scholarly journals Psychosocial Impact of Powered Wheelchair, Users’ Satisfaction and Their Relation to Social Participation

Technologies ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (4) ◽  
pp. 73
Author(s):  
Domingues ◽  
Pinheiro ◽  
Silveira ◽  
Francisco ◽  
Jutai ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Assistive Technology ◽  
Social Participation ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Psychosocial Impact ◽  
Assistive Technologies ◽  
Related Services ◽  
Persons With Disabilities ◽  
Wheelchair Users ◽  
Powered Wheelchair ◽  
Positive Effects

Several studies showed positive effects of assistive technologies on psychosocial impact and participation of adults with mobility impairments. The purpose of this study was to assess the psychosocial and participation impact of powered wheelchairs. Participants were thirty persons with disabilities who use powered wheelchairs with diverse medical conditions. The Quebec User Evaluation of Satisfaction with Assistive Technology, the Psychosocial Impact of Assistive Devices Scale and the Activities and Participation Profile Related to Mobility were used, in addition to demographic, clinical and wheelchair related questions. The participants were satisfied with both the assistive technology and related services, with the lowest satisfaction scores belonging to those who had been using their wheelchairs for a longer period of time. We noticed significant restrictions in participation mostly among persons with longer wheelchair utilization. The most satisfied were the ones with better performance in terms of social participation. Psychosocial scores showed a positive impact with higher adaptability among persons who transitioned from a manual compared to those who already had a powered wheelchair. There was a positive psychosocial impact and therefore an increase in quality of life of its users.

The Use of Assistive Technology to Support the Wellbeing and Independence of People with Memory Impairments

2011 ◽  
pp. 65-79 ◽  
Author(s):  
Claire Huijnen
Keyword(s):  
Assistive Technology ◽  
Assisted Living ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
End Users ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Memory Impairments ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Age In Place ◽  
With Memory

This chapter presents the research, results and lessons learned from a project to evaluate currently available assisted living technologies for elderly people with mild to severe memory impairments who want to age in place. During the project a number of households were equipped with assistive technology to enable the end users to better cope with the barriers and problems associated with their forgetfulness. End users were involved in different phases, starting with a problem and needs analysis and ending with an evaluation of the technology installed in their homes. It seemed that technology did have a positive impact on their lives as well as on the lives of the informal caregivers who often live with those who suffer from amnesia. This project gives insight into how we are coming closer to optimizing the positive effects which assistive technology holds for the elderly with memory impairments. Key insights are presented.

Intelligent Assistive Technologies

1994 ◽  
Vol 3 (3) ◽  
pp. 208-215 ◽  
Author(s):  
Philip Barry ◽  
John Dockery ◽  
David Littman ◽  
Melanie Barry
Keyword(s):  
Artificial Intelligence ◽  
Assistive Technology ◽  
Assistive Technologies ◽  
Assistive Devices ◽  
Persons With Disabilities ◽  
Playing Field ◽  
Sensor Information

Intelligent assistive technology (IAT) refers to the integration of existing assistive technology with artificial intelligence (AI) techniques and advanced environment interfaces. AI can be used to integrate a great deal of sensor information, to amplify primary intent as well as to conduct background tasks. Through the application of AI we believe that we can level the playing field for persons with disabilities and maximize existing and future capabilities of assistive devices. By beginning a dialogue now between the developers of AI and assistive technology, IAT can become a reality.

scholarly journals Assistive technology in developing countries: a review from the perspective of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities

2011 ◽  
Vol 35 (1) ◽  
pp. 20-29 ◽  
Author(s):  
Johan Borg ◽  
Anna Lindström ◽  
Stig Larsson
Keyword(s):  
Developing Countries ◽  
Assistive Technology ◽  
Hearing Aids ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Related Services ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Persons With Disabilities ◽  
Middle Income Countries ◽  
Effective Implementation

Background: The ‘Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities’ (CRPD) requires governments to meet the assistive technology needs of citizens. However, the access to assistive technology in developing countries is severely limited, which is aggravated by a lack of related services.Objectives: To summarize current knowledge on assistive technology for low- and lower-middle-income countries published in 1995 or later, and to provide recommendations that facilitate implementation of the CRPD.Study design: Literature review.Methods: Literature was searched in web-based databases and reference lists. Studies carried out in low- and lower-middle-income countries, or addressing assistive technology for such countries, were included.Results: The 52 included articles are dominated by product oriented research on leg prostheses and manual wheelchairs. Less has been published on hearing aids and virtually nothing on the broad range of other types of assistive technology.Conclusions: To support effective implementation of the CRPD in these countries, there is a need for actions and research related particularly to policies, service delivery, outcomes and international cooperation, but also to product development and production.Clinical relevanceThe article has a potential to contribute to CRPD compliant developments in the provision of assistive technology in developing countries by providing practitioners with an overview of published knowledge and researchers with identified research needs.

