Multiple stakeholder perceptions of assistive technology for individuals with cerebral palsy in New Zealand

Abstract

The results are similar to other literature, suggesting new innovations and changes are in dire need, to improve assistive technology experiences for all stakeholders. Implications for Research Service providers for assistive technology desire more effective training and support of existing and emerging technologies. Although the set procedure for acquiring assistive technology in New Zealand is comprehensive, incorporating multiple perspectives, it is difficult to follow through in practice. More innovative procedures are needed. The movement of Universal Design is significantly improving the perception of individuals with disabilities, and has enabled greater social inclusion. More assistive technology developers need to ensure that they incorporate these principles in their design process.

A Program Based on Common Technology to Support Communication Exchanges and Leisure in People With Intellectual and Other Disabilities

“…It may be underlined here that new technology solutions, such as the smartphone used in this study, are quite practical (i.e., small and portable) and easily accessible. These positive aspects should not be taken to indicate, however, that smartphones can be used for the program without any specialized preparation and relevant technical knowledge (Kuo, Liu, & Ma, 2013; Lancioni, Singh, et al, 2018; Plackett, Thomas, & Thomas, 2017; Taherian & Davies, 2018). In fact, a smartphone needs to be fitted with a variety of relevant files and to be automated through a specific application, such as the MacroDroid, before it can be effectively employed.…”

Exploring the barriers to using assistive technology for individuals with chronic conditions: a meta-synthesis review

“…Users remarked that the ease of use of devices was a barrier to the on-going use of assistive technology. Users wanted devices that were simple to use and operate [49,[51][52][53]55,57,58,[61][62][63]67,69,73,74,76,[78][79][80]82,83,85]. The ease of set-up of their assistive technology for example how difficult or how much of a 'hassle' a device was to set-up would influence the users decision to use assistive technology [55,58,61,62,73,76,85].…”

“…Users wanted devices that were simple to use and operate [49,[51][52][53]55,57,58,[61][62][63]67,69,73,74,76,[78][79][80]82,83,85]. The ease of set-up of their assistive technology for example how difficult or how much of a 'hassle' a device was to set-up would influence the users decision to use assistive technology [55,58,61,62,73,76,85]. Another barrier with the design of assistive technology related to the lack of customisation to the end user needs.…”

“…Another barrier with the design of assistive technology related to the lack of customisation to the end user needs. Both users and prescribers described how a universal design or one size fits all approach to assistive technology design was not appropriate to cover the individual needs and circumstances of each user [49,51,54,55,57,[60][61][62][63]72,73,[78][79][80][81]85,87]. Another sub-theme that restricts usage of assistive technology was if the device was inappropriate for the intended population.…”

“…Assistive technologies deemed as medical devices were perceived as being too expensive to purchase, especially compared to conventional products and technology [ Information overload describes users and carers who were given too much information about products and services available. The overload of information meant people struggled to manage and understand all of the information provided and as a result individual's felt overwhelmed so they retained very little information [55,64,69,76,82,85]. Accessing trustworthy information about products and service available was a barrier to acquiring assistive technology as individuals wanted un-biased opinions from trusted sources about whether the assistive technology was going to be useful for them.…”