Low vision assistive technology device usage and importance in daily occupations

Abstract

When selected, accepted and used appropriately, low vision assistive technology devices (ATDs) have the potential to facilitate the performance of occupations that lead to positive outcomes. This paper identifies some low vision ATDs currently used and explores their relative importance for the performance of daily occupation from participants' perspectives. 17 adults (M=56 years old, SD=15.8) with low vision we0re recruited through a purposeful sampling strategy. Through one-on-one semi-structured telephone interviews, ATD usage data, ranking of perceived importance of ATDs and verbal data were collected from the participants. A total of 124 devices were identified by the participants of which 104 (83.9%) were used and 20 (16.1%), mostly adaptive computer technologies, were not. 22 (21%) mainstream aids to daily living were identified (large monitor, large screen TV, DVD player) and they ranked high in terms of perceived importance by the participants for daily activities. Verbal feedback from participants supplemented this finding. Concepts related to usage and ranking of importance of ATDs for daily occupations are multi-faceted and complex(e.g. combination of devices used, multiple equal rankings, etc.). The authors suggested future research opportunities to examine these concepts through qualitative means.