Abstract:

Individuals with disabilities often need support in one or more of the following areas: transitioning, sequencing, memory, planning, deciding, choosing, processing, organizing and communicating. Smart technology can provide innovative solution to these everyday challenges and has been quickly adopted among many individuals with disabilities and their service providers. Current trends among both the mainstream population and individuals with disabilities indicates that students in health professions need to be aware of the possible applications of smart technology and know how to use it. iPads are being used by many professionals in the health field areas and both students and faculty members need to keep up with the most current technology applications and uses. Occupational therapy practitioners are historically known for being experts in assistive technology to facilitate maximum independence. Students in The University of Findlay's Occupational Therapy program were exposed to the use of iPads in the classroom to facilitate their knowledge of mobile software applications for individuals with cognitive, behavioral and physical challenges. Both students and faculty members identified apps that could be used with clients and unexpectedly discovered apps that helped them to manage their own personal daily workaday tasks.

Keywords:

IPads, mobile technology, apps, health profession students.