Assistive Technologies, Tools and Resources for the Access and Use of Information and Communication Technologies by People with Disabilities

2013 ◽  
pp. 246-260
Author(s):  
Betania Groba ◽  
Thais Pousada ◽  
Laura Nieto
Keyword(s):  
Assistive Technology ◽  
Information And Communication Technologies ◽  
New Technologies ◽  
People With Disabilities ◽  
Communication Technologies ◽  
Assistive Technologies ◽  
Technology Support ◽  
Occupational Performance ◽  
Persons With Disabilities ◽  
Information And Communication

A person with disabilities can present difficulties in occupational performance. It is necessary to develop a set of resources, technological or otherwise, to offset these difficulties, and contribute to the integration of people with functional diversity in society. These resources are called support products or technology support, but do not eliminate the deficits, they can eliminate the limitation of the performance of persons with disabilities. Moreover, the Information Technology and Communications (ICT) were formed as an alternative to personal empowerment of people with disabilities. To access and use of these new technologies are used to support specific products. In the market there is a diversity and variety of assistive technology, so it is necessary the classification and analysis of various products before the person can use it. The purpose of this chapter is to provide information about assistive technology, and specifically those directly related to ICT.

Assistive Technology and Adults with Learning Disabilities: A Blueprint for Exploration and Advancement

1993 ◽  
Vol 16 (3) ◽  
pp. 185-196 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marshall Raskind
Keyword(s):  
Learning Disabilities ◽  
Assistive Technology ◽  
Assistive Technologies ◽  
Leadership Position ◽  
Persons With Disabilities ◽  
Adults With Learning Disabilities

Technology to assist persons with disabilities has received considerable attention over the last decade. However, little attention has been directed toward technology to help persons with learning disabilities compensate for their difficulties. This article will provide an overview of assistive technologies currently available to assist persons with learning disabilities and suggest a basis from which the field of learning disabilities can take a leadership position in exploring and advancing the use of assistive technology for persons with learning disabilities.

scholarly journals ASSESSING THE RELEVANCE OF ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGIES FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES IN HIGHER LEARNING INSTITUTIONS: A CASE OF UNIVERSITY OF DAR ES SALAAM IN TANZANIA

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Josephine C. Ngonyani ◽  
Cosmas B. Mnyanyi
Keyword(s):  
Assistive Technology ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Low Vision ◽  
Dar Es Salaam ◽  
Assistive Technologies ◽  
Higher Learning ◽  
General Sense ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Persons With Disabilities ◽  
Learning Institutions

This paper assesses the relevance of assistive technology (AT) used by persons with disabilities enrolled in higher learning institutions (HLIs) in Tanzania. Assistive technology in its general sense is meant to support persons with disabilities (PWD) in managing their daily activities, including participation in teaching and learning. The study was descriptive in nature and used a cross-sectional research design. A total of 173 respondents participated in the study; 18 Management officials, 47 students, 35 trainers, 40 Dar-es-Salaam University Students Organisation (DARUSO) leaders, and 33 PWD. Among the 33 PWD; (10) visually impaired, (5) low vision, (7) physically impaired, (3) albinism, (7) hearing impaired, and (1) speech impaired. The study revealed that AT was provided conforming to the kind of a disability and that training was for new AT users. The training covered topics related to simple maintenance and repair of AT. The challenge was related to the shortages of AT experts and AT courses for training, caretakers and other professionals. The study recommends the establishment of AT courses for developing a cadre of AT specialists for conducting rehabilitation services. <p> </p><p><strong> Article visualizations:</strong></p><p><img src="/-counters-/edu_01/0760/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /></p>

scholarly journals Need of Technical Educational Integration in Disability Sector for Differently-abled Empowerment

2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Binoy Mathew K V ◽  
Maryelizabeth Tidiya Walarine
Keyword(s):  
Assistive Technology ◽  
Field Testing ◽  
Assistive Technologies ◽  
Educational Institutions ◽  
Inclusion Criteria ◽  
Persons With Disabilities ◽  
Extensive Search ◽  
Extensive Field ◽  
Educational Integration ◽  
Conducting Research

As per 2011 census there are 2.68 crore differently abled persons in the country. Assistive devices and equipments can significantly help persons with disabilities to become independent in daily activities. There are many eminent technical educational institutions in India and many are conducting research works for the development of assistive technology for the differently abled. So an extensive search was conducted to explore the assistive technology related projects undertaken in India. Out of 137 studies retrieved 34 met the inclusion criteria. The result shows that many researches are being carried out for the development of assistive technology in India. Many of the products are in the prototype stage or in the feasibility stage. It emphasises the need for extensive field testing and commercial production of the assistive technologies. Such initiatives will lead to differently abled empowerment. The authors put forward some suggestions in this regard.

