Using Telecommunication Technologies to Change the World for People with Disabilities Related to Catastrophic Neurological Impairment

Telecommunications and information technology is rapidly becoming a part of health care delivery. For people with disabilities resulting from catastrophic injury, this technology is becoming an effective way to bridge the gap between their specialized care needs and the sources of this specialty care. The cyber environment lends itself to modification, even customization, to the user. It can make resources and services readily available and accessible. Therefore, cyber environments have tremendous potential for changing the world for people with disabilities. This article is a discussion of one institution's application of telecommunication and information technology to provide support and services to people with disabilities resulting from catastrophic injury. There is a focus on the human issues and challenges associated with this mode of health care delivery.