Impact Of Assistive Technology Research Articles

Evaluating the Impact of Assistive Technologies on Individuals With Disabilities in Benin: Protocol for a Cross-Sectional Study.

A significant proportion of individuals with disabilities in resource-limited countries require at least 1 assistive technology (AT) device to enhance their functioning and autonomy. However, there is limited evidence regarding the actual needs of AT users in these regions concerning the adequacy of ATs. This research aims to assess the effects of ATs on AT users in a resource-limited country. A cross-sectional study will be conducted in Benin, a sub-Saharan African country, using a nonprobability sample of AT users. Participants will undergo evaluation using standardized tools to assess their psycho-affective status, satisfaction with ATs, perception of the functional effects of ATs, well-being, and quality of life. Additionally, a survey based on the World Health Organization's rATA (rapid assistive technology assessment) tool will be conducted to gather sociodemographic and other data concerning the use of ATs. The findings will be organized and discussed using the Consortium on Assistive Technology Outcomes Research taxonomy, focusing on aspects related to the effectiveness and social significance of ATs, as well as the subjective well-being of AT users. The process of identifying potential participants began in August 2024, and data collection is scheduled to start in January 2025 and continue for 12 months. This research will provide an overview of the effects induced by the use of ATs, as well as describe the profile of AT users in Benin. To our knowledge, this will be the first study to examine the impact of ATs in Benin. It will therefore make a significant contribution to the existing data on the use of ATs in sub-Saharan Africa. PRR1-10.2196/60869.

Impact of Assistive Technology on Acquiring Learning Competence among Learners with Visual Impairment

Impact of Assistive Technology on Acquiring Learning Competence among Learners with Visual Impairment

A mixed methods, cluster randomized control trial to examine assistive technology use to support early literacy in preschool children with disabilities

This mixed methods study examined the impact of a multi-faceted professional development (PD) program for preschool teachers and classroom assistants on teacher-supported assistive technology (AT) use and early literacy development of children with disabilities. Four special education preschools were randomized into intervention (2 schools, 9 teachers, 50 children) and waitlist control (2 schools, 17 teachers, 42 children) groups. The 24-week PD included online modules, coaching, and AT device kits. Pre-post gains in children’s AT use and early literacy skills were analyzed using χ2 and repeated measures ANOVA. Teacher interviews and reflective commentaries were analyzed using Framework Analysis methodology. From pre- to post-test, the percent of children in the intervention group using some form of AT rose from 36 to 80%. The percent of children using AT in the control group went from 45 to 62%. The difference in change between the two groups was statistically significant, χ 2 = 13.93, p=.001. Gains in early literacy skills were not significantly different across groups, F(1,90)=0.010, p=.922. Analysis of the qualitative data revealed three themes: the positive impact of AT on child engagement and participation, the importance of individualizing AT for each student, and barriers teachers faced in AT implementation. The PD program had a positive effect on children’s AT use but not on gains in early literacy. Teachers’ comments highlighted the nuanced relationship between AT use and literacy outcomes, suggesting the need for more targeted implementation of AT during literacy activities.

Enhancing Quality of Life: the Impact of Assistive Technology on User Well-Being

Enhancing Quality of Life: the Impact of Assistive Technology on User Well-Being

Assistive Technology and Employment Opportunities for People with Disabilities: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Assistive technology (AT) can support the employment of people with disabilities (PwDs). This study aimed to investigate the impact of AT on the employability of PwDs and determine the barriers hindering its effective use in the job market in Saudi Arabia. The PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines were followed. A total of 20 sources were incorporated, inclusive of 7259 participants. To identify articles for this meta-analysis, database search results were screened by considering article titles and abstracts. Statistical analyses, including effect size calculation, weighting, subgroup analysis, and heterogeneity assessment, were conducted using RevMan software (version 5.3). A significant relationship between AT use and the employability of PwDs was found. The meta-analysis indicated that individuals using AT had higher odds of being employed than their counterparts without the devices (odds ratio = 2.41, 95% confidence interval: 1.89-2.93, P < 0.013). Subgroup analysis indicated that PwDs using AT for communication, ergonomic accommodations, and mobility had higher job retention and employability rates than their counterparts without AT. Limited awareness concerning AT, high acquisition costs, and skill insufficiency were found to be major hindrances to the use of AT among PwDs. AT use associates positively with the employability and overall well-being of PwDs. Fiscal aid, targeted education, and awareness campaigns can help disabled Saudi workers utilize AT more effectively.

