Assistive Technology Users Research Articles

Digital Privacy of Assistive Technology Users with Visual Disabilities

As technology is advancing, accessibility is also taken care of seriously. Many users with visual disabilities take advantage of, for example, Microsoft's Seeing AI application (app) that is equipped with artificial intelligence. The app helps people with visual disabilities to recognize objects, people, texts, and many more via a smartphone's built-in camera. As users may use the app in recognizing personally identifiable information, user privacy should carefully be treated and considered as a top priority. Yet, little is known about the user privacy issues among users with visual disabilities, such that this study aims to address the knowledge gap by conducting a questionnaire with the Seeing AI users with visual disabilities. This study found that those with visual disabilities had a lack of knowledge about user privacy policies. It is recommended to offer an adequate educational training; thus, those with visual disabilities can be well informed of user privacy policies, ultimately leading to promoting safe online behavior to protect themselves from digital privacy and security problems.

Üç Boyutlu Yazıcı ile Kuğu Boynu Deformitesi için Kişiye Özgü Parmak Ortez Üretimi ve Kullanıcı Memnuniyeti

Amaç: Kuğu boynu deformitesi, proksimal interfalangeal eklemin hiperekstansiyonu, distal interfalangeal eklemin fleksiyonu ile karakterizedir. Tedavi sürecinde, konservatif yöntemlere ek olarak kullanılan ortezlerin çeşitli şekillerde üretimi mevcuttur. Son dönemlerde öne çıkan üç boyutlu (3B) yazıcı teknolojileri ortez üretiminde de kullanılmaktadır. Bu çalışmanın amacı kuğu boynu parmak deformitesi olan kişilere 3B yazıcı kullanarak yüzük ortezi üretmek ve bu kişilerin ortez memnuniyet düzeyini değerlendirmekti.Materyal ve Metot: Çalışma, kişiye özel ortez üretimi ve katılımcıların kullanım memnuniyetinin değerlendirilmesi olarak iki aşamalı olarak yapılandırıldı. Ortezin tasarım aşamasında bilgisayar destekli modelleme kullanıldı. 3B yazdırma sürecinde erimiş birikimli modelleme yöntemi kullanıldı. Termoplastik malzeme olarak polilaktik-asit tercih edildi. Çalışma 10 gönüllü (7 Erkek, 3 Kadın, yaş ortalaması 55,2±5,31) ile gerçekleştirildi. Katılımcıların ortez kullanım memnuniyetleri Quebec Yardımcı Teknoloji Kullanıcı Memnuniyeti Değerlendirme anketi (Q-YTKMD) ile değerlendirildi.Bulgular: 3B yazıcı teknolojisi kullanılarak kişiye özel yüzük ortez üretildi. Q-YTKMD anketindeki 8 soru için kaydedilen ortalama puanlar 5 puan üzerinden 4.00 ile 5.00 arasında değişmekteydi. Katılımcıların yardımcı cihaz memnuniyet ortalamalarının 4,57±0,38 olduğu belirlendi. Katılımcıların öne çıkan 3 memnuniyet kriteri ortez ağırlığı, kullanım kolaylığı ve işe yararlılığı olduğu belirlendi.Sonuç: Çalışma, günümüzde sağlık sektöründe kullanımı giderek artan 3B yazıcılarla kuğu boynu deformitesi için yüksek kullanıcı memnuniyetli, kişiye özel ortezler üretilmesinin mümkün olduğunu ileri sürmektedir.

