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Appropriate paper-based technology (APT) is used to provide postural support for children with cerebral palsy (CP) in low-resourced settings. This pilot study aimed to evaluate the impact of APT on the children's and families' lives. A convenience sample of children with CP and their families participated. Inclusion was based on the Gross Motor Function Classification System levels IV and V. APT seating or standing frames were provided for six months. A mixed methods impact of APT devices on the children and families included the Family Impact Assistive Technology Scale for Adaptive Seating (FIATS-AS); the Child Engagement in Daily Life (CEDL) questionnaire; and a qualitative assessment from diary/log and semi-structured interviews. Ten children (median 3 years, range 9 months to 7 years). Baseline to follow-up median (IQR) FIATS-AS were: 22.7 (9.3) and 30.3 (10.2), respectively (p=.002). Similarly mean (SD) CEDL scores for "frequency" changed from 30.5 (13.2) to 42.08 (5.96) (p=.021) and children's enjoyment scores from 2.23 (0.93) to 2.91 (0.79) (p=.019). CEDL questionnaire for self-care was not discriminatory; seven families scored zero at both baseline and 6 months. Qualitative interviews revealed three key findings; that APT improved functional ability, involvement/interaction in daily-life situations, and a reduced family burden of care. APT devices used in Kenyan children with non-ambulant CP had a meaningful positive effect on both the children's and their families' lives. Assistive devices are often unobtainable for children with cerebral palsy (CP) in low-income countries. APT is a low cost and sustainable solution to make seating and standing devices for disabled children in Kenya. The regular use of a postural support device enhanced the children's motor skills, ability to function and participate in everyday activities, reduced the burden of care for the families and promoted the children's social interaction. The postural support devices were highly valued and utilised by the children and families in this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper considers the possibilities of analysing children's own designs to contribute to the design of inclusive paediatric mobility interventions. The aim of this paper is threefold: (1) to develop a framework for child-centred design analysis, (2) to analyse children's designs to explore both quantitative and qualitative insights and (3) to explore how children's voice could be elevated through design research. A Child-centred Design Analysis Framework is developed in an interdisciplinary manner, comprising four dimensions including Child, Content, Context and Format. It is used as a vehicle to analyse and code 130 "Dream Wheelchair" designs by children. The children's "Dream Wheelchair" designs reference a range of features and priorities, which are gathered into themes through the framework, providing insights into children's individual and collective mobility narratives, values and requirements. Themes are explored through a qualitative interdisciplinary lens to understand the nature of children's lived experiences. The framework promotes child-centred framing through extracting meaning from children's own designs. It is suggested that child-centred framing and a rights-respecting approach to assistive technology design research can lead to more appropriate design outcomes and improved user experiences for children with disabilities. The design analysis framework developed and presented in this paper facilitates child-centred framing to elevate children's voice in a design process. Analysis of 130 children's visual and textual designs elicited narratives, values, and requirements around their "Dream Wheelchairs"; these findings contribute insights which can be used for designing inclusive paediatric mobility interventions. This paper invites industry practitioners and design researchers to use a child-centred and rights-respecting approach when designing with or for children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this paper is to analyse and critically reflect on access to Assistive Technology (AT) for persons with disabilities (PWD) in Nepal, India and Bangladesh. This analysis aims to guide the development of a contextualised generic AT service delivery model suitable for these countries, based on the best practices identified. This paper is based on a comprehensive study conducted in Nepal, India and Bangladesh, observing mobility and hearing-related AT service delivery centres run by the government, as well as private and nongovernmental organisations, and interviews with key informants: policymakers (5), AT service providers (20) and AT service users (20) between December 2019 to February 2020. A descriptive, qualitative exploratory study design was followed. A quality assessment framework was used to structure the analysis and interpret the findings. AT service provisions are poorly developed in all three countries. On all quality indicators assessed, the systems show major weaknesses. AT users have very limited awareness about their rights to these services and the availability of AT services, the range of services available is very limited, and eligibility is dependent on medical criteria related to visible and severe disabilities. Lack of accessibility, eligibility, reachability and affordability are the main barriers to access AT services for PWD in Nepal, India and Bangladesh. Increased community level awareness, increased Government funding and a community based, medically informed flexible social model of AT services is a way forward to ensure access to AT services for PWD in these countries. Increased community awareness is necessary to increase access to Assistive Technology Services for Persons with Disabilities. Increased and flexible funding from the Government and philanthropists will improve rehabilitation. Establishment of community based Assistive Technology Services centres will increase access and improve rehabilitation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explores the usability, usefulness and user experience of the Forward with Dementia website for people with dementia and family carers, and identifies strategies to improve web design for this population. The website was iteratively user-tested by 12 participants (five people with dementia, seven carers) using the Zoom platform. Data collection involved observations, semi-structured interviews and questionnaires. Integrative mixed-method data analysis was used, informed by inductive thematic qualitative analysis. Users of Version 1 of the website experienced web functionality, navigation and legibility issues. Strategies for desirable web design were identified as simplifying functions, streamlining navigation and decluttering page layouts. Implementation of strategies produced improvements in usability, user experience and usefulness in Version 2, with mean System Usability Scale scores improving from 15 to 84, and mean task completion improving from 55% to 89%. The user journey for people with dementia and carers overlapped, but each group had their own unique needs in the context of web design. The interplay between a website's content, functionality, navigation and legibility can profoundly influence user perceptions of a website. Dementia-related websites play an important role in informing audiences of management strategies, service availability and planning for the progression of dementia. Findings of this study may assist in guiding future web development targeting this population. People with cognitive impairment can provide useful feedback on design and accessibility of websites, and their input should be obtained when developing digital applications for this group. This paper provides practical suggestions for website design features to improve function, legibility and navigation of websites for older people and people living with dementia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

People with physical disabilities often require lifetime support and experience challenges to maintain or (re)define their level of independence. Assistive living technologies (ALT) are promising to increase independent living and execution of activities of daily living (ADL). This paper provides a systematic literature review that aims to analyse the present state of the literature about the impact of ALT on perceived independence of people with a physical disability receiving long-term care. Databases Embase, Medline, and Web of Science were searched for eligible studies from 2010 or later. Nine studies were included, of which seven qualitative, one quantitative, and one mixed methods. Quality was generally high. ALT enabled participants to execute ADL. We found six themes for the impact of ALT on perceived independence: feeling enabled, choice and control, feeling secure, time alone, feeling less needy, and participation. ALT appears to impact perceived independence in many ways, exceeding merely the executional aspect of independence. Existing research is limited and quite one-sided. More large-scale studies are needed in order to inform care organisations how to implement ALT, especially considering societal developments and challenges impacting long-term care. People with a physical disability receiving long-term care experience that assistive living technology impacted their independence. Their independence is increased by making them feel enabled, secure, and less needy and increasing their choice and control, time alone, and participation. Most studies focused on the use of environmental control systems by people with spinal cord injury. More research is needed to evaluate long-term effects of diverse assistive living technologies used by people with a physical disability receiving long-term care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this paper is to describe non-participation during the outcome measurement step of the wheeled mobility service delivery process (WMSDP) based on the Functional Mobility Assessment (FMA)-Uniform Dataset (UDS) Registry. The WMSDP is a standard framework for the provision of wheeled mobility devices, and several factors influence the client's experience throughout the process. Patient-reported outcomes are one way to measure the client's experience as part of a quality improvement program. A retrospective descriptive study was conducted on the FMA-UDS Registry to measure the response rate during the outcome measurement step of the WMSDP and describe the reasons an individual did not complete the FMA-UDS. The FMA-UDS was examined at two time points: pre-delivery and post-delivery of the wheeled mobility device. As of September 2, 2021, 10,253 cases have been entered into the FMA-UDS Registry. 