РОЛЬ И ВЛИЯНИЕ РАЗВИТИЯ ПРОТЕЗОСТРОЕНИЯ ВЕРХНИХ И НИЖНИХ КОНЕЧНОСТЕЙ НА ПОЛНОМАСШТАБНУЮ СОЦИАЛЬНУЮ ИНТЕГРАЦИЮ ТРУДОСПОСОБНЫХ ИНВАЛИДОВ

The research touches upon the issues of legal and financial accessibility of upper and lower limb prostheses (hereinafter - ULP) provided at the expense of budgetary funds to disabled people of working age, their functional capabilities for domestic and labor activities, as well as the introduction of innovative technologies in the production of ULP and the impact of the market of assistive products on increasing the motivation of disabled people to be involved in labor inclusion, including by expanding the range of employment opportunities. The aim of the research is to highlight the importance of the development of domestic scientific and technologically innovative production of technical rehabilitation devices and prosthetic and orthopedic products (TSR and prosthetic devices), as well as a wide market for their provision, including as mandatory and compensatory tools to increase the participation of disabled people in the creation of products and services in the actively developing labor market. The object of the research is scientific and technological achievements, industries, and clusters involved in the development and creation of technologically advanced rehabilitation aids to increase the inclusion of disabled people. The subject of the study is the impact of assistive technologies on the reintegration of disabled people into society. The scientific hypothesis is an attempt to prove that with the development of domestic scientific and technical production of assistive technologies, including prosthetics, the level of inclusion of persons with disabilities in society and the labor market should increase, and the financial accessibility of their suspension should be ensured. In the process of the research, the method of analysis and structuring of domestic and foreign experience in the development and creation of multifunctional rehabilitation devices as an instrument of inclusive mechanism that helps persons with disabilities to socialize and realize their labor potential in the labor market was used. The following conclusions were made based on the results of the research: state guarantees of accessibility and quality of rehabilitation equipment products, and their constant innovative modernization are essential for the disabled, which has a positive impact on the reintegration of persons with disabilities into the actively developing society and labor market; authorities at all levels need immediately begin to create a labor market for the disabled in connection with the actively advancing robotization and digitalization, and the use of artificial intelligence.

Perceived effectiveness of assistive devices and support services provided to students with visual impairment in mainstream classrooms in the United Arab Emirates

AbstractStudents with disabilities such as visual impairment (VI) face challenges in accessing education, mainly owing to their inability to participate in learning activities in the classroom. While experts in special education have discussed the deployment of assistive technology (AT) to support the learning of students with VI, research on its impact is very scarce, especially in non‐western countries such as the United Arab Emirates (UAE). To bridge this gap, this study explored special education teachers' perceptions regarding the effectiveness of AT in supporting the learning and mobility of students with VI in schools. A total of 228 special education teachers from three regions in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, UAE, participated in the study. The participants completed an assistive technology for VI scale, and the data were subjected to mean score computation, multivariate analyses of variance and correlation and hierarchical multiple regression. Participants rated the impact of AT highly with regard to the reading, writing and orientation and mobility skills of students with VI. Interestingly, the orientation/mobility sub‐scale showed an association with teacher experience and location. The article discusses the practical implications of the findings as well as directions for future research.

Promoting Universal Equitable Accessibility: An Overview on the Impact of Assistive Technology in the UN, UNICEF, and WHO Web Portals.

The number of people with disabilities and frailties who need support and assistance is increasing. Assistive technologies (ATs) are increasingly playing a central role in supporting people with disabilities and frailties. The study investigated the impact of the ATs on the websites of the UN, UNICEF, and WHO in terms of proposed activities and actions. The methodology proposed was based on two points of view: (1) A formal process to directly select elements in the institutional webs of the UN, UNICEF, and WHO. (2) A formal process for a complementary literature narrative review based on an umbrella review of Pubmed and Scopus. A standard checklist and a qualification process were applied. The outcome reported 35 documents from the direct search on the web and 19 systematic reviews for the complimentary literature overview. The direct search returned documents related to initiatives focused on the following: The tailoring of the ATs to a person based on international guidelines and specific monitoring initiatives of the AT introduction/access based on surveys both at the population and system/government level with the publication of the data/metadata in an observatory. Dissemination initiatives of both the culture of ATs (e.g., catalog, guidelines, reports, congresses) and of recommendations. The literature overview contributed more specifically to the use and effectiveness of categories of ATs. Both direct research and the literature overview have shown a consistent growth in interest in ATs. The initiatives of the UN, UNICEF, and WHO have been consistent with the institutional role and aimed at improving the diffusion of ATs through capillary monitoring, which is not free from obstacles, and a diffusion of the culture and rational use of ATs. The narrative review shows also the important role of research in monitoring the development, use, and effectiveness of devices, strategies, and support of international institutional initiatives. Important initiatives have been launched internationally on AT in terms of monitoring, dissemination, and improvement in access. However, it is necessary to consider and face the obstacles that limit these initiatives.

