Comprehensive Notes on Ethics in Assistive Technology

Ethics in Assistive Technology

Introduction

• Unemployment for adults with disabilities (aged 16-64) was three times higher than for adults without disabilities in 2022.
• The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported in February 2023 that approximately 21% of individuals with disabilities were employed.
• Despite the ADA and the Rehabilitation Act, employment rates for individuals with disabilities remain low, raising questions about existing limitations.
• Social reintegration often presents the most significant challenges.
• If the environment were universally modified, would clients still be considered disabled?

The Role of Occupational Therapists (OTs)

• OTs assist clients in regaining independence and participating in meaningful activities.
• OTs help clients maintain their dignity as working members of society.
• The focus is on how clients will return to work, not if they can.
• Participation in occupation may be different but remains essential.

AOTA Code of Ethics

• The American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) has a code of ethics with core values and principles to guide ethical actions and standards of conduct.

Principle of Beneficence

• Show concern for the safety and well-being of fellow humans.
• Act to benefit others.
• Clients often seek help during vulnerable times, trusting OTs to aid them in regaining their lives.

Principle of Nonmaleficence

• \"Do no harm.\" Ensure actions do not cause injury or harm.
• MAO literally means evil in Latin based languages.

Principle of Autonomy

• Respect the client's right to choose and self-determination.
• Acknowledge individual's rights to self-possession and give them the right of choice.
• Respect privacy and obtain consent when working with clients.

Principle of Justice

• Practice equality and inclusion.
• Strive for fairness, objectivity, and impartiality, irrespective of race, religion, gender identity, or orientation.

Principle of Veracity

• Be truthful, comprehensive, and objective.
• Ensure accuracy in documentation.
• Veracity rhymes with accuracy.

Principle of Fidelity

• Maintain faithfulness, loyalty, and integrity to clients, colleagues, and other professionals.
• Semper fidelis: always faithful.
• Uphold professionalism and respect.
• OTs represent themselves, their school, and their profession; licensure signifies acquired knowledge and responsibility.
• OT license is like a driver's license, it's proof that you have acquired the knowledge needed to be a generalist occupational therapist.

RESNA Code of Ethics

• The Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America (RESNA) provides guidelines for assistive technology professionals.

Key Principles

1. Hold paramount the welfare of persons served professionally.
2. Practice only in areas of competence.
3. Maintain confidentiality of privileged information.
4. Disclose all conflicts of interest.
5. Comply with relevant laws, regulations, and policies.
6. Act in a manner that positively reflects upon the assistive technology profession.

• These principles share common themes with the AOTA's code of ethics.

Implications for Fieldwork

• Ethical dilemmas will arise during fieldwork, requiring careful consideration and adherence to professional codes of ethics.