Introduction

to
Rehabilitation
Engineering
Definition
Rehabilitation Engineering

 ‘‘Rehabilitation engineering is the application of science and

technology to ameliorate the handicaps of individuals with disabilities’’

Assistive Technology

 ‘‘Any item, piece of equipment or product system whether acquired

commercially off the shelf, modified, or customized that is used to
increase or improve functional capabilities of individuals with
disabilities’’
Assistive technology can be viewed as a product of rehabilitation
engineering activities.

Broad range of devices, strategies, and services

 low-technology devices that are inexpensive and simple to make e.g.

dual-handled utensils and mouth sticks

 high technology devices that are complex and expensive to fabricate,

e.g.

computer-based communication devices,

reading machines with artificial intelligence

externally powered artificial arms