The Impact of Assistive Technology on Students with Disabilities

Assistive technology plays a crucial role in meeting the needs of students with disabilities in special education. The term is used to describe a wide range of resources—from hardware to software—designed to let people with varying needs access information and education on their own terms. the impact that assistive technology has on special education children with disabilities, both in terms of its benefits and its potential drawbacks. This study focuses primarily on the perspectives and experiences of educators, researchers, and other professionals working in the field of special education who have worked with assistive technology. The goal of this abstract is to provide a broad perspective on how assistive technology benefits special education students. To achieve this goal, it will examine related studies and scholarly works.

The Implementation of Assistive Technology with a Deaf Student with Autism

This research examined the use of assistive technology (AT) in the classroom with a deaf autistic student, and explored how the technology could support the student in acquiring sign language. It also enhanced the impact of AT on the learning progress of the student. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with one interpreter and one teacher, with the responses transcribed and coded. The use of AT in the classroom was also observed. The data analysis yielded four primary categories: teacher and interpreter use of AT and overall benefit, barriers to accessing AT, AT use for academic support, and misunderstandings about deafness and autism. The most common forms of AT used with this deaf autistic student were laptops and iPads. The results indicated that AT had an overwhelmingly positive impact on the learning and behavior of students. The school system presented the main challenge as it did not help the participants to easily access AT. There are common misunderstandings about whether sign language can be taught to deaf autistic children; however, this study’s participants believed that a deaf autistic student could learn and understand the meaning of sign language. Teachers need to integrate AT into their classrooms since AT influences communication development for deaf autistic students and aids their learning progress.

Promoting a culture of inclusion: impact of professional development on teachers’ assistive technology practices to support early literacy

ABSTRACT Despite the efficacy of assistive technology (AT), many children with disabilities do not have access to AT and are not fully benefiting from inclusive preschool education. The current mixed-methods study examined a multi-faceted professional development (PD) intervention aligned with the CEC’s Early Intervention/Early Childhood Special Education (EI/ECSE) Standards to increase general early childhood education (ECE) teachers’ use of AT to promote early literacy in young children with disabilities. The 24-week PD intervention included: (a) online modules, (b) coaching; and (c) a classroom kit of AT devices. Participants were six lead teachers, 10 teacher aides, and 34 children from six inclusive classrooms in two preschools. Quantitative methods included pre-and post- surveys, early literacy assessments, and classroom observations. Qualitative analysis explored data from focus groups and input from teacher adherence forms. Results revealed that (a) teachers’ AT knowledge, positive beliefs, and use; and (b) children’s use of AT and early literacy skills significantly increased pre- to post- intervention. Qualitative findings revealed themes relating to how teachers benefitted from the PD and the impact of AT on teacher instruction and child learning. Findings support innovative PD practices to build capacity of practitioners implementing AT as a responsive instructional strategy in inclusive classrooms.

Effectiveness of Assistive Technology for Adults With Cerebral Palsy: A Scoping Review

Abstract Date Presented 03/31/2022 The transition to adulthood can be challenging for individuals with cerebral palsy (CP), including the loss of their health and wellness supports and reduced access to assistive technologies (AT). However, information about the needs and impact of AT for adults with CP, as well as their access to AT, is limited. This review will inform OTs who work with adults with CP about the effectiveness of AT. Primary Author and Speaker: Rochelle Mendonca Contributing Authors: Katherine Dimitropoulou, Haley Congdon, Cori Barger, Sabrina Zhang, Kelly Donnellan

Carers using assistive technology in dementia care at home: a mixed methods study