COVID-19 and challenges of assistive technology use in Iran

Purpose Assistive technology users may encounter challenges and inequality in having an access to health information and care during the emergency or in a crisis time. This issue seems to be understudied in most developing countries. The aim of this study was to explore the challenges faced by Iranian people with disabilities faced during the COVID-19 pandemic as far as the use of assistive technology is concerned. Method A thematic analysis approach was employed to collect and analyse the data. We interviewed 10, 12 and 20 participants with physical, visual, and hearing disability, respectively during the pandemic between May to July 2020. A six-step thematic analysis method was used to identify categories and main themes. Results The results revealed that people with disability were faced with some challenges in accessing information or receiving it on time during the emergency time. The lack of clear information may increase uncertainty about providing, using or maintaining assistive products. With no clear information or instruction, increased fear of infection, as well as the lack of necessary infrastructure for using available online applications, people with a disability had to rely more on others and seemed to feel disempowered. Conclusion Assistive technology (AT) users may not receive enough care and attention during health crisis, nor may be included in crisis management programs. Actions to create preparedness plans to meet the needs of AT users in possible future crisis seem to be necessary. IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION Assistive technology users’ voice and needs should be given priority in crisis management programs. Web accessibility barriers and information accessibility challenges need more research attention in order to create effective and timely information dissemination programs. There seems to be a research gap about AT users during health crisis, and more research in this area is needed.

Assistive technology for people with deafblindness in Southern Africa: a Delphi study exploring dimensions of impact

Purpose Assistive technology (AT) is a highly effective intervention to address the capability gap for people living with deafblindness. The My AT Outcomes Framework (MyATOF) is a novel Australian framework founded upon AT process principles and outcomes research. It guides stakeholders to articulate AT use according to 6 dimensions. MyATOF was developed as a data collection and knowledge translation tool. The use case of AT by people with deafblindness in Southern Africa was investigated in this study to determine the applicability of MyATOF dimensions to (a) people with deafblindness and (b) low- and middle-income countries. Materials and methods Two online surveys, using the Delphi methodology, were undertaken with key stakeholders including people with deafblindness, family members, researchers, service providers, educators and advocates. An expert panel of 17 completed Phase 1, with 14 completing Phase 2. The WHO 5 Ps AT systems thinking model was used in data analysis. Results Respondents affirmed the validity of the dimensions of MyATOF for people with deafblindness in four Southern African countries. In-country barriers and constraints were identified as significantly impacting the capacity of AT users with deafblindness, to realize positive outcomes. Conclusions The MyATOF dimensions show promise in their use with persons with deafblindness in Southern Africa, though further research is needed. IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION The impact of assistive technology and related supports can be evaluated across a number of dimensions including human rights, costs incurred and saved, consumer experience, and service delivery satisfaction. These dimensions of impact resonate across the two continents investigated to date, with contextual factors being considered. Variables influencing access to assistive technology across contexts can be understood through the WHO GATE five P’s systems thinking model. Few tools place data capture and outcomes measurement in the hands of assistive technology users, but indications are that this is of value to consumers.

Inclusive education: The case for early identification and early intervention in assistive technology

ABSTRACT This paper starts by presenting the argument that inclusive education for learners with disabilities is often not possible without their access to fit-for-purpose assistive technology (AT), as the barriers to their education are often environmental. The paper will argue that, if assistive technology is an enabler for learning, then the processes by which children with disabilities are identified as users of assistive technology must take place as early as possible in the lifecycle. Mechanisms associated with Early Identification and Early Intervention (EI/EI) must be outfitted with all necessary resources for identifying and addressing the unique assistive technology needs of each individual child, but also have a prospective view of the use of the assistive technology in order to ensure school-age children start benefiting from assistive technology as early as possible. A further argument will be made that, when adequate identification of the need for assistive technology has not taken place early, education systems must be prepared to – in collaboration with other ministries or departments – identify, assess and provide the necessary assistive technology not only as it relates to education use, but to all-inclusive and holistic use. The argument will be made for adequately resourcing “support services for inclusion” and creating transdisciplinary teams of professionals that can effectively ensure equitable access and participation of all children with disabilities in inclusive education. Throughout, some examples of good practices will support the narrative, and the paper will close with recommendations for stakeholders involved in developing policies and practices for inclusive education.

Assistive Technology during the COVID-19 Global Pandemic: The Roles of Government and Civil Society in Fulfilling the Social Contract.

