have opted not to). The book serves as both a mouthpiece for the disabled and an analysis of different types of assistive technology - including benefits and flaws.

Genres: Nonfiction, Disability

250 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1993

About the author

Over the years I have learned that technology has not always resulted in the easier and better life we envisioned! But we can pretty much choose to use a technology – or not. Think for a moment, however, about what it must be like for someone who does not have that choice. For millions of people who can’t walk, or eat independently, or just jump in a car and drive off, that choice is gone. From their examples we can learn about how to best apply technology in our own lives.

I have written numerous articles and books on this subject, which you see listed below. "Living in the State of Stuck: How Assistive Technology Impacts the Lives of People with Disabilities" traces the lives and decisions of several individuals with disabilities beginning in 1985. I learned that there were very distinct differences between individuals with disabilities who were users of technology and those who were non-users. It has do with the make up of the person and what makes him or her a unique individual, the supports and resources available, and the nature of the technology itself and need for it.

I am a Fellow of the American Psychological Association in rehabilitation psychology, applied experimental and engineering psychology as well as evaluation, measurement and statistics. I am also a fellow of the American Congress of Rehabilitative Medicine. While my primary job is President, Institute for Matching Person & Technology, I am additionally a professor of physical medicine and rehabilitation at the University of Rochester Medical Center.

When it comes to realizing benefit from technology use, the user's personal preferences reign!

Reviews

[Savannah Stone Kunz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really interesting stories and perspectives on using adaptive technology. I especially liked learning how it is NOT useful, as well as how it can be useful.