IntroductionInformal carers support persons with dementia to live at home, even with deteriorating physical, social and cognitive issues. This study aims to examine the experiences and impact of Assistive Technology (AT) on carers, providing care for a person with dementia.MethodsThis is an explanatory sequential mixed methods study. The quantitative phase was an online and postal survey using the Carers Assistive Technology Experience Questionnaire and Short Form-12 (SF-12) questionnaire, with carers of persons with dementia in the UK, who used AT. The qualitative phase involved in-depth telephone interviews with a purposive sample of survey respondents and was analysed using hermeneutic phenomenology to develop, compare and explain the findings of the survey.ResultsThe survey included data from 201 carers. Smartphones (45.5%) and tablet computers (45.0%) were the most frequently used AT. Multiple AT were used in the care of persons with dementia predominantly for safety (78.5%), communication (66.0%), and reminders (62.5%). The SF-12 indicated that carers in the 46–65 age group and carers who were not extremely satisfied with AT had lower mental component scores whilst carers who lived with the person with dementia and older carers had lower physical component scores. Twenty-three carers participated in the interviews, and 5 themes with 14 sub-themes were identified. The interviews helped confirm data from the survey on the impact of AT on the physical, mental and social wellbeing of the carers. It helped describe reasons for satisfaction with AT; how AT was used in daily life and strengthened caring relationships and how wider support systems enhanced the care of a person with dementia using AT.ConclusionsThis study describes the use of AT in the real-world context. AT supplements the care provided to people with dementia in the community. Appropriate use, access to AT and abilities of the carer can enhance the support provided through AT to both carers and the person with dementia.

The Role of Assistive Technology in Advancing Sustainable Development Goals

Assistive technologies (AT) have presented significant equalizing opportunities for many to access opportunities and meaningfully participate in society. Enhancing the impact of AT in enabling participation requires an individualized and holistic understanding of the value and meaning of AT for the individual in their unique context. In Southeast Asia (SEA), children with disabilities account for a significant proportion of the population. The SEA region has one of the highest prevalence of moderate disability and severe disability in the world. AT can play a significant role in achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and enabling all children with disabilities to lead healthy, productive, independent and dignified lives. In this perspective article, we discuss case studies of how AT can advance SDGs in SEA, focusing on the role of AT in providing quality education (SDG4), improving health and wellbeing (SDG3), and reducing inequalities (SDG10) for children with disabilities in SEA. We also explore how access to AT can be improved in SEA countries by examining different government initiatives and their gaps.

Assessment and counseling to get the best efficiency and effectiveness of the assistive technology (MATCH): Study protocol.

AimsTo determine the psychosocial impact of assistive technology(AT) based on robotics and artificial intelligence in the life of people with disabilities.BackgroundThe best match between any person with disabilities and its AT only can be gotten through a complete assessment and monitoring of his/her needs, abilities, priorities, difficulties and limitations. Without this analysis, it’s possible that the device won’t meet the individual’s expectations.Therefore, it is important that any project focused on the development of innovating AT for people with disabilities includes the perspective of outcome measures as an important phase of the research. In this sense, the integration of the assessment, implementation process and outcome measures is crucial to guarantee the transferability for the project findings and to get the perspective from the final user.MethodsPilot study, with prospective, longitudinal and analytical cohort. The study lasts from July 2020 until April 2023. The sample is formed by people with disabilities, ages from 2–21, that will participate from the first stage of the process (initial assessment of their abilities and needs) to the final application of outcome measures instruments (with a complete implication during the test of technology).DiscussionOnly with the active participation of the person is possible to carry out a user-centered approach. This fact will allow us to define and generate technological solutions that really adjust to the expectations, needs and priorities of the people with disabilities, avoiding the AT from being abandoned, with the consequent health and social spending.Trial registrationClinical Trials ID: NCT04723784; https://clinicaltrials.gov/.

