Assistive Technology for Home and Community

12-Month Subscription

Unlimited access to:

Thousands of CE Courses
Patient Education
Home Exercise Program
And more

Subscribe Now

First Chapter Free Buy Course

Video Runtime: 46 Minutes; Learning Assessment Time: 33 Minutes

This course explores the intersection of assistive technology, universal design, and accessible design in enhancing independence and participation for individuals with disabilities in home and community settings. Participants will learn how thoughtful design—both structural and technological—can support safety, comfort, and functional performance. The course examines the distinctions and overlap between universal and accessible design, and highlights the evolving role of smart home technology as a tool to improve daily living. Additionally, learners will identify practical no-tech, low-tech, and high-tech solutions that can be implemented to support engagement in meaningful activities. This course is designed for occupational therapists, rehabilitation professionals, educators, and home modification specialists working across residential and community environments.

Learning Outcomes

Identify how universal design for living and accessible home design intersect
Identify how universal design for living and accessible home design differ
Highlight how smart home technology can support independence and participation in meaningful activities such as self-care or communication
Identify no-tech, low-tech, and high-tech solutions that promote independence and engagement in meaningful home and community activities for individuals with disabilities

Meet your instructor

A woman with curly hair and glasses stands against a white background, representing modern healthcare education at medbridge.

Donna Case

Donna Case, PhD, OTL, began her work with assistive technology more than 40 years ago when working with adults with significant multiple disabilities who had been removed from Michigan’s state institutions. She received a master’s degree in interdisciplinary technology from Eastern Michigan University to facilitate her…

Read full bio

Chapters & learning objectives

1. Universal Design for Home and Community

This chapter introduces the philosophy and principles of universal design, emphasizing the importance of creating environments that accommodate the widest possible range of users, regardless of ability. Learners will explore how universal design supports human functioning by being perceptible, flexible, intuitive, and inclusive in everyday use. Examples in home and community settings highlight how thoughtful design can increase safety, independence, and participation for all.

2. Accessible Design for Home and Community

This chapter differentiates accessible design from universal design by focusing on environments specifically adapted for individuals with disabilities. The discussion includes strategies for barrier removal, adaptable design, and visitability, as well as considerations such as resale value and long-term planning. Learners will understand how accessible design can be personalized to meet current and future needs while supporting inclusive community living.

3. Smart Home Technology and No-, Low-, and High-Technology Solutions

This chapter highlights how smart home technologies and a range of assistive tools—from no-tech to high-tech—can support independent living. Learners will examine how technologies like voice-activated devices, smart appliances, and electronic aids to daily living enhance safety, communication, and daily task completion. The chapter also underscores the importance of tailoring technology solutions to individual needs to maximize functional independence.

More courses in this series

Overview of Assistive Technology

Donna Case