Year-end Sale % OFF 
Abstract
BackgroundAccess to assistive technology (AT) is poor in African countries because of a lack of knowledge, resources, services and products. A mobile application (app), the AT-Info-Map, was developed to map AT availability in southern Africa.ObjectivesThis article aimed to describe users’ and suppliers’ perceptions of the AT-Info-Map app.MethodQualitative data were collected in Zambia, Botswana, Malawi and Lesotho, through nine focus group discussions with 72 participants. Participants included AT users, AT suppliers and representatives of disability organisations. Data were thematically analysed.ResultsTwo broad themes, that is, usefulness of the AT-Info-Map application and technical issues and content, emerged from the data analysis. Subthemes under usefulness focused on the importance of using current technology, convenience of the app, the need for accuracy, responsiveness of supplier to user’s needs, influence on AT market and how the app creates an opportunity for networking. Challenges to download and navigate the app, the need for training in its use, exclusion of those not literate in English and those with visual impairments were subthemes under technical issues and content.ConclusionThe app was perceived as an important step to increase access to AT for persons with disabilities in less resourced settings. The challenges that emerged from the data analysis have led to the development of a web-based system that will complement or replace the app and improve AT information provision. However, the information provided by the app and website is still only a partial solution to improve AT access in Southern Africa.
Highlights
Assistive technology (AT) is defined as: any item, piece of equipment or product, whether it is acquired commercially, modified or customized, that is used to increase, maintain, or improve the functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities. (World Health Organization [WHO] 2011:101)Assistive technology can compensate for loss of function caused by various impairments, for example sensory deficits, cognitive impairment and paralysis
Data from the South African focus group had to be excluded as challenges were experienced with collaboration with Southern African Federation for the Disabled (SAFOD) representors in that country that resulted in insufficient information on the data collection process. (No records were kept of the focus group participants’ demographic details, and quotes were not linked to individual participants in the transcript.)
Improvements implemented by SAFOD included (1) developing a Portuguese version of the app; (2) testing with TalkBack, a built in screen reader on Android phones, to ensure data entry and data searching were accessible to persons with visual impairments; (3) reducing data demand of the app and (4) creating training resources such as manuals and online videos to assist app access and usage, and educate the general public about AT
Summary
Assistive technology can compensate for loss of function caused by various impairments, for example sensory deficits, cognitive impairment and paralysis. It can enhance participation in social roles and quality of life (WHO 2018). The majority of people from developing countries who need AT do not have access to it (Matter et al 2017). For those who do have access, the AT is often not a lasting solution because of the lack of repair and replacement services (Visagie et al 2016). A mobile application (app), the AT-Info-Map, was developed to map AT availability in southern Africa
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary 
Published Version (
Free)
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