2,247 cases were no longer participating pre-delivery, and an additional 3,905 cases were no longer participating post-delivery. The most common reasons for non-participation in the FMA-UDS pre-delivery and post-delivery included: equipment not delivered; provider no longer participating in the FMA-UDS; funding issues; no new equipment; client opted out; loss in contact; deceased; returned equipment; and other. The type and frequency of non-participation in the outcome measurement step of the WMSDP is critical to understanding why individuals participate in outcome measures and provides insight into the barriers and facilitators for the implementation of quality improvement programs. The outcome measurement system provides a structured mechanism for consistent communication between the client and the professionals providing the service, thereby identifying issues earlier in the process and mitigating frustration throughout the wheeled mobility service delivery process. The role of a credentialed professional, specifically an Assistive Technology Professional, in the wheeled mobility service delivery process could emphasize the importance of the follow-up and outcome measurement steps, which may increase the consumers' participation rate and demonstrate the effectiveness of devices and services. Clients who no longer participate in the outcome measurement process do not have the sustained support of the interprofessional team, and possess an increased chance that they will not get their mobility needs met through the health care system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is limited evidence on the strategies, resources, and tools shown to improve winter mobility and community participation. This paper describes a multifaceted approach taken to develop an mHealth application that provides information, resources, and strategies to facilitate winter mobility for mobility device users, service providers, community organisations, and researchers. The study was conducted in three phases: (1) A scoping review of peer-reviewed and grey literature was completed to identify literature that reported on tools, strategies, resources, and recommendations used to promote winter mobility; (2) Online asynchronous focus groups were conducted to identify the type of content that mobility device users wanted to include in the web-based application; and (3) A prototype mHealth application was developed based on the findings from the previous phases. Using a rapid prototyping process that included stakeholder review through an online survey, four cycles of application design and development were undertaken. The scoping review identified 23 peer-reviewed studies and limited grey literature on winter mobility strategies, resources and recommendations. Twenty-four participants from across Canada engaged in one of five focus groups. Focus group analysis led to the development of the content categories for the mHealth application. The initial prototype application developed was reviewed by; 27 mobility device users, 16 health care providers, and seven consumer organisation representatives identified areas of strength and further refinement in regard to application design. The approach used in this study provided a method to develop an application based on the ideas, needs, and interests of a variety of stakeholders. Once fully developed, the application has the potential to fill the gaps related to the lack of a unified collection of winter mobility strategies and resources, and open the dialogue on methods to improve winter participation among mobility device users. Despite winter conditions being a common challenge among mobility device users, there is an absence of an organised approach towards helping individuals manage their winter mobility needs. As the development and usage of mHealth applications continues to increase, it is valuable to use methods of designing applications based on the ideas, needs, and interests of a variety of stakeholders. Development of a framework for collating information on winter mobility strategies and resources is the first step towards launching an mHealth application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To offer guidance for future welfare technology research, this review provides an overview of current knowledge gaps and research needs as reported in primary scientific studies addressing the implementation of welfare technology for older people, people with disabilities and informal caregivers. This paper conducted a state-of-the-art review based on systematic searches in 11 databases followed by a descriptive qualitative analysis of 21 selected articles. Knowledge gaps and research needs were identified concerning two categories: research designs and populations and focus of research. The articles reported needs for comparative studies, longitudinal studies, and demonstration trials as well as the development of co-design processes involving technology users. They also called for studies applying a social system theory approach, involving healthy and frail older adults, representative samples of users within and across countries, informal and formal caregivers, inter-and multidisciplinary teams, and care organizations. Moreover, there are reported needs for studies of acquirement, adoption and acceptance of welfare technology, attitudes, beliefs, and context related to welfare technology, caregiver perspectives on welfare technology, services to provide welfare technology and welfare technology itself. There are considerable knowledge gaps and research needs concerning the implementation of welfare technology. They relate not only to the research focus but also to research designs, a social system theory approach and study populations. When planning for the implementation of welfare technology for older people and persons with disabilities, it is important to be aware that necessary evidence and guidance may not always be available in peer-reviewed scientific literature but considerable knowledge gaps and research needs remain. Actors implementing welfare technology are encouraged to include researchers in their projects to study, document and report experiences made, and thereby contribute to building the evidence base and supporting evidence-based implementation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To identify and describe the aims, methodological approaches, and major findings of studies on the use of STT among secondary pupils (age 12–18) with learning difficulties published from January 2000 to April 2022. This scoping review includes empirical studies published in peer-reviewed journals and grey literature between January 2000 and April 2022. Searches were conducted in April 2022 in three databases: ERIC, PsycINFO and Scopus. In addition, related reviews were manually screened for relevant papers. Eight peer-revied studies and five publications of grey literature were found to meet the inclusion criteria; two studies employed experimental designs, four employed quasi-experimental designs and seven employed explorative designs. Six studies described STT as an assistive technology (a compensatory aid for poor writing performance); two assessed STT as an instructional technology to determine whether it improves overall writing and related skills (e.g., reading). Results suggest that STT may increase pupils' abilities to produce texts with fewer errors, provide help with spelling and improve reading comprehension and word recognition. To date, there is a paucity of high-quality research on the use of STT among adolescents with LD. The scoping review shows that very little research has been conducted on the use of STT for adolescents with learning difficulties in secondary education. Findings from the studies identified five areas of interest: writing related skills, text assessment, writing processes, accuracy of the technology, and participants' experiences. Findings indicate that writing performance among students with learning difficulties improves when using STT. Parents, teachers, and pupils report positive experiences with the technology, particularly for students with severe reading and writing difficulties. There is a great need for more robust research on the use of speech-to-text technology (STT) in educational settings, especially on its effect on writing skills Studies describe STT as either an assistive (a compensatory aid for poor writing performance) or instructional technology (aiming to improve learning in general). It is important that practitioners are aware of the different aims and possible consequences of introducing STT to learners with writing difficulties. STT provides both opportunities and challenges for writers with learning difficulties in secondary education. Findings indicate that writing performance among students with learning difficulties improves when using STT, yet inaccuracy of the technology was presented as one of the main challenges. Parents, teachers, and pupils report positive experiences with the technology, particularly for students with severe reading and writing difficulties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper critically reviews and reflects on the processes for providing Assistive Technology (AT) services to Persons with Disabilities (PWD) in Bangladesh, India and Nepal. The aim is to investigate the AT service delivery systems in these countries and suggest improvements where weaknesses are identified. We carried out a descriptive qualitative exploratory study in Bangladesh, India and Nepal by conducting key informant interviews with policymakers (5), AT service providers (22) and mobility and hearing related AT service users (21). We used a directed content analysis approach guided by a seven-point AT service delivery process model to thematically analyse the existing processes for AT service delivery, from first contact through to follow-up and maintenance. AT service delivery processes are sub-optimal in all three countries, and improvements are needed. No common AT service delivery process was found, although there are common features. In general, it is easier for PWDs in India and Nepal to access AT than for those in Bangladesh, but all three countries are failing to live up to their commitments to uphold the human rights of PWDs. Although good elements of AT service delivery processes can be identified, the systems in all three countries are fragmented and generally weak. A more holistic approach of looking at the process of AT service delivery, from first contact right through to follow-up and device maintenance, with a single door service delivery system, free of cost at the point of service is recommended in these countries. Although we found significant weaknesses in AT delivery in all three countries, there are some good AT service delivery practices and opportunities for these countries to learn from one another. A systematic and stepwise approach to assessing current AT service delivery processes in the three countries – examining the delivery system as a whole, from initiation to repair and management – can help identify opportunities to improve the process for (prospective) AT users. A more coherent single door system of AT service delivery will increase the quality and efficiency of the fragmented AT service delivery practices in Bangladesh, India and Nepal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a novel application of an assistive robotic system with virtual assistance to enhance manual performance of individuals with cerebral palsy. Cerebral palsy affects one’s voluntary motor movements resulting in limited opportunities to actively engage in physical manipulative activities that require fine motor movements and coordination. Lack of object manipulation and environmental exploration can result in further impairments such as cognitive and social delays. The proposed assistive robotic system has been developed to enhance hand movements of people with disabilities when performing a functional task colouring. This paper presents the usability testing of the effectiveness of the developed system with an individual with cerebral palsy in a set of colouring tasks. Assisted and unassisted approaches were compared and analysed through quantitative and qualitative measures. The robotic-based approach was further compared with the participant’s typical alternate access method to perform the same proposed tasks. The robotic system with virtual assistance was clinically validated to be significantly more effective, compared to both unassisted and typical approaches, by increasing the hand controllability, reducing the physical load and increasing the easiness of maintaining movements within the lines. Future studies will inform the use of the system for children with disabilities to