Assistive Technology Assessment

The HAAT model (Human Activity Assistive Technology) places the human at the centre, rather than the assistive technology, and its purpose is for the assistive technology to adapt to the individual, not the other way round (Cook and Hussey 1995; Cook and Polgar 2015).

The HAAT model comprises four components: human, activity, context, and assistive technology. It is important to study these components both separately and in their interaction.

The human refers to the physical, emotional, and cognitive functions of the body that are important and necessary for carrying out activities, participating in the community, and using assistive technology.

Activity refers to the actions of the individual.

Context refers to the environment and its components that influence the individual's activities.

Assistive technology refers to the aids and devices used by an individual when, due to certain conditions, they cannot successfully perform an activity.

The HAAT assessment model includes six steps: referral to assistive technology options, initial assessment, recommendation and report, implementation, monitoring and evaluation, and reassessment after a prolonged period of assistive technology use.