The COVID-19 pandemic imposed significant challenges to users of assistive technology (AT). Three key issues emerged from a series of structured qualitative interviews with 35 AT users in six low- and middle-income countries. These were (1) access to information about COVID-19 and available supports and policies, (2) insufficiency of the government response to meet the needs of AT users, and (3) the response of civil society which partially offset the gap in government response. AT users noted the need for better communication, improved planning for the delivery and maintenance of AT during times of crisis, and higher-quality standards to ensure the availability of appropriate technology.

Relationship between the Prevalence of Low Back Pain among Care Workers and Assistive Technology Usage for Transfer

Relationship between the Prevalence of Low Back Pain among Care Workers and Assistive Technology Usage for Transfer

Access to Assistive Technology during the COVID-19 Global Pandemic: Voices of Users and Families.

The SARS COVID-19 pandemic emerged in 2019 and has impacted people everywhere. Disparities in impact and outcomes are becoming apparent for individuals and communities which go beyond the trajectory of the disease itself, influenced by the strength and weaknesses of systems of universal health care, and the actions of civil society and government. This article is one of a series exploring COVID-19-related experiences of assistive technology (AT) users across the globe and implications for AT systems strengthening. AT such as mobility products, braille devices, and information communication technologies are key enablers of functioning, necessary to the achievement of the UN Sustainable Development Goals and enshrined in the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Reporting on a survey of 73 AT users across six global regions, we demonstrate that minority groups already living with health inequities are unduly impacted. An AT ecosystem analysis was conducted using the WHO GATE 5P framework, that is, people, products, personnel, provision and policy. AT users and families call for inclusive pandemic responses which encompass their needs across the lifespan, from very young to very old. We offer specific recommendations for future action to strengthen access to AT across public policy and civil society in pandemic preparedness and response.

Experiences of college teachers with visual disability us-ing AT and AI based solutions in India: Benefits, Issues, Challenges and Prospects

The study explores various issues related to usage of Assistive Technologies and Artificial Intelligence based solutions by college teachers with visual disabilities for teaching and academic purposes. Existing academic work indicate that these technologies have supported and transformed the lives of people with disabilities and particularly people with visual disabilities but also posed several challenges and limitations. This research examines real time issues encountered by the col-lege professors with visual disabilities using such technologies and suggest measures for implications for future development of such technologies. This study goes beyond describing, analyzing and theorizing the benefits and limita-tion of Assistive technologies and Artificial Intelligence based solutions for col-lege teachers with visual disabilities and attempt to address larger issues of acces-sibility, inclusiveness, consideration of local context for such technologies and aim to improve the agency of such users. For this purpose, a qualitative study has been undertaken to explore the experiences, concerns and suggestions regarding the research issue. I have used semi-structured interviews as tools to analyze the impact of these technologies. This study sits at the intersection of technological innovations and disability studies..

International research priorities on the role of cognition in power mobility device use: In pursuit of informed clinical practices and knowledge translation

ABSTRACT Cognition is an important factor affecting power mobility device (PMD) use. However, a gap in knowledge on the role of cognition in PMD use limits evidence of best practices for screening, assessment and training. The overall goal of this research activity was to identify strategic research priorities to delineate the next steps in research. Following the Collaborative Prioritized Planning Process (CP3), a 1.5-day meeting was held with an interdisciplinary and international team of assistive technology users, clinicians, service providers, and researchers with expertise in PMD use and cognition. Our four-stage process included: knowledge synthesis; identification and prioritization of challenges; identification, consolidation, and prioritization of solutions; and action planning. Five of 14 challenges for research on cognition and PMD use were prioritized, and five solutions (of the 100 generated) perceived to be the most impactful were selected as the focus for the remainder of the meeting. The resulting prioritized solutions included, improving knowledge translation of existing and new evidence, profiling and addressing individualized needs, creating and evaluating training tools, development of practice guidelines, and validating and developing evaluation tools or toolkit. Preliminary action planning facilitated discussion of potential future projects, initiated new research collaborations and partnerships, and provided a foundation to build a program of research for investigating the role of cognition in PMD use.

