Special Issue: Assistive technology (I)

Abstract

Assistive technology and its development are changing how services are delivered. The continuing proliferation and growth of more sophisticated everyday technology, especially information and communication-based devices, brings the need to widen the range of such devices used therapeutically. There are many reasons for doing so, not least because familiarity with devices makes it more likely that services users will be willing and able to use them therapeutically. Within this issue, the articles highlight the diverse nature and range of technologies currently available that can be explored for therapeutic applications, whether designed originally for such use or not. The contributions published here commence from exploration of more traditional assistive technologies, moving to the use of information communications technology-enabled or computer-based devices and finishing with a study on telecare. Friesen et al. (2017) interview adults with spinal cord injury on the usability of mobile shower commodes, finding that while usability was high there was a need for more research in some areas, such as stability and portability. In a scoping review, Boland et al. (2017) examine the literature on adaptive equipment use for personal care and mobility after stroke, including training needs. They conclude that the perceived tension between rehabilitation without equipment and restoration of function with equipment is unwarranted, although high quality evidence of the costs of such equipment is required. Jamwal et al. (2017) consider the user satisfaction and psychosocial impact of electronic assistive devices for people with severe acquired brain injury in shared supported accommodation, and how technology can positively influence everyday function, being in some cases less intrusive than support from paid carers.Threapleton et al. (2017) focus on discharge home after stroke, interviewing both occupational therapists and people with stroke regarding the potential utility of a 'virtual home' within pre-discharge rehabilitation. Participants found the virtual home acceptable and useful, making suggestions on how to develop it. Two further papers explore the therapeutic potential of everyday computer-based technology in the home. From a survey of parents of children with cerebral palsy, Farr et al. (2017) ascertained that many children use game consoles regularly for play. The wide use of this home-based virtual reality technology offers potential for improving their motor function. Kaldenberg and Smallfield (2017) contribute a feasibility study for the use of a computer tablet to facilitate daily activities for older adults with low vision. They examined the effects of training in daily use of the tablet, using the Canadian occupational performance measure to assess both performance and satisfaction, concluding that the method would be valid for a larger study to investigate fully this community-based intervention.McGrath and Astell (2017) examine assistive technology for adults with age-related vision loss from a more gen...