Assistive Technology to Promote Communication and Social Interaction for People With Deafblindness: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Background: People with deafblindness experience stigmatization, exclusion, and isolation. Due to complex communication challenges, feelings of isolation and exclusion can increase. However, assistive technology can change these negative outcomes. The aim of this systematic review is to synthesize and analyze the research published in journal articles focused on the use of assistive technology to improve communication and social interaction for people with deafblindness. Methods: A qualitative review study, examining journal articles focusing on the use of assistive technology to support social interaction of people with deafblindness as found in the following databases: IEEE Xplore, ProQuest, Cochrane, Embase, CINANHL, PsychINFO, Web of Science, PubMed, and ProQuest, was conducted. An in-depth analysis of the selected articles was performed. Results: Nine articles were included in this systematic review. The Technology Readiness Levels indicated that the communication assistive technologies reported in the included journal articles span across readiness levels, but mostly remained in the prototype phase. The identified themes are: (1) the objective of the assistive technology, with as sub-themes two-way communication, and access to information; (2) design and development, with as sub-themes new communication assistive technology design, and development, usability and co-creators; (3) acquisition and implementation; and (4) the impact of the assistive technology, with as sub-themes social integration and expansion, autonomy and confidence, and well-being. Conclusions: This systematic review provides a roadmap for the way forward in the use of assistive technology in communication and social interaction for people with deafblindness. Co-creation should start during the design and development stages and continue into testing, evaluating and implementation. A greater understanding of the unique communication needs and challenges may contribute to the development of more advanced technologies which can be used in daily situations and contribute to support two-way communication and social inclusion of people with deafblindness. Furthermore, a challenge remains to focus on the development of assistive technology supporting Dyzel et al. Assistive Technology, Communication, and Interaction declarative communication, which includes giving comments, declarations, predictions, and reflections during a conversation. More research conducted over the long-term is needed to bring the communication assistive technologies into more advanced stages of readiness.

Understanding the possibilities and limitations of assistive technology in health and welfare services for people with intellectual disabilities, staff perspectives

“…Similarly, previous studies have shown that AT can positively affect the lives and independence of people with ID and promote the rights of inclusion and choice for this group [9][10][11]24]. AT can also improve interaction and communication with other people, essential for emotional and social well-being; without access to AT, people with ID can be excluded and left behind [37,38]. Interestingly, dignity was a highlighted aspect of independence and coping, and the staff believed that AT should be used in a conscious way to ensure the dignity of people with ID.…”

People with intellectual disabilities living in care facilities engaging in virtual social contact: A systematic review of the feasibility and effects on well‐being

“…People with intellectual disabilities increasingly use the internet, but may experience more barriers with using it than people without intellectual disabilities (Chadwick et al, 2013 ). On the other hand, the use of ICT may positively impact the well‐being of people with intellectual disabilities (e.g., Caton & Chapman, 2016 ; Den Brok & Sterkenburg, 2015 ; Dyzel et al, 2020 ; Oudshoorn et al, 2020 ). The aim of this systematic review was to gain insight into the available scientific evidence on the use and feasibility of virtual social contact by people with intellectual disabilities living in home care facilities, and the potential to mitigate the impact of restricted in‐person visiting policies.…”

“…Recently,Dyzel et al (2020) pointed at the need for more research on the usability of assistive technologies for people with deafblindness, including user experiences. Our findings emphasise that more research on the use of specialised technology for facilitating virtual social contact is needed for the broader population of people with intellectual and multiple disabilities.…”

Device abandonment in deafblindness: a scoping review of the intersection of functionality and usability through the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health lens

“… 28 In the case of deafblindness, the lack of engagement of the community in participatory research reveals a systemic barrier. 29 The development and implementation of innovative technology solutions has been identified as a priority in deafblindness by stakeholders 5 ; however, its design frequently does not include device users, 30 31 with few exceptions. 32 33 This is likely because research involving this population is possible but can be challenging.…”