Discontinuation or abandonment of mobility assistive technology among people with neurological conditions.

Among other limitations, people with neurological conditions often experience problems with functional mobility. One of the intervention strategies employed to mitigate or compensate this limitation is the use of mobility assistive technology such as manual and electric wheelchairs, walkers, canes, crutches, etc. Although assistive technology is a commonly used intervention strategy among disabled people, the use of this technology is sometimes discontinued or abandoned due to a failure to meet the user's needs or a lack of training, among other reasons. The sample used in this study comprises 80 users of mobility assistive technology, 14 of whom have abandoned or discontinued their use of Assistive Technology. The study variables include the Psychosocial Impact of Assistive Devices Scale for outcome measurement, as well as specific sociodemographic variables relating to the sample and the assistive device used. Significant values were obtained in the three subscales of the Psychosocial Impact of Assistive Devices Scale. 50% of abandonments of assistive technology occurred among people diagnosed with stroke. The Psychosocial Impact of Assistive Devices Scale can be a useful tool for assessing potential abandonment or non-use of Assistive Technology. More longitudinal studies are required to avoid this limitation on the use of assistive technology.

The Accessibility of Mathematical Notation on the Web and Beyond

This paper serves two purposes. First, it offers an overview of the role of the Mathematical Markup Language (MathML) in representing mathematical notation on the Web, and its significance for accessibility. To orient the discussion, hypotheses are advanced regarding users’ needs in connection with the accessibility of mathematical notation. Second, current developments in the evolution of MathML are reviewed, noting their consequences for accessibility, and commenting on prospects for future improvement in the concrete experiences of users of assistive technologies. Recommendations are advanced for further research and development activities, emphasizing the cognitive aspects of user interface design.

Advanced sensing solutions for ambient assisted living: The NATIFLife framework

The term assistive technology identifies a wide range of solutions and services to improve the life quality of frail people, by supporting them in performing everyday tasks, accessing public services, participating in education and civic life, as well as performing well at their job [1]-[3]. Potential users of assistive technology are elders, sometimes with disabilities, diseases or mental health conditions. To highlight the crucial role of assistive technologies, it should be considered that by 2050, one out of six people in the world will be over the age of 65, almost doubled as respect to the current situation [1]-[3]. In general, it can be affirmed that frail people may incur difficulties while performing Activities of Daily Living (ADLs), such as eating, drinking, mobility, housework, use of home appliances, social interactions and many other everyday activities.

Assistive technology use and unmet need in Canada

Background Around the world, variations and inequities in access to assistive technology (AT) are evident. Development of legislation, policies, and programmes has not kept pace with the increasing demand for AT. Therefore, context-specific needs assessment is required, which can assist in anticipating the accessibility and human support needs of individuals with impairments, and in turn, inform resource allocation and prioritisation of services. The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to describe the current use and unmet needs of AT use in community-dwelling Canadians experiencing activity limitation or participation restriction (disability). Data and methods Bootstrapping was used to estimate the prevalence of AT use and unmet needs using data from the 2012 Canadian Survey on Disability (CSD). The total sample size for the CSD was 45,443 individuals. Results Among the estimated 3,775,920 Canadians with a disability (13.7% of the Canadian population), 3,579,580 used some form of AT. Among these individuals, 3,050,750 use glasses or contact lenses and 1,109,060 use bathroom aids. The results of the study showed that the most common unmet need was for hearing aids (0.86% of the total population), followed by bathroom aids (0.36%). Interpretations This study comes at a time when global attention is focussed on research on access to AT. This study using data from the CSD will serve disability and social policy analysts at all levels of government, as well as associations for persons with disabilities and researchers working in the field of disability policy and programmes. Implication for Rehabilitation The current initiatives on assistive technology, including the World Health Organization’s Global Cooperation on Assistive Technology (GATE) project, recognize the substantial gap between the need for and provision of assistive devices. In Canada, for example, as well as in other countries, despite rapid growth in innovation, unmet needs for assistive devices persist and multiple barriers have been reported by individuals in accessing needed assistive devices. A better understanding of the met and unmet needs of assistive technology users can assist in anticipating accessibility and human support needs of individuals with disabilities, and in turn, inform resource allocation and prioritization of services. • The study estimates the prevalence of assistive device use in community dwelling Canadians and describes the unmet needs for assistive devices of Canadians with activity limitation (disability). • This study provides evidence on the use and unmet assistive technology needs for disability and social policy analysts at all levels of government, as well as associations for persons with disabilities and researchers working in the field of disability policy and programmes. • The results of this study can be used for planning and evaluating services, programmes and policies for Canadian adults with disabilities to help enable their full participation in society.