Assistive Technologies, Tools and Resources for the Access and Use of Information and Communication Technologies by People with Disabilities

2011 ◽  
pp. 1-15 ◽  
Author(s):  
Betania Groba ◽  
Thais Pousada ◽  
Laura Nieto
Keyword(s):  
Assistive Technology ◽  
Information And Communication Technologies ◽  
New Technologies ◽  
People With Disabilities ◽  
Communication Technologies ◽  
Assistive Technologies ◽  
Technology Support ◽  
Occupational Performance ◽  
Persons With Disabilities ◽  
Information And Communication

A person with disabilities can present difficulties in occupational performance. It is necessary to develop a set of resources, technological or otherwise, to offset these difficulties, and contribute to the integration of people with functional diversity in society. These resources are called support products or technology support, but do not eliminate the deficits, they can eliminate the limitation of the performance of persons with disabilities. Moreover, the Information Technology and Communications (ICT) were formed as an alternative to personal empowerment of people with disabilities. To access and use of these new technologies are used to support specific products. In the market there is a diversity and variety of assistive technology, so it is necessary the classification and analysis of various products before the person can use it. The purpose of this chapter is to provide information about assistive technology, and specifically those directly related to ICT.

Network Analysis of Assistive Technology Stakeholders in Malawi

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emma M Smith ◽  
Ikenna D. Ebuenyi ◽  
Juba A Kafumba ◽  
Monica Jamali-Phiri ◽  
Alister Munthali ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Network Analysis ◽  
Assistive Technology ◽  
Technology Policy ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Functional Limitations ◽  
Assistive Technologies ◽  
Related Services ◽  
Technology System ◽  
Stakeholder Network

Abstract Background Assistive technologies promote participation and quality of life for people with disabilities and other functional limitations. There is a global call to develop and implement policies to improve access to assistive technologies. In response, a stakeholder led initiative in Malawi is working towards the development of such a policy. The objective of this study was to assess the existing network of stakeholders, and the strength of relationship between organizations who deliver assistive products and related services. We conducted a survey-based network analysis of assistive technology stakeholder organizations in Malawi.Results Stakeholders (n = 19) reported a range of connections, from no awareness to collaboration with organizations within the assistive technology network. No single organization or government ministry was most central to the network. International NGOs were less central to the network than local organizations for disabled people, service providers, and ministries.Conclusions The assistive technology stakeholder network in Malawi is distributed, with a range of responsibility across a variety of stakeholders, including three government ministries. An effective assistive technology policy must engage all stakeholders and may benefit from a collective leadership approach that spans the inter-sectoral need for a cohesive assistive technology system.

Reduced care burden and improved quality of life in African American family caregivers: Positive impact of personalized assistive technology

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-9
Author(s):  
Monica W. Parker ◽  
Crystal Davis ◽  
Kaylin White ◽  
Devon Johnson ◽  
Matt Golden ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
African American ◽  
Assistive Technology ◽  
Family Caregivers ◽  
User Satisfaction ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Underserved Populations ◽  
Assistive Technologies ◽  
African American Family ◽  
American Family ◽  
Care Burden

BACKGROUND: African Americans living with dementia are considered less likely to seek formal institutionalized elder care and more likely to be managed in the home by family-member caregivers. Assistive technologies (the use of smart visual devices like tablets and phones) can be used effectively to guide memory-impaired individuals with a sequence of pictures showing steps to complete activities of daily living, e.g., bathing, toileting, dressing. Assistive technology so far has not been generally embraced in African American communities. OBJECTIVES: Determine, if African American family caregivers, given the opportunity, would embrace the use of assistive technology and if they would perceive its use beneficial. METHODS: We assessed a group of eight family caregivers’ overall care-burden scores, and their user-satisfaction scores after using assistive technology for three months. RESULTS: We found significant reduction in caregiver burden, positive changes in behavior and emotion scores, and high ratings on user satisfaction. CONCLUSIONS: The findings reported here comprise the first systematic study of the use of assistive technology by caregivers in an underserved population. They set the stage for exploring meaningful strategies and variables that will better engage underserved populations to take advantage of assistive technologies available in healthcare.

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