provide them with assisted play for functional and playful activities. Implications for rehabilitation: Robotic system can enhance manual performance in individuals with disabilities. Participating in a robot-mediated play activity could increase children’s motivation and engagement. The developed robotic system can contribute to a basis for clinical and home-based implementation of the technology to promote manual play activities for children with disabilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study seeks to survey information and training needs of informal caregivers related to the use of assistive technologies at home, so as to, in the near future, try to meet them. Therefore, the full aim of this study is to contribute to reducing technology abandonment and to enhancing its use in the family setting by children with cognitive and/or motor limitations. Content analysis of a set of ten interviews with informal caregivers of children and youngsters with cognitive and/or motor disabilities. Assistive technologies open a wide range of opportunities, mostly to students whose learning skills diverge from standard development. They promote communication, independence as well as inclusion of children with cognitive and/or motor disabilities. Despite the human and material resources available, the implementation of assistive technologies in many family settings is still a struggling task. The results reveal a perspective on (i) the interaction between those caregivers and their children, (ii) children's skills in using assistive technology, (iii) caregivers' digital literacy and (iv) their training needs. The present paper highlights the fact that carrying out interviews with informal caregivers leads to obtaining significant data for a diagnosis of the use of assistive technologies in the family setting and to assess the needs of informal caregivers. From this study, the need to provide caregivers with further training on assistive technologies emerges as preponderant, and to improve caregivers' skills in the search for and access to practical information. Cognitive and/or motor disabilities impact on communication, independence and also on the full inclusion of children, especially when efforts developed at school do not have any follow up at home. Endowing informal caregivers with the knowledge and skills to use assistive devices with their children is a step forward to their full development. Interviews conducted with informal caregivers are a means to gaining insights into understanding the reasons behind assistive technology abandonment at home. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Achieving appropriate wheelchair provision at a national level is complex, requiring regulations, funding and policies established through governments. Understanding wheelchair provision within different countries is key. This paper describes the process used to support the development of wheelchair service strategic plans in Romania and the Philippines. It considers the influences, meaning, challenges and developments when producing strategic priorities within two different contexts. Methods: The International Society of Wheelchair Professionals (ISWP) sponsored affiliates Motivation Foundation Romania and the Philippine Society of Wheelchair Philippine Society of Wheelchair Professionals (PSWP), to conduct organizational ethnographic mixed method stakeholder centred studies, to develop robust strategic plans. An affiliate coordinator for wheelchair provision in less resourced settings supported this process. Results: Diversity between the two-affiliate sites was evident, influencing value placed within both societies towards equality and participation. Common components to address included: advocacy; wheelchair service infrastructure; capacity building; education; training and research. Research process facilitation supported by affiliate coordinator is important. Conclusion: Understanding contextual dimensions, which sharp a countries wheelchair service, is essential. Member states should take action by conducting in-country wheelchair sector analysis, to create wheelchair provision strategies for sustainable development, to meet personal posture and mobility needs, primary for daily living, as a basic human right. Understanding the complexity of providing appropriate wheelchairs within different countries is essential to meet the diverse needs of citizens. Conducting situational analysis of the wheelchair sector involving key stakeholders in the process is important to understand different perspectives and develop strategic priorities towards sustainable development. Producing context specific wheelchair sector reports and strategic plans strengthens the evidence base when informing governments regarding the importance of developing sustainable wheelchair provision infrastructures. The affiliate coordinator role is important to support affiliates to produce robust documentation that clearly and objectively outlines the wheelchair sector issues and plans, to provide solutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A "kneeling" ultralight wheelchair prototype has been developed that allows users to adjust seat position "on the fly" for different activities throughout the day. The wheelchair includes independent adjustment functions for rear seat height, front seat height ("kneeling") and backrest angle. Aim: This work aimed to gather feedback about the wheelchair's functionality and performance through end user evaluation trials. Methods: Eight manual wheelchair users evaluated the prototype Kneeling Wheelchair for a range of activities. User perspectives on parameters such as usability, comfort, stability and effectiveness were obtained through both open-ended and Likert-scale rating questions. Results: Results indicate several potential benefits of the adjustment functions of the Kneeling Wheelchair. Rear seat height adjustment may facilitate a number of activities of daily living, as well as provide benefits for comfort and social interactions. Back rest adjustment may increase comfort and stability on slopes. Front seat height adjustment may be beneficial for transfers and conducting sustained low-to-the-ground activities. While benefits of this adjustment function were described by many participants, some struggled with usability of the kneeling mechanism and rated this function less favourably than the other two. Conclusion: The findings of this study will inform future iterations of the Kneeling Wheelchair design and may spur future developments in wheeled mobility. In the long-term, it is anticipated that novel wheelchair solutions, such as the one described in this paper, may support improved health, quality of life and community participation for people with mobility impairments. Wheelchairs that allow users to easily adjust seat and backrest position "on the fly" to better suit different tasks throughout the day may provide benefits such as facilitating activities of daily living. A front seat height adjustment feature on a new wheelchair prototype may be beneficial for transfers and conducting sustained low-to-the ground activities. End user evaluations can provide valuable insight to direct future design modifications and innovation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The telehealthcare sector has been expanding steadily in the UK. However, confusing, complex and unwieldy designs of telehealthcare devices are at best, less effective than they could be, at worst, they are potentially dangerous to the users. Method: This study investigated the factors within the new product development process that hindered satisfactory product design outcomes, through working collaboratively with a leading provider based in the UK. Results: This study identified that there are too many costly late-stage design changes; a critical and persistent problem area ripe for improvement. The findings from analyzing 30 recent devices, interviewing key stakeholders and observing on-going projects further revealed that one major cause of the issue was poor practice in defining and communicating the product design criteria and requirements. Conclusions: Addressing the characteristics of the telehealthcare industry, such as multiple design commissioners and frequent deployment of design subcontracts, this paper argues that undertaking a robust process of creating the product design brief is the key to improving the outcomes of telehealthcare device design, particularly for the small and medium-sized enterprises dominating the sector. Implications for rehabilitation: Product design criteria and requirements are frequently ill-defined and ineffectively communicated to the designers within the processes of developing new telehealthcare devices. The absence of a (robust) process of creating the design brief is the root cause of the identified issues in defining and communicating the design task. Deploying a formal process of creating the product design brief is particularly important for the telehealthcare sector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The potential of service robots for seniors is given increasing attention as the ageing population in Western countries will continue to grow as well as the demand for home care. In order to capture the experience of living with a robot at home, a multi-perspective evaluation was conducted. Methods: Older adults (n = 10) were invited to execute an actual interaction scenario with the Care-O-bot® robot in a home-like environment and were questioned about their experiences. Additionally, interviews were conducted with the elderly participants, informal carers (n = 7) and professional caregivers (n = 11). Results: Seniors showed to be more keen to accept the robot than their caregivers and relatives. However, the robot in its current form was found to be too limited and participants wished the robot could perform more complex tasks. In order to be acceptable a future robot should execute these complex tasks based on the personal preferences of the user which would require the robot to be flexible and extremely smart, comparable to the care that is delivered by a human carer. Conclusions: Developing the functional features to perform activities is not the only challenge in robot development that deserves the attention of robot developers. The development of social behaviour and skills should be addressed as well. This is possible adopting a person-centred design approach, which relies on validation activities with actual users in realistic environments, similar to those described in this paper. Implications for rehabilitation: Attitude of older adults towards service robots Potential of service robotsfor older adults [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To examine the Assistive Technology Device Predisposition Assessment scale and provide evidence of validity and reliability of the Greek version.Methods: We translated and adapted the original instrument in Greek according to the most well-known guidelines recommendations. Field test studies were conducted in a rehabilitation hospital to validate the appropriateness of the final results. Ratings of the different items were statistically analyzed. We recruited 115 subjects who were administered the Form E of the original questionnaire.Results: The experimental analysis conducted revealed a three subscales structure: (i) Adaptability, (ii) Fit to Use, and (iii) Socializing. According to the results of our study the three subscales measure different constructs. Reliability measures (ICC = 0.981, Pearson's correlation = 0.963, Cronbach's α = 0.701) yielded high values. Test-retest outcome showed great stability.Conclusions: This is the first study, at least to the knowledge of the authors, which focuses merely on measuring the satisfaction of the users from the used assistive device, while exploring the Assistive Technology Device Predisposition Assessment - Device Form in such depth. According to the results, it is a stable, valid and reliable instrument and applicable to the Greek population. Thus, it can be used to measure the satisfaction of patients with assistive devices.Implications for RehabilitationThe paper explores the cultural adaptability and applicability of ATD PA – Device Form.ATD PA – Device Form can be used to assess user satisfaction by the selected assistive device.ATD PA – Device Form is a valid and reliable instrument in measuring users’ satisfaction in Greekreality. