Human Activity Assistive Technology

Human activity assistive technology (HAAT) is a model developed by authors Albert M. Cook and Susan M. Hussey to describe the relationship in a given situation between an individual, an activity and assistive technology appropriate to that situation.

Features

• According to the standards set by the National Institute of Standards and Technology, assistive technology refers to any object, system or technology that will enhance or sustain the abilities of disabled persons. Many types of assistive technologies are used in work, education and rehabilitation, including computer hardware and software, input devices and mobility devices.

Significance

• Occupational therapists, rehabilitation professionals and biomedical engineers commonly use the HAAT model as a basis for designing solutions for disabled individuals to participate in desired tasks and activities. An important feature of the HAAT model is that it emphasizes the role of the given situation --- the environment --- as one of the important factors in assistive technology design.

Expert Insight

• Marquette University outlines Cook and Hussey's idea that the task of the designer is to ensure the assistive technology makes it possible for the person to achieve his desired goal, which is to be able to perform an activity within the context of the environment, whether it is related to work, education or physical activity. The designer using the HAAT model must also work with the client to personalize the assistive technology to her needs and skills.