Step Three – Use
In the third step, the service provider teaches the person, and if needed their family members or caregivers, how to use and look after the assistive product.
Teaching the person how to use and look after their assistive product will ensure they are safe, and will get the most benefit from their assistive product.
Each TAP product module includes information on how to teach people to use and look after their assistive product.
Read below a summary of three steps that can help in teaching someone a new skill.
It is good practice to include three steps when teaching someone how to use and look after their assistive product:
- Explain
- Demonstrate
- Practise
Explain
Demonstrate
Practise
Remember Michael?
When Michael received his white cane, his support worker taught him how to use it.
They practised together at home, in the classroom and in the playground. When he was confident, they then practised walking to and from school. Now Michael can do this on his own and with his friends.
The support worker also showed Michael and his parents how to look after the white cane, and when to contact the centre if they noticed a problem.
Remember Samuel?
Samuel uses a white board and a phone app to help him to remember things. His service provider spent time with Samuel and his family to plan how Samuel would use these assistive products in his daily life. He has then practised with the support of his service provider and family.