Assistive technology provision: towards an international framework for assuring availability and accessibility of affordable high-quality assistive technology

Abstract

The paper ends with the recommendation to develop an international standard for assistive technology provision. Such a standard can have a major impact on the accessibility of AT for people with disabilities. The paper outlines some the key elements to be included in a standard. Implications for Rehabilitation Assistive technology is a key element in rehabilitation, but many people have no access to affordable AT solutions. The recommendations in the paper aim to inform policies, systems and service delivery procedures on how to improve access to AT across the world.

Are there differences in factors influencing access and continued use of assistive products for people with intellectual disabilities living in group homes?

“…A pro-active approach from the providers of AP to conduct follow-up and consolidated maintenance is key and should always be considered for this population. It is clear that AP has to be provided systemically [35]; and this means thinking through the needs and opportunities for people with ID in terms of products [36], personnel [37], users [38], its provision [39] and policy [40]; as well as other systems issues.…”

Tradução e Adaptação Cultural de Instrumentos para Avaliar a Predisposição do Uso de Tecnologia Assistiva que Constitui o Modelo Matching, Person & Technology

“…The need to establish a standard international method for the provision of Assistive Technology has been pointed out. Standardization based on a conceptual model and on appropriate assessment tools would make the comparison of services and results obtained possible, as well as the verification of the impact of existing policies and guidance of the development of new policies (De Witte et al, 2018).…”

“…For the implementation of these measures, it has been proposed the creation of a standard international model for AT supply. Researchers from different countries have proposed the adoption of a model that ensures that: the user remains at the center of all activities; enables interdisciplinary interaction; is applicable to any type or level of disability; and addresses the factors that influenced user satisfaction or the abandonment of AT (De Witte, Steel, Gupta, Ramos, & Roentgen, 2018).…”

Development of a toolkit for educators of the wheelchair service provision process: the Seating and Mobility Academic Resource Toolkit (SMART)

“…Indeed, it was included as a priority theme in the Global Priority Research Agenda [5] and was integrated as a topic in the first Global Research, Innovation and Education on Assistive Technology (GREAT) Summit [6,7]. The need for a systematic approach to personnel education and training was identified at the GREAT Summit and in its resultant position papers [6,8]. Further support for this need is captured by the sector goal developed at the 2018 Wheelchair Stakeholders' Meeting which states "By 2023, 10 countries will have new or strengthened evidence-based, adequately resourced, integrated wheelchair services supported by policies, competent personnel and a range of appropriate wheelchairs."…”