The Mediating Effect of Information and Communication Technology Usages on the Nexus Between Assistive Technology and Quality of Life Among People with Communication Disability.

Abstract

This study aims to investigate the mediating effect of information and communication technology (ICT) on the nexus between quality of life (QoL) and assistive technology among people with communication disabilities. Using a national-level disability survey data in Australia, this study employs a series of causal mediation models based on counterfactual framework for mediation analysis. The results indicate that about 61% to 73% of the impact of assistive technology on QoL among people with communication disabilities is mediated through ICT use. Furthermore, it is evident that the degree of communication impairment partially moderates the impact of ICT-enabled assistive technology on QoL. The findings of the study have several practical implications. First, this study indicates that better integration of assistive technology with ICT will enhance the quality of people with communication disabilities. The second broad recommendation is that improved accessibility with affordable high-speed broadband Internet can deliver services that people with disabilities need.