“You have to argue the right way”: user involvement in the service delivery process for assistive activity technology

Purpose This article critically examines user-involvement in the service delivery process for assistive activity technology. Methodology Data were collected in semi-structured interviews with 44 end users of assistive activity technology and in focus group interviews with 11 professionals at Norway’s Assistive Technology Centre. Data was analysed according to a stepwise deductive–inductive approach. Findings Flawed organisational principles like division of responsibility, unclear regulations, and a lack of competence with assistive activity technology among service professionals have hindered user involvement in the service delivery process. Conclusion A missing knowledge of assistive activity technology among professionals and the current organisation of services creates barriers for a positive collaboration with users in the service delivery process of assistive activity technology. IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION The spread of information among users and courses for professionals should be expanded to ensure the necessary competence with assistive activity technology within the service delivery process. In developing the service delivery process for assistive activity technology, professionals should act less as guardians of traditional functional requirements and more as active providers of different technological solutions. The service delivery process for assistive activity technology should allow long-term testing to identify relevant social and physical factors affecting the use of this type of technology, before delivery. Guarantees and complaint systems should be established in the service delivery process for assistive activity technology.

Determining the Opinions of Special Education Teachers Regarding the Use of Assistive Technologies for Overcoming Reading Difficulties

Reading is one of the basic skills that the students’ need to achieve, however, it is also one of the important competencies that is essential for reaching knowledge. Reading difficulty is a main problem that many teachers are coming across in their classrooms. Students’ with reading disabilities not only hinder the teachers’ flow of the lesson it also hinders the development of the students life skills. With the revolution of the technology in the 21ST century, assistive technologies are seen to be applied into the education settings at all levels and in all fields. Therefore, teachers are in need to know about the available technology and special technology programs in order to help their students facing difficulties in acquiring the necessary knowledge and skills. Technological enrichment of teachers' educational environment both facilitates and helps them to motivate students more easily. Technology support into the educational environments of the students with reading difficulties can improve their reading skills and enable them to succeed in reading and comprehending. The present study sought to determine the opinions of special education teachers’ regarding using assistive technology for students with reading difficulties. The research design is based on the qualitative case study design with purposeful sampling and easily accessible sampling technique. Researchers developed semi-structured interview form for data collection applied content analysis to analyze the collected data. The analysis of the study found that teacher opinions towards assistive technology usage for overcoming students’ reading difficulties are rather moderate. However, teachers’ general opinions about assistive technology utilization is promising and developing gradually.

‘The More I Use the Technology, I Know What I’m Capable of Doing’: Access and the Discourse of Capacity

The concept of access has remained an important organizing logic within the education of students with disabilities. In this paper, we use spatial theory to explore the capability of technology to make spaces accessible for Maria, a high school user of assistive technology, who is labeled intellectually disabled. In investigating her technology as a means for greater access, we shift attention from the capability of technological tools to the significance of the discursive context in creating (in)accessible spaces. Using concepts of Firstspace, Secondspace and Thirdspace epistemologies (Soja 1996) we identify how differing conceptions of Maria’s capacity as a learner produced varied meanings of disability. Such conceptions precluded Maria’s ‘access knowledge’ (Hamraie 2017) while upholding assumptions of independence that were premised on unmediated bodily capacity. We suggest that accessibility may be understood as a socio-spatial phenomenon; we conclude by providing implications for practitioners when supporting technology use by students labeled intellectually disabled.

