Here are some thoughts from the meeting in Stirling on 7 November to discus an input to the Skills for Care & Development Workforce Development Strategy for AT.

This is not a note of the whole discussion which was quite wide ranging, so please feel free to add your comments or correct anything...

There was some discussion about  'Non medicalisation of AT', eg NHS 24 on set top boxes and potential uses of specialist apps. on IPad and other tablets.

A lot of the discussion was about 'mainstreaming" that using everyday devices and tools such as smartphones and social media to support SDS,  In fact many pople who use services are away ahead of professionals in their use of social media to share information, knowledge, experience, hints and tips (eg product reviews).  

Social media allows sharing of knowledge, opinion, reviews and we have tablets, smart phones... this has changed to nature the way people incorporate AT into their lives. Allows sharing of opinions and reviews.  

Implication for the workforce is that it will need to become more familiar with social media in order to communicate effectively with clients. It will challenge the knowledge, skils and values needed of the workforce. Possibly a need for an SVQ?

Some workers, though, felt their jobs may be under threat from technology, eg epilespy monitors.   

An interesting initiative was underway at at Quarriers: Go4IT (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eO6-PhqLOjw). Helping people with brain injuries to text and generally raising confidence and competence. Also uses a 'Buddy' scheme to help people.

It was also important to remember that technology has to be appropriate to the use and the user.  Technical solutions often fail not because the technology itself fails, but because it doesn't quite fit into the life or lifestyle of the intended user.