Bridge or barrier: technology, well-being, and blindness

Purpose of the article This study explored the impact of assistive technology on the well-being of legally blind adults. Materials and methods In this mixed-method study, a convenience sample of 86 legally blind adults took an electronic survey. The questionnaire was comprised of demographics, use patterns, and an instrument called TENS-Interface that measured the impact of technology on well-being categories of autonomy, competence, and relatedness. Descriptive statistics, reliability, power analysis and bivariate correlations were calculated using SPSS statistical software. Three participants completed follow up semi-structured interviews, which were analysed for themes of technological mediation using NVivo 12 software. Results The TENS-Interface was validated for use with a legally blind population. Descriptive statistics showed a higher mean for autonomy than competence or relatedness. Braille was positively correlated to both autonomy and competence, while screen reader proficiency was related to competence. Daily use of social media, email, instant messaging, and video calls were correlated to relatedness. The technological devices used by interview participants were analysed for technological mediation. Training was identified as an additional theme. Conclusions Recommendations for practice include providing training to legally blind adults in screen reader use and braille use to support well-being via competence and autonomy. Training is also recommended for this population in the use of social media, email, and video calls to promote well-being through opportunities for relatedness. Further research is recommended to explore instructional methods that are not only efficient, but also meaningful for older adults in the position of losing their vision. IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION Providing access to braille instruction and braille assistive technology equipment can promote legally blind adults’ well-being by supporting their basic needs for both competence and autonomy. Providing training in screen reader use can promote legally blind adults’ well-being by supporting their basic need for competence. Providing training in use of email, social media, video calls, and instant messaging can promote legally blind adults’ well-being by supporting their basic need for relatedness. A consideration of technological mediation can allow practitioners to make recommendations that take into account not only efficient task completion, but issues related to meaning and social context. Instruction for adults losing their vision adventitiously needs to address not only efficient task performance, but also meaning and social context.

Effects of assistive technology-based occupational therapy on community-dwelling people recovering from stroke

ABSTRACT Purpose The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of assistive technology-based occupational therapy on occupational performance, satisfaction, and psychosocial impacts of community-dwelling people recovering from stroke. Methods A total of eleven community-dwelling people recovering from stroke participated in an occupational therapy intervention based on the core concepts of the Human Activity Assistive Technology (HAAT) model. The intervention involved the adoption of assistive technology devices (ATDs) to perform individual goal activities in the daily lives of people recovering from stroke. The intervention was conducted weekly as a 30-min session for a total of 4 weeks, in the home where each participant actually resided. Results All participants in the intervention showed statistically significant improvements in occupational performance, satisfaction, and goal attainment level with regard to the individually meaningful activities, between pretest, posttest, and follow-up. User satisfaction with the ATDs and associated services was generally ‘satisfactory,’ and the mean score significantly increased from post-intervention to follow-up. The psychosocial impact of assistive technologies significantly improved from post-intervention to follow-up evaluation. Conclusion Interventions involving concepts, processes, and strategies based on the HAAT model should be continuously performed to select and adopt appropriate interventions involving assistive technologies.

Individualized Support in Higher Education Using Assistive Technology (AT)

Abstract Date Presented 03/26/20 This study examined the impact of AT paired with individualized support on occupational engagement in higher education (HE). Findings indicate that individualized support paired with AT use increases self-efficacy and continued engagement with AT. This data shows that individualized support by an OT paired with AT may decrease AT abandonment and enhance academic occupational engagement in HE, specifically in self-reported academic performance and satisfaction. Primary Author and Speaker: Sara Delucchi Additional Authors and Speakers: Cayla Chapman, Michelle Morello, Bethany Young, Laura Hess

High-Tech or Low-Tech? Impact of Assistive Technology in School Settings for Students with Visual Impairments: Review of Research

High-Tech or Low-Tech? Impact of Assistive Technology in School Settings for Students with Visual Impairments: Review of Research

The impact of assistive technology on burden and psychological well-being in informal caregivers of people with dementia (ATTILA Study).

IntroductionAssistive technology and telecare (ATT) may alleviate psychological burden in informal caregivers of people with dementia. This study assessed the impact of ATT on informal caregivers’ burden and psychological well‐being.MethodsIndividuals with dementia and their informal caregivers were recruited to a randomized‐controlled trial assessing effectiveness of ATT. Caregivers were allocated to two groups according to their cared‐for person's randomization to a full or basic package of ATT and were assessed on caregiver burden, state anxiety, and depression. Caregivers’ data from three assessments over 6 months of the trial were analyzed.ResultsNo significant between‐ or within‐group differences at any time point on caregivers’ burden, anxiety, and depression levels were found.DiscussionFull ATT for people with dementia did not impact caregivers’ psychological outcomes compared to basic ATT. The length of follow up was restricted to 6 months.