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Purpose: This paper describes the development and test of physical and virtual integrated augmentative manipulation and communication assistive technologies (IAMCATs) that enable children with motor and speech impairments to manipulate educational items by controlling a robot with a gripper, while communicating through a speech generating device. Method: Nine children with disabilities, nine regular and nine special education teachers participated in the study. Teachers adapted academic activities so they could also be performed by the children with disabilities using the IAMCAT. An inductive content analysis of the teachers’ interviews before and after the intervention was performed. Results: Teachers considered the IAMCAT to be a useful resource that can be integrated into the regular class dynamics respecting their curricular planning. It had a positive impact on children with disabilities and on the educational community. However, teachers pointed out the difficulties in managing the class, even with another adult present, due to the extra time required by children with disabilities to complete the activities. Conclusions: The developed assistive technologies enable children with disabilities to participate in academic activities but full inclusion would require another adult in class and strategies to deal with the additional time required by children to complete the activities. Implications for RehabilitationIntegrated augmentative manipulation and communication assistive technologies are useful resources to promote the participation of children with motor and speech impairments in classroom activities.Virtual tools, running on a computer screen, may be easier to use but further research is needed in order to evaluate its effectiveness when compared to physical tools.Full participation of children with motor and speech impairments in academic activities using these technologies requires another adult in class and adequate strategies to manage the extra time the child with disabilities may require to complete the activities. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Purpose: College students with mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) may experience chronic cognitive deficits necessitating use of external supports for daily task completion. The purpose of this study was to explore cognitive support system selection and use by students with histories of mTBI when completing novel prospective memory tasks. Materials and methods: We implemented a multiple case study, sequential explanatory mixed-methods design with three participants. Participants completed four experimental phases: (1) background history collection, cognitive assessment completion, pre-trial interview, and selection of two external supports for trial phase use; (2) trial Phase 1 (i.e., 10-days); (3) trial Phase 2 (i.e., 10 days); and (4) post-trial exit interview. We examined participants' support type and characteristic preferences and evaluated task execution accuracy when implementing differing supports. Results: Participants expressed both collective and unique cognitive aid preferences before trial completion. Trial phase results revealed that task completion accuracy did not alter substantially between trials; however, personal preferences and perceived usefulness of trialled cognitive aid systems appeared to impact support implementation and effectiveness. Themes emerged from post-trial interview relating to the (a) necessity for differing functions of individual systems and (b) importance of trialling devices prior to selection. Conclusions: Results emphasize the necessity of person-centred approaches to treatment due to the variability of performance accuracy and system preferences. The cognitive aid selection and implementation intervention protocol piloted in this study appears beneficial for understanding unique strengths and challenges for college students following mTBI and may be useful for clinicians working with individuals with mTBI. College-aged students with mild traumatic brain injury report unique preferences for no- and high-tech cognitive aids; however, similar patterns emerge relating to preferred system characteristics. Facilitating several trial periods prior to selection and implementation of external cognitive supports for individuals with mild traumatic brain injury is essential given the preference changes that occur post-trial. Implementing a three-phase external cognitive aid selection process appears beneficial for young adults with mild brain injuries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to identify clinician knowledge regarding manual wheelchair (MWC) training in an inpatient rehabilitation (IPR) setting, identify current MWC education provided to new manual wheelchair users (MWUs), and determine how MWC training resources can be developed or modified to promote use among IPR clinicians. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 20 licenced IPR clinicians who work with MWUs. Using a traditional qualitative research design, researchers completed open, data-driven coding of interview transcripts. Overarching themes were determined through content analysis. Participants included 12 physical therapists, six occupational therapists, one physical therapy assistant, and one occupational therapy assistant. Five themes emerged from the interviews: (1) clinician knowledge, education, and experience (2) current training content (3) training environment, (4) desired programme components (5) barriers to implementation. Participants reported receiving minimal education in school and from their employers on training MWUs. While clinicians expressed the importance of MWU education, they used varying training approaches with little standardization. Participants identified that training protocols for IPR are beneficial if they are quick, straightforward, and flexible. While MWC training occurs during IPR stays, it appears to be inconsistent across facilities, clinicians, and patients, with varying degrees of adherence to evidence-based practices. This is likely due to limited feasibility and awareness of existing MWC training resources. Clinician input gathered from these interviews provides information for how to best integrate MWC training programmes into the rehabilitative process. Findings may inform the development and assessment of more clinically feasible MWC training protocols. New manual wheelchair users must learn numerous wheelchair-related skills in order to participate in everyday life activities. Manual wheelchair education for new users during inpatient rehabilitation is often inconsistent across facilities, clinicians, and patients, with varying degrees of adherence to existing evidence-based practices. Systematic challenges often act as a barrier to the implementation of more comprehensive, structured manual wheelchair training protocols. Manual wheelchair training resources must be concise, flexible, customisable, and easy to follow in order to promote increased implementation among inpatient rehabilitation clinicians. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Little is known regarding what assistive technology (AT) exists and how it is used in welfare services for people with intellectual disabilities (ID). This study aimed to explore healthcare staff's perspectives and insights regarding AT in daily support and welfare services for people with ID. We also sought to explore the associations between the use of AT and workplace-related factors and background characteristics (e.g., gender, age, and experience). Three focus group discussions were conducted with 11 informants (8 women, 3 men) working in home-based and day services. Also, 176 healthcare staff (43 men, 133 women) who worked in municipal home-based services and day services completed a questionnaire comprised of background questions and 14 items with a five-point answer scale. Number of years using AT was positively associated with a positive attitude and use of AT among the staff. Staff were mainly positive towards AT and believed that it could represent various possibilities in the everyday lives of people with ID and their own service delivery. However, the staff expressed uncertainties and ethical concerns regarding AT, and they experienced a lack of knowledge, focus, and awareness about technology in services for this group. The quantitative results mainly showed positive associations between believing in AT's usefulness and using it in services for people with ID. The findings indicate that providing equipment and resources, personal interests, and staff attitudes are essential factors in successfully implementing AT for people with ID. Healthcare staff have a positive attitude towards using AT for people with intellectual disabilities, but they also perceive uncertainty and ethical concerns. The staff believe that there is a broad range of AT devices and systems available that can support the independence and participation of people with intellectual disabilities. The staff need to receive more training and technical supports from their workplace and AT-related experience is associated positively with the use of assistive technology by the staff. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Converging visual behavioural and attentional allocation studies within neuroscience have shown culture influences the processing of visual information obtained from the visual field. While attending (reviewing) a visual scene, individuals from a collectivist culture attend more to the context (background) compared to those from an individualist culture who view more the focal object. This highlights the effect of cultural conditioning in terms of holistic and analytical processing of visual information. This study aimed to demonstrate these principles in the context of an assistive product, a wheelchair, highlighting the key visual elements of the form; and, how a congruent background (hospital room) or incongruent (athletics track) influenced cultural bias during visual processing and assigned meaning. A combination of research methods (Semantic Differential Scale and eye-tracking) was used to triangulate the results. A total of 126 adult student participants, (Pakistani/collectivist, n = 57) and the (UK/individualist, n = 69), viewed a visual presentation of a wheelchair with semantically congruent and then an incongruent background and responded via an online questionnaire. A sub-sample completed the survey whilst monitored via eye-tracking. Pakistani respondents used shorter and less frequent fixations on the foreground compared to the responses of their counterparts (UK respondents). The wheel of the wheelchair was highlighted as the prominent form by both groups. Results demonstrate a culture-influenced pattern of visual processing even when the product was displayed against a semantically incongruent background. The findings from this study also validate and extend the outcomes of similar studies revealing a more specific, yet consistent, cultural effect on individuals' visual perception. Finally, the efficacy of triangulated research methods in their relationship to exploring the AT product's semantics was discussed. The knowledge of AT products' semantics will be significant to investigate, for their improved social acceptance, particularly when considered from a diverse cultural standpoint. A model of best practice, focussing on semantics manipulation, will provide AT product designers, practitioners, and those involved in their marketing, Internationally, with a suitable process/tool to positively reframe the perception of these devices. Finally, this research will help product and industrial designers to consider cultural cognitive styles in the design of products for the better adoption of products within the global marketplace. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Power wheelchairs (PWCs) can enhance independent mobility. The World Health Organization recommends training PWC users. However, current PWC training approaches do not always meet the needs of PWC users with complex mobility and cognitive impairment. The aim was to co-develop an innovative approach to PWC training for individuals with complex mobility and cognitive impairments. A two-phase mixed method research, involving PWC users, clinicians and researchers throughout all aspects of the research, was realized. (1) Interviews and focus groups were used. (2) The Delphi method was followed to refine the PWC training approach. Phase 1: Twenty-six stakeholders indicated that PWC training should consider the client as a partner, the learning environment, the proposed activities, interactions with the trainer and intervention format. Phase 2: two hundred and seven participants agreed that the PWC training should be goal directed, should be client-centred and occupation-based, should enhance client–therapist relationships and should be realized in a safe and adapted environment. Stakeholders on PWC use came to agreement on key components that should be applied when training people with cognitive impairments. Stakeholders on power wheelchair (PWC) use came to agreement on key components that should be applied when training people with cognitive impairments. Power wheelchair training should be goal directed, should be client-centred and occupation-based, should enhance client–therapist relationships and should be realized in a safe and adapted environment. Results of this study may contribute to best practices for PWC training and may empower occupational therapists providing PWC in their clinical decision-making. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to identify factors that influence the perceived stigma of two assistive devices for visual impairment, namely the white cane and smart glasses. Face-to-face semi-structured interviews with eight European students were conducted to probe their experiences and knowledge related to disability, assistive technology, visual impairment, as well as handheld and wearable devices. Close relationships with disabled people seems to have a positive influence on participants perceptions about stigma, disability, and assistive technology. Academic background seems to not have any influence. The aesthetics of assistive devices was observed as an important factor that influences the adoption or abandonment of the device. Device without negative symbolism but with modern aesthetics (smart glasses) were positively accepted by the participants than the device with traditional aesthetics and symbolisms of visual impairment (white cane). Designers should, therefore, consider aesthetics in addition to functionality in order to avoid the perceived stigma, thereby reducing the chances of device abandonment. Understanding the factors that influence the perceived stigma associated with assistive technology can help designers and developers to reduce assistive technology abandonment and perceived stigma. Designers need to consider both functionality and aesthetics. While functionality is crucial for the users' adaptation, aesthetics is important for the users' positive perceptions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Unmet needs for assistive technologies (ATs) exist and the need for ATs is growing owing to demographic changes worldwide. Little comprehensive research has examined equity of access to ATs in Canada. Our study elucidates perspectives of policymakers and stakeholders on challenges and solutions for enhancing equitable access to ATs to advance policy discussions. We conducted a qualitative interview study with a purposive sample of policymakers and stakeholders. Stakeholders were from non-profit organisations; private insurance companies; ageing or technology industries; and advocacy, consumer, and support groups. We used thematic analysis to develop themes that summarised and facilitated data interpretation. We conducted 24 interviews involving 32 participants. We present three themes: (1) User experiences, detailing challenges experienced by AT system users; (2) System characteristics: Challenges and solutions, outlining governance, financial, and delivery arrangements that create challenges for accessing AT, as well as participants' proposed solutions; and (3) Shifts in models and principles, for approaches that may foster equitable access to ATs. We consolidate results into a set of valued qualities of a system that can enhance equitable AT access, and relate results to relevant national and international activities. This is the most comprehensive study of Canadian policymaker and stakeholder views on AT access to date. Identified challenges and solutions point to opportunities for policy action and to support work to create a national vision for AT access that strengthens the potential for ATs to enable daily activity participation, independence, and societal inclusion of seniors and people with disabilities. AT use supports daily activity participation, independence, and societal inclusion of seniors and people with disabilities. There is an urgent need to ensure that those who need ATs have access to them, considering the benefits of their use, current unmet needs for ATs, and the anticipated demand for ATs because of the ageing population and increased prevalence of chronic disease and disability. A comprehensive understanding of policymakers' and stakeholders' perspectives on challenges and potential solutions for enhancing equitable access to ATs is critical to support development of evidence- and values-informed policies. Understanding challenges and solutions identified by diverse policymakers and stakeholders can lead to national and local opportunities for policy action and support work to create a national vision for enhancing equitable access to AT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Providers must be knowledgeable on policy, systems and products to provide a person centred service and prescribe the most appropriate assistive product for each user. This study aimed to determine to what extent teaching and learning on assistive products are included in undergraduate curricula of the Health science faculties at three universities in the Western Cape Province of South Africa. Data were gathered through a cross sectional survey. Fifteen programmes were approached of whom eight participated. Information on teaching on assistive products was sourced from purposively identified key informants, through e-mail questionnaires. Descriptive analysis was done. A total of 104 assistive products were included in the eight programmes. Manual wheelchairs were the only product for which teaching was underscored by policy guidelines. Handheld mobility devices and wheelchairs were covered by five programmes. Teaching on assistive products for self-care, participation in domestic life, indoor and outdoor activities, employment and leisure was limited. Thirty seven products listed on the GATE List of 50 were taught by at least one of the programmes. Teaching and examination were theoretical in nature and occurred in professional silos. Clinical exposure was often incidental. For many products none of the four service delivery steps were covered. Assistive products were included in all the participating undergraduate programmes. The range of included products and the level of training were insufficient to prepare graduates to effectively address user's needs. Newly appointed graduates will require early in-service training to ensure appropriate assistive product service delivery. Undergraduate teaching on assistive products is provided in professional silos. Not all products on the GATE APL of 50 are included in under graduate teaching. Teaching does not always ensure a proficiency level that will support graduates to provide an independent AT service. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purposes of this study were to reveal the effectiveness of an electric calendar, showing the date and schedule automatically for older people, and to prove the characteristics of appropriate users. The participants were 27 older adults with or without dementia (9 men and 18 women, mean age: 81.5 ± 6.9 years, range: 72–94 years). The study design was a cross-over randomized controlled trial, with 15 participants (55.6%) allocated to the first group to use the electric calendar, and 12 participants (44.4%) to the second intervention group. The outcome measures are daily behaviors and cognitive function assessed by the Mini-Mental State Examination and Neurobehavioral Cognitive Status Examination. Participants showed significant increase in total Mini-Mental State Examination score (p = 0.020, a paired t-test) after intervention period, whereas there was no significant difference after no intervention. Daily activities related healthcare were improved. The participants with positive outcomes showed higher motivations, and around 18 points in Mini-Mental State Examination. Most healthy older adults mentioned that electric calendars were useful, but unnecessary. Using the electric calendar was effective in improving global cognitive function and daily activities. The target users are older people, who (1) might have mild dementia, (2) have difficulties in daily activities, (3) can be supported by caregivers, and (4) have positive motivation to new technologies. An electric calendar is effective on grovel cognitive function, and activities of daily living related to healthcare in older adults, as well as reality orientation therapy. The electric calendar can be useful for older people with mild dementia or mild cognitive impairment, having difficulties activities of daily living, supported by caregivers at regular intervals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Assistive technologies in care work are expected to alleviate the challenges related to population aging, namely the pressure on public budgets and a shortage of care professionals. This study examines how various stakeholders view the potentials of assistive technology in an institutionalized care setting in Denmark. Using ethnographic field observations, interviews, and document analysis, we explore the residents', the staff's, and the municipality's perspectives on the technologies and analyze whether they live up to the stated expectations. We identify three parallel narratives representing each of the stakeholder's perspectives. The municipality's triple-win narrative emphasizes expected gains in terms of efficiency, improved working conditions, and better quality of care. The staff's ambiguity narrative contains both negative views regarding the motive for using technologies to save resources and positive accounts of how technologies have reduced work-related pain. The residents' limited agency narrative reflects an internalization of the staff's perspectives. We conclude that, despite both the staff and the municipality highlighting the residents' well-being and comfort as important outcomes of assistive technologies, the residents' wishes have limited influence on whether and, if so, how assistive technologies are used. Different stakeholders' views on assistive technology vary and are closely connected to their respective institutional interests and roles. These perspectives are important for a successful implementation of assistive technologies. Understanding the positions of staff and older care recipients, and differentiating between their respective perspectives can help both scholars and product developers understand the potentials and risks of AT in a more nuanced way. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Paralympic sport is characterized by the pursuit of better performance in sports played by people with disabilities. In wheelchair rugby, assistive technology (AT) equipment is used to enhance athletic performance. Assess the AT requirements of wheelchair rugby players, identify the psychosocial factors that contribute to their performance and AT use and assess user satisfaction with the recommended and implemented AT. Descriptive explanatory case study with a quantitative approach that included four athletes from the Brazilian national wheelchair rugby squad, who answered the Athletes with Disabilities Questionnaire, the AT Device Predisposition Assessment (ATD PA-BR) and Quebec User Evaluation of Satisfaction with AT (QUEST version 2.0). Statistical analysis consisted of frequencies and percentages, as well as the scores for each instrument. Items required: harnesses, gloves and cooling vests. The AT improved athletic performance and increased the overall satisfaction score from 1.6 to 4.8 after intervention. The factors considered to determine AT success were safety, comfort and effectiveness, and the positive psychosocial factors identified were support from family and friends and sufficient income to participate in the sport. The study achieved its objectives and the use of a conceptual model, standardized assessments and working in conjunction with the athletes and their trainers were essential. It is hoped that the baseline presented in this study can be used in future research in the fields of AT or parasports. Present the intervention of the occupational therapist in Assistive Technology (AT) for paralympic athletes; Identify personal and contextual factors in the use of AT in parasports (attitudes, support and services); Present satisfaction with the AT device in parasport before and after intervention; Present satisfaction with the AT service provided by the occupational therapist based on the Matching Person and Technology (MPT) model. Understand the objectives of AT in wheelchair rugby. Understand the use of the MPT conceptual model and application of the AT Predisposition Assessment (ATD PA-BR) to recommend and monitor AT use in the para-athlete population. Know the AT devices used and customized by wheelchair rugby athletes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Few studies have reported the influence of environmental factors that may act as barriers or facilitators to participation in parasports. The aim of this study was to describe and analyse the relationship between environmental factors present in parasports (attitudes, support, services, assistive technology and policies). In addition, we present the concurrent validation of the Assistive Technology Device Predisposition Assessment (ATD PA-Br). Sixty-three adult Paralympic athletes with physical and/or visual impairment who practiced goalball, wheelchair tennis, table tennis, sitting volleyball, rugby, swimming, equestrianism, weightlifting, track and field, archery, bocce ball and parabadminton were analysed. Sociodemographic questionnaires, ATDPA-Br and QUEST B were used for data collection and analysed by 5% significance level (p < 0.05). The findings showed a predominance of athletes with spinal cord injury playing rugby (11) and parabadminton (9), 25.4% exhibited low sociodemographic levels, 36.5% required a wheelchair and 9.6% used prostheses. Although 90.5% of participants reported that assistive technology helped them in their sport, they also expressed dissatisfaction with the services provided. There was a significant correlation between satisfaction with the device in the QUEST instrument and the positive psychosocial factors of the ATDPA-Br, meaning the larger the number of positive factors, the greater the satisfaction with the device. This study showed the predominance of low-income parathletes and that environmental factor as access to the benefits of public policies, it may be a barrier to participation in parasports. Also, the technology and the services provided should act as facilitators to parasport performance. Understand the objectives of assistive technology in paralympic sports. Identify the environmental factors present in parasports (attitudes, support, services, assistive technology, and policies). Analyze the relationship between environmental factors present in parasports (attitudes, support, services, assistive technology, and policies). Have access to the concurrent validation of the Assistive Technology Device Predisposition Assessment (ATD PA-Br). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Functional electrical stimulation (FES), through repetitive training (FES-therapy) or continuous assistance (neuro-prosthesis), can restore motor function after paralysis due to spinal cord injury or stroke. With current technology, patients are often incapable of independently applying FES, thereby limiting its use. Novel FES-garments with embedded stimulation electrodes were developed in collaboration with Myant, Canada, to address this problem. The purpose of this study was to collect the views of future end-users to inform the refinement of the device design and to obtain insights on subsequent commercialization of this rehabilitation and assistive technology. A qualitative study was undertaken to determine the needs of potential users (patients and clinicians; n = 19). Participant took part in interviews or focus groups after a presentation of the garments. An inductive content analysis was used to generate the themes from the data and identify data saturation. The identified themes and sub-themes were: (1) User Perspectives: users' characteristics (needs, limitations), expected benefits (beliefs), and anticipated problems (fears); (2) Device Design: technical features, usability, and disadvantages of the garment, cables, stimulator, software, and interface; (3) Acquisition Process: organizational procedures (acquisition and adoption steps); and (4) Business Model: financial and strategic aspects to facilitate commercialization and support users. The insights obtained from end-users and clinicians provide guidelines to optimize the development of novel FES-garments, and strategies for bringing the device to the market. The themes identified can serve to inform other rehabilitation and assistive technology developers with processes and ideas on how to meet these groups' needs. Participants with neurological paralysis have interest and critical views on new rehabilitation and assistive technology, and the repercussions of using new technologies to address their function, health and wellbeing. The FES-garment design presented appeared acceptable to the end-users, pending resolution of certain shortcomings (wiring, operating duration, robustness, easiness to don and doff). End-users and clinicians had specific views regarding the acquisition process of new technologies (training, customization, and follow-up/support), which are important to take into consideration to ensure broad stakeholders uptake. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wheelchair outcomes measures are useful to support evidence-based practice in wheelchair provision, especially in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC). The Wheelchair Interface Questionnaire (WIQ) was developed to provide a professional perspective on the quality of the interface between a wheelchair and its user. Studies conducted during the development of the WIQ indicated it has face validity and content validity. The objective of this field study was to conduct a subsequent investigation of the inter-rater reliability of the WIQ at a school for children with disabilities in Kenya. Eight practitioners with wheelchair experience from disparate cultural backgrounds participated in the study. They evaluated eight wheelchairs and the interface with their users. The interclass correlation coefficient (ICC) of the mean rating for the eight-item dataset was computed using SPSS. The ICC was found to be 0.911, indicating that the WIQ possesses inter-rater reliability. Common comment topics indicated that the qualitative data yielded by the WIQ is meaningful. Informal timing indicated that the WIQ is a brief measure. The WIQ is a reliable tool that can meet the need for a professional assessment of the wheelchair-user interface. The reliability of this questionnaire is important because the tool can be used to evaluate the interface between a wheelchair user and their wheelchair, strengthening evidence-based practice in wheelchair provision. Based on the score of a specific wheelchair interface, a rehabilitation professional could recommend more assessment, seating modification, or wheelchair replacement in order to maximize rehabilitation benefit for a client The WIQ could provide evidence-based information to support the need for wheelchair repair or replacement to funders. In large-scale studies involving many of the same wheelchair type in the same setting, the WIQ could be used to identify problems with the interface between that wheelchair type and its intended user population so that manufacturers can make responsive design changes. The WIQ could be used in a clinical setting over time to identify the most common wheelchair interface issues for that setting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To examine the influence of use of the anterior tilt-in-space power seat function on performance of functional activities, physical health, and user satisfaction on among power wheelchair users. Ten full-time power wheelchair users with a seat elevator on their current chair participated in a mixed-methods, repeated measures study. At Visit 1 participants completed the Wheelchair Outcome Measure, Functional Mobility Assessment, Wheelchair Users Shoulder Pain Index, Fatigue Severity Scale, and the Spinal Cord Injury Secondary Conditions Scale. Physical assessments were performed to examine transfer quality (transfer assessment instrument), functional reach, activities of daily living (performance assessment of self-care skills), seated balance (function in sitting test), spasticity, respiratory function, and speech production. Approximately 3 days later (Visit 2), participants were trained on use and provided a power wheelchair with anterior tilt to trial for two weeks. After two weeks (Visit 3), the Visit 1 protocol was repeated and a semistructured interview conducted. Participants lived with disabilities of cerebral palsy, spinal muscular atrophy and multiple sclerosis. With use of anterior tilt, significant improvements were seen among safety of meal preparation, p = 0.033, dz = 0.91 and functional reach in the vertical direction, p = 0.000, dz = 2.62. Subjectively, participants found anterior tilt helpful in performance of reaching tasks in but found the safety equipment restrictive. Preliminary results indicate that use of the anterior tilt may help to improve performance of functional activities. Additional research is needed to examine the long-term influence of the technology. The anterior tilt seat function changes the seat angle orientation in relation to the ground in the sagittal plane and angles the seat forward. As a result, the individual using the assistive technology is positioned in a semistanding position. Preliminary results of this study indicate that with use of anterior tilt, safety of meal preparation and functional reach in the vertical direction significantly improved. Subjectively, participants found anterior tilt helpful in performance of reaching tasks but found the safety equipment restrictive. Additional research is needed to examine the long-term influence of anterior tilt on functional activities, physical health and user satisfaction on among a large and diverse group of power wheelchair users. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The introduction of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) systems can enhance the participation of young children with complex communication needs. However, existing literature suggests that the knowledge, skills, and attitudes of the child's parent may prevent ongoing use of the AAC system. Therefore, this study aimed to explore parent perspectives on the contribution of factors associated with the family unit to the rejection or abandonment of an AAC system for their child with complex communication needs. Parents of children with complex communication needs who had previously rejected or abandoned an AAC system (N = 12) participated in a semi-structured interview. Thematic analysis of the interview data was completed. Analysis revealed four themes which captured family factors contributing to the rejection and abandonment of AAC systems: (a) parents lacked the emotional readiness and resilience to implement AAC, (b) implementing AAC was extraneous work for parents, (c) the child did not use their AAC system for communication, and (d) parents were not satisfied with the AAC system itself. SLPs must be aware of and account for these factors to enable the successful introduction of AAC systems. SLPs may increase the acceptance of AAC systems by working with a multidisciplinary team to support parents through their grief and implement strategies to build their resilience in the face of adversity. SLPs need to acknowledge the existing demands on parents when planning AAC intervention and support parents to integrate AAC systems into their daily routines. SLPs must carefully consider the child's motivation, sensory profile, and physical abilities as well as parent preferences when prescribing an AAC system. These considerations will give the child and parent the best opportunity for success with the system and consequently reward parents for the effort they have invested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

More than 70% of elderly people age 80 and older are experiencing problems in personal mobility. Assistive robotics can represent a concrete support providing also a support for caregivers, clinicians and nurses by reducing their burden. A total of 20 older people and 34 caregivers (formal and informal) were interviewed in Italy and the Netherlands to investigate and prioritize their needs concerning the personal mobility domains and their attitudes towards assistive robots. The data were analysed from a user point of view by means of thematic content analysis by underlying recurrent topics. The results revealed four categories of needs from the perspective of the older individuals: instrumental needs, rehabilitation needs, personal safety and indoor activities of daily life. Additionally, the results underline how personal mobility issues influence different aspects of daily life. Complementarily, three categories of caregiver needs were also distinguished: instrumental needs, rehabilitation monitoring needs and checkup needs. The highest percentage of participants showed a positive expectation towards assistive robotics. The results were clustered according to the robot abilities (i.e., motion, interaction, manipulation, decision support and perception abilities) as a list of functional and technical requirements that should be developed to address all the needs related to the personal mobility. Robotic developer teams that work in this context could take advantage of this research. Additionally, this work can be used as a basis for clinicians and nurses working in geriatric units to understand how the robots can support and enhance their work. The incidence of personal mobility limitations affects 35% of adults age 70 and older and 72% of people over 80 years of age. Assistive robots can support elderly people during daily tasks: they could promote their personal mobility acting as a supporting tool. The results of the needs analysis revealed four categories of needs from the perspective of the older individuals: instrumental needs, rehabilitation needs, personal safety, and indoor activities of daily life. Three categories of caregiver needs were also distinguished: instrumental needs, rehabilitation monitoring needs, and check-up needs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Telehealth affords rehabilitation professionals opportunities to expand access to intervention for people in rural areas. Complex interventions have not been adapted for remote delivery using mobile health technologies. Strategy training is a complex intervention that teaches clients skills for identifying barriers and solutions to engagement in meaningful activities. Our goal was to adapt the delivery of strategy training for remote delivery using mobile health technology. Methods: We conducted a sequential descriptive case series study (n = 5) in which community-dwelling participants with chronic stroke and prior exposure to strategy training used the iADAPTS mobile health application for 5 weeks. Expert practitioners advised revisions to the intervention process. Safety was assessed via monitoring occurrence of adverse events and risk for adverse events. Acceptability was assessed via the Client Satisfaction Questionnaire-8 (CSQ-8) and the Patient-Provider Connection Short Form of the Healing Encounters and Attitudes Lists (HEAL PPC). Results: Revisions to the intervention process supported the delivery of strategy training using mobile health technology after stroke. No adverse events occurred and risk for adverse events was managed through the intervention process. Acceptability was high (CSQ-8, 25 to 32; HEAL PPC, 59.9 to 72.5). Conclusions: Strategy training can be adapted for delivery using mobile health technology, with careful consideration to methods for training participants on new technology and the intervention delivery. Future research should establish the efficacy and effectiveness of integrating mobile health in delivery of interventions that promote engagement in client-selected activities and community participation. Translating the strategy training intervention from face-to-face to remote delivery required thoughtful adaptation of the intervention protocol. Strategies for training clients to use mobile health technology during intervention may be important when designing remotely delivered mHealth intervention protocols. Client safety should be considered within the design of the intervention protocol for a complex intervention designed to be delivered remotely. Future studies should examine the efficacy of complex rehabilitation interventions such as strategy training on clinical outcomes (e.g., community participation). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Even though assistive technology (AT) can overcome disabilities, Hispanics are among the least likely to use AT. We aimed to assess the feasibility of an assistive technology AT and disability self-management intervention concerning recruitment, retention, adherence, acceptability, preliminary evaluation of participants' responses to intervention and preliminary efficacy. Methods: We used mixed-method intervention design with a pre- and post-test quantitative model with an experimental intervention and qualitative data obtained after the intervention. Ten older Hispanics were enrolled in an eight weeks group intervention. Instruments to measure feasibility and pre/post participants' report outcomes of quality of life (Psychosocial Impact of Assistive Device Scale [PIADS] Short Form), global health (PROMIS General Health Short Form), self-efficacy (Self-efficacy Scale) and performance difficulties (Individualized Prioritized Problem Assessment [IPPA]) were used. Results: Recruitment, retention and adherence rates were high, the intervention was acceptable, and the participants reported outcomes, such as: new knowledge and skills, enhanced activity performance and participation, increased safety and willingness to use AT, decreased performance difficulties and enhanced quality of life. Conclusion: The intervention was feasible and acceptable and is promising in decreasing performance difficulties in daily activities as well as in having a positive impact in older Hispanics' quality of life. Older Hispanics living in Puerto Rico experience a high prevalence of disabilities in independent living. In a relative small sample this study shows that an assistive technology (AT) and disability self-management intervention for older Hispanics living in Puerto Rico is feasible to be delivered in a group format and in the community context. Older Hispanics living in Puerto Rico can potentially decrease performance difficulties in daily living activities and improved their quality of life through assistive technology and disability self-management interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To advance knowledge of specific usability criteria for Geospatial Assistive Technologies (GATs) and manual wheelchair users, and to develop a profile and expectations for potential future users. Method: A face-to-face cross-sectional study was conducted with 17 community-dwelling manual wheelchair users (aged 18–45 years) who use a mobile device. A semi-structured interview was conducted as follows: (1) four video clips presenting technologies related to GATs (applications on a smartphone or smart watch, augmented reality glasses, virtual reality helmet) were shown; (2) questions were asked about the perceived advantages and disadvantages of route planning prior to travel and navigation while receiving guidance in urban areas; and (3) an activity to rank fifteen defined usability criteria by importance was conducted. Two questionnaires were also self-administered: the Temple University Community Participation Measure and the Wheelchair Use Confidence Scale for Manual Wheelchair Users (WheelCon). Results: This study defines a comprehensive sample profile of manual wheelchair users with GAT and 19 distinctive usability criteria for GATs specifically suited to manual wheelchair users. Fifteen criteria were identified as the most important (actual use, appearance, Bluetooth, comfort, dimensions, ease of use, efficiency, familiarity, features, hands-free operation, information content, quality of information and transportability). Information content and transportability demand higher expectations while the emerging Bluetooth and free-hands criteria are associated with transportability. Conclusion: The results obtained using a user-centric approach yielded useful data to improve GATs and broaden the concept of compatibility among users and specific-use situations to ensure usability. For manual wheelchair users paired with a geospatial assistance technology: • The smart phone is preferred (compared to the smart watch, augmented reality glasses or virtual reality helmet) for both plan and navigation tasks. Actual use, comfort, ease of use, familiarity, features and informative content are important criteria and the smart phone as mobile device for GATs is perceived favourably to meet the requirements coming up with these