Innovation in Assistive Technology: Voice of the User

This article is an open letter to assistive technology stakeholders from an assistive technology user perspective. Contemporary systems thinking in assistive technology identifies the interlinking themes of people, products, personnel, policy and provision. We add to the current discourse on these five themes through the voice of an expert assistive technology user, who states that “As a disabled person and as a long-time expert assistive technology user, this is everything that I wish you knew and everything I wish you would do.” Our objective is to provide a user-centered commentary upon current trends and innovations in assistive technology, illuminating real impacts and outcomes from a social perspective and adding a rarely-heard voice to the literature.

Variation in assistive technology use in Motor Neuron Disease according to clinical phenotypes and ALS Functional Rating Scale - Revised Score: A prospective observational study.

Assistive devices enhance independence and quality of life for people living with motor neuron disease (MND), but prescription can be challenging. Improved prescription of assistive devices, through improved understanding of the relationship between clinical phenotypes, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Functional Rating Scale - Revised (ALSFRS-R) functional domain sub-scores and assistive technology required by people living with MND. Prospective, observational consecutive-sample study of 269 patients with MND diagnosis. MND phenotype, ALSFRS-R scores and assistive technology devices in use. A statistically significant difference in total concurrent assistive technology item use was found between phenotypes (p = 0.001), with those with ALS Bulbar onset using the least. There was also a statistically significant difference in assistive technology usage in five of seven assistive technology categories across the clinical phenotypes, namely orthoses (p < 0.000), mobility devices (p < 0.000), transfer devices (p < 0.000), communication devices (p < 0.000), and activities of daily living devices (p = 0.016). Correlations between ALSFRS-R sub-score items and assistive technology count confirmed the utility of this outcome measure for equipment prescription. Clinicians need to consider MND phenotype and/or ALSFRS-R domain sub-score in clinical decision-making regarding assistive technology, as this will determine the pattern of disease and its progression, and hence assistive technology required.

Co-construction of an Internet-based intervention for older assistive technology users and their family caregivers: stakeholders’ perceptions

Purpose: Providing care to older adults using assistive technology can be challenging for family caregivers. To inform the development of an Internet-based intervention, this study aimed to identify older assistive technology users and family caregivers’ needs related to assistive technology procurement, and to explore how to offer remote support through an Internet-based intervention.Methods: Based on an iterative user-centered design approach, 30 semi-structured interviews were conducted with stakeholders about their experiences with assistive technology procurement/attribution and their perceptions of a proposed intervention. A modified content analysis approach was used, with a mix of emerging and a priori concepts.Results: Participants view assistive technology procurement as an ongoing cyclical process, with potential unmet needs at key moments before and after assistive technology procurement. Assistive technology user-family caregiver dyads needs focus on assistive technology information, access, assistive technology-person-context match, training and support. While participants felt there were benefits to the proposed intervention they also identified potential implementation barriers.Conclusion: Assistive technology Internet-based interventions dedicated to family caregivers should ensure systematic and tailored follow-up while integrating some form of human support. This study guides the prototype design of the proposed intervention towards a graded support approach, empowering assistive technology users and family caregivers to resolve assistive technology-related challenges.Implication for rehabilitationProviding home-based care to older adults using assistive technology (e.g., mobility aids, communication aids) can be challenging for family caregivers.Using a user-centered design approach, an Internet-based intervention is under development to support older assistive technology users and their family caregivers.Through interviews with diverse stakeholders, this study explores unmet needs related to assistive technology procurement and perceptions about the proposed intervention.