3.3 Manipulation

Session Overview:Manipulation as the individual’s ability to control physical environmentand as an output of the activities performed by persons with disabilities. Products for manipulation, aiming independence and autonomy. Environmental control systems and devices for recreational use .

Learning Outcomes: Participants will recognize practical solutions for daily activity with CP children, available in the market, in areas like feeding, dressing, housekeeping, etc. Students will also have contact with domotic solutions and environmental control strategies. It is also expected that they can recognize the most suitable recreational solutions for their children/pupils

Manipulation is the individual’s ability to control physical environment and as an output of the activities performed by persons with disabilities. This also refers to the ability to regulate control mechanisms using any tool, independently of the part of the body used.

Although this an area in the scope of occupational therapy, it is also important that teachers and parents know about the existence of many devices that can make their life easier, even if it means only an extra time for themselves. Therefore, and from point of view of assistive technology, the items under manipulation include activities of daily life like:

· self care (hygiene; incontinence; sexuality; clothing),

· Housekeeping (cooking; cleaning),

· Safety ( alarm and signalling devices, environmental control units ),

· User control interfaces (voice recognition, ultrasound, switches),

· Robotics (desktop robots, page turners, feeding robots...) etc.

· Recreation (aids for games, exercise, sports, photography, smoking, adapted toys)

· Musical instruments and handicraft tools for sport and recreation

5.1 Activities of daily life