I-SHOU UNIVERSITYDepartment of Occupational Therapy

THE ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY TEACHING AND INTERNSHIP ROOM PROVIDES A SPACE FOR STUDENTS IN THIS FIELD TO PRACTICE HANDS-ON SKILLS RELATED TO ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY COURSES. THE FOCUS OF TEACHING AND RESEARCH IN THIS LAB INCLUDES (BUT IS NOT LIMITED TO) CATEGORIES SUCH AS PHYSICAL DISABILITIES, HEARING IMPAIRMENTS, VISUAL IMPAIRMENTS, AND SENIOR LIVING REDESIGN. 

FOR PHYSICAL DISABILITIES, THE EMPHASIS IS ON DEVELOPING FUNCTIONAL ASSISTIVE DEVICES FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH MOVEMENT DISORDERS. THIS IS BASED ON KNOWLEDGE OF THE HUMAN MUSCULOSKELETAL SYSTEM'S FUNCTIONALITY, WITH TEACHING CONTENT COVERING RELATED TECHNOLOGIES SUCH AS HUMAN-MACHINE CONTROL, MOBILITY CONTROL, AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL, WHICH ARE APPLIED IN CLINICAL PRACTICE.

FOR HEARING IMPAIRMENTS, THE CURRICULUM INCLUDES TEACHING KNOWLEDGE AND TECHNIQUES RELATED TO ASSISTIVE DEVICES THAT FACILITATE COMMUNICATION FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH SPEECH AND HEARING DISORDERS.

FOR VISUAL IMPAIRMENTS, THE FOCUS IS ON TEACHING KNOWLEDGE AND TECHNIQUES RELATED TO TECHNOLOGICAL GUIDING EQUIPMENT DUE TO VISUAL SYSTEM DISABILITIES. THIS INCLUDES ELECTRONIC GUIDANCE SYSTEMS, AUDITORY GUIDANCE SYSTEMS, AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL SYSTEMS.

REGARDING SENIOR LIVING REDESIGN, AS SOCIETY AGES, OLDER ADULTS MAY EXPERIENCE DIMINISHED ACTIVITIES AND RESPONSES DUE TO DECLINES IN PHYSIOLOGICAL FUNCTIONS. DESIGNING SAFE ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL DEVICES BECOMES A KEY ASPECT OF ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY APPLICATIONS. SIMULTANEOUSLY, CHANGES IN SOCIAL AND FAMILY STRUCTURES LEAD TO AN INCREASE IN OLDER ADULTS LIVING ALONE, MAKING SAFETY MONITORING AND EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE SYSTEMS IMPORTANT CONSIDERATIONS IN THE INTEGRATED DESIGN OF ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGIES.

THE ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY TEACHING AND INTERNSHIP ROOM OF THIS DEPARTMENT COMBINES THEORY WITH CLINICAL PRACTICE, EMPHASIZING THE ENHANCEMENT OF INTEGRATED TEACHING AND RESEARCH DEVELOPMENT CAPABILITIES. IT APPLIES PROFESSIONAL KNOWLEDGE TO FOSTER A TEACHING METHOD THAT INTEGRATES PRACTICAL TECHNIQUES, AIMING TO EQUIP STUDENTS WITH THE SKILLS TO ANALYZE AND PRODUCE ASSISTIVE DEVICES AND TECHNOLOGICAL AIDS THAT IMPROVE DAILY LIVING IN AREAS SUCH AS FOOD, CLOTHING, HOUSING, TRANSPORTATION, EDUCATION, AND LEISURE FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES. AT THE SAME TIME, IT ESTABLISHES RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT CAPABILITIES IN ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY FOR THE DEPARTMENT.

The **Assistive Technology Teaching and Internship Room** in our department integrates both theory and clinical practice, strengthening the ability to conduct integrated teaching and research development. The teaching approach combines professional knowledge and practical skills, aiming to equip students with the ability to analyze and create orthotic devices, prosthetics, and assistive technologies designed to enhance daily living activities for individuals with physical and mental disabilities. These activities include basic needs such as food, clothing, shelter, mobility, education, and recreation. 

Additionally, the room fosters the development of research and innovation capabilities in the field of assistive technology for individuals with disabilities, ensuring that students gain the skills needed for both the design and manufacturing of assistive devices, as well as contributing to the ongoing advancement of this critical area of occupational therapy.

THIS LABORATORY OFFERS COURSES RELATED TO ASSISTIVE DEVICES, INCLUDING PROSTHETIC AND SPLINTING DEVICES, OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY TECHNIQUES, AND REHABILITATION TECHNOLOGY.