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Description

Veterans using assistive technology (AT) often face barriers that limit their participation in meaningful leisure activities, negatively impacting their mental health and quality of life. This project aimed to address these challenges by developing an educational program focused on improving AT management, reducing abandonment, and promoting leisure engagement. A needs assessment of veterans in Abilene, TX, revealed critical issues, including barriers to leisure, limited community involvement, and gaps in AT maintenance education. The program delivered web-based and in-person resources on AT use, adaptive leisure strategies, and equipment recycling. Key outcomes included enhanced social participation, improved independence, and sustainable solutions for AT recycling. This initiative highlights the essential role of occupational therapy in empowering veterans through evidence-based, occupation-focused interventions that support mental well-being and functional engagement.

Publication Date

Winter 12-19-2024

Publisher

University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences

City

Dallas

Keywords

Veterans, Assistive technology, Occupational therapy, Leisure participation, Mental health, Independence, Adaptive strategies, Community involvement, AT education, Quality of life, Equipment recycling, Functional engagement, Social participation, Sustainable solutions, Rural healthcare

Medical Subject Headings

Quality of life, Needs assessment, Mental health, Social participation, Occupational therapy, Veterans, Equipment reuse, Self-help devices, Leisure activities, Occupations, Community participation, Power, Psychological, Internet

Disciplines

Community Health and Preventive Medicine | Occupational Therapy | Rehabilitation and Therapy

Comments

Poster presented at the OTD Capstone Symposium held at the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences, December 19, 2024

Assistive Technology Abandonment with Veterans and Leisure Activities

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