criteria. • Especially suitable for guidance and manual wheelchair navigation (double-task), two emergent criteria emerge regarding the usability of GATs: hands-free and Bluetooth. Hands-free is associated with potential usability issues regarding smart phone transportability and to the relevance of augmented reality glasses or smart watches as mobile device for GATs. The Bluetooth connexion appears as being part of the solution for increasing the transportability of any of these mobile devices. • Appearance and dimension of GATs, their efficiency for planning and navigating, and the quality of the delivered information are other important usability criteria. • Since information content and transportability are targeted as the two most important criteria, we should pay special attention in the future to the availability of information about accessibility of destinations and also, to appropriate fixation and Bluetooth systems ensuring, partially or completely, hands-free operation in order to meet user needs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: An estimated 75 million people with disabilities need wheelchairs globally, of whom 5–15% have one. Access to an appropriate wheelchair requires rehabilitation professionals trained to provide wheelchair service. One aim of the International Society of Wheelchair Professionals (ISWP) is to promote and facilitate the integration of wheelchair service provision education into academic rehabilitation programs worldwide. To inform the development of integration strategies, the purpose of this study was to develop an in-depth global portrait of the wheelchair service provision education offered in academic rehabilitation programs, the process of its integration and the associated facilitators and barriers. Method: Semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted with a purposive sample of 14 representatives from academic rehabilitation programs (i.e., occupational therapy, physical therapy, and prosthetics and orthotics) in 11 countries, including low, middle and upper resourced settings. Findings: Thematic data analyses identified three overarching themes. The first theme, "impact of context", portrays factors related to local population needs, governance and supply chain of equipment and service delivery. The second theme, "current and planned wheelchair education", describes the content, pedagogic approach, student evaluation and feedback process. The third theme, "integration process", details five states of this process. Conclusions: This study describes in-depth the wheelchair service provision education across academic rehabilitation programs and resource settings, illustrating the context-dependent nature of its integration. This understanding may assist the global community of educators in preparing future rehabilitation professionals to better serve wheelchair users. This work has informed the development of ISWP's Seating and Mobility Academic Resource Toolkit (). The Dynamics of Context-Dependent Integration of Wheelchair Service Provision Education in Curricula model, depicting the findings of this study, may help to inform key stakeholders (i.e., academic institutions, health care providers and policy makers) about potential barriers and facilitators to the implementation of adequate wheelchair service provision education in the curricula of academic rehabilitation program. Study findings may lead to creative strategies, such as the expansion of ISWP's Seating and Mobility Academic Resource Toolkit (SMART; ), that may enable academic rehabilitation programs to be a part of the solution to strengthening rehabilitation systems worldwide, through appropriately trained rehabilitation professionals in wheelchair service provision. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Wheelchair casters fail frequently in the field causing multiple user consequences and wheelchair breakdowns. To inform caster design improvement, there exists no validated tools that can collect caster failures. This need motivated the development of a user-reported, caster failure inspection tool (C-FIT). Methods: To develop C-FIT, a multistep design and testing approach was used which included face validity testing, test-retest reliability testing and expert review. Reliability testing was conducted with two independent cohorts of wheelchair professionals who inspected caster failures physically and online through pictures. The tool was revised based on testing outcomes and expert feedback. For preliminary data collection and evaluating usability, C-FIT was piloted at wheelchair service centers in Scotland, Indonesia and Mexico. Results: Caster failure items reported in the literature were screened to develop the initial list of C-FIT items. Face validity testing conducted through surveys with wheelchair experts (n = 6) provided 14 items for C-FIT inclusion. The test-retest reliability was found to be high for 10 items with physical failure inspections (n = 12). For each of these items, 75% or more participants had substantial to almost perfect agreement scores (κ = 0.6–1.0). Lower reliability scores were found with online failure inspections (n = 11). C-FIT received positive usability feedback from study participants and data collectors in the field. Pilot field data (n = 31) included comprehensive details about failures useful for manufacturers, designers and researchers to improve caster designs. Conclusions: The C-FIT tool developed in this study has substantial reliability and can be used for documenting caster failures at wheelchair service centers. Collecting data on caster failures is an important first step to inform design improvements and caster quality testing methods. The caster failure inspection tool is a reliable tool that can be used during wheelchair repair and servicing to collect caster failures in a standardized way. The failure data can be used by wheelchair manufacturers, designers, technicians and researchers to develop reliable caster designs. Wheelchair providers can select caster designs based on context of use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The study aim was to examine the measurement properties of the Youth Evaluation of Products Scale for Augmentative and Alternative Communication (YEP-AAC) as a means to understand the product attitudes of youth toward their AAC devices. Methods: In study 1, four males and two females between the ages of 8 and 17 years (median age = 14 years) participated in face-to-face interviews. A researcher administered the YEP-AAC and then asked youths to explain the rationale for their item ratings. Two researchers analyzed masked transcripts of the interviews to predict the valence of item ratings assigned by youths. In study 2, 18 families participated in a mailed survey to examine the reliability and validity of the scale domains. Seventeen mothers/one father and their children (9 male/9 female) between the ages of 10 and 20 years participated (median age = 16 years). Results: The level of chance-corrected agreement between valences converted from youth ratings on the YEP-AAC and those assigned by researchers was fair (weighted kappa = 0.38). Internal consistencies of the scale domains were acceptable. Youths who rated their AAC devices more favourably had higher functional communication as hypothesized. Conclusion: The two studies provide support for the face validity, internal consistency and convergent validity of the YEP-AAC as a measure of the product attitudes of youth with complex communication needs. Developing reliable ways to understand the product needs, preferences and values of youth with complex communication needs will help to support the selection, acquisition and use of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices. Consumer socialization helps to explain how youth may acquire the skills, knowledge and experience relevant to their role as AAC consumers. Reliable youth-report questionnaires that are grounded in consumer socialization provide an expedient way to understand the product attitudes of young consumers with complex communication needs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Individuals with traumatic brain injury (TBI) often experience difficulties in performing kitchen-related sequencing tasks due to cognitive deficits. The primary aim of this study is to examine the feasibility of a context-aware automatic prompting system in assisting individuals with TBI in multi-step cooking tasks. Method: Sixteen individuals with TBI participated in the study. A randomized cross-over design was used to compare the automatic prompting method with a conventional user-controlled method through a tablet device. Participant performance under each prompting method was assessed using the Performance Assessment of Self-Care Skills in terms of independence, safety, and adequacy. Subjective workload and qualitative feedback were also collected. Results: The automatic method, when compared with the user-controlled method, significantly decreased the amount of external assistance required by participants, received higher ratings in user perceived ease-of-use, and was considered less stressful for participants. However, the user-controlled method showed strengths in offering participants more flexibility in terms of controlling on the timing of prompts. Conclusions: The results provided insight into the potential benefits and user perceptions of a context-aware prompting system. The information could contribute to the future development of advanced prompting technology for people with cognitive impairments in completing sequential tasks. For people with traumatic brain injury, the context-aware prompting method showed advantages in improving user performance, receiving better ratings on ease-of-use, and decreasing stress levels, compared to the user-controlled prompting method in completing multi-step cooking tasks. Future prompting systems for people with cognitive impairments may allow users to control the pace of prompting and use sensing information as back-up assistance in critical situations. In this way, the system may help users monitor their actions and offer confirmations, especially at steps with safety concerns, thus enhancing the sense of security and reducing the stress from self-monitoring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Reading and writing applications (with text-to-speech, TTS and speech-to-text, STT functions), used as assistive technology (AT) for students with reading difficulties are increasingly used in education, however, research has not sufficiently enough evaluated its potential. The purpose of this study was to explore how assistive reading and writing applications were perceived to function with regard to students' possibilities to assimilate (i.e., "read") and communicate (i.e., "write") text. Methods: Following a six-week app intervention, this follow-up survey contained 54 special education teachers' perceptions of how the use of apps impacted student motivation, learning, and its usability in special education. A total of 59 students with reading difficulties from Grade 4, Grade 8 and from high school, were assessed. Analyses included quantitative and qualitative analyses of teachers' responses and written material. Results: The results showed individual differences in how teachers perceived app usage for text-interaction purposes, including how app usage affected student motivation and autonomy for text-based learning. Eighty-two per cent of the younger and forty-seven per cent of older students continued to use the technology after the intervention, but in various degrees. Conclusions: Based on these findings, students with reading difficulties seem to be able to use AT in order to assimilate text (i.e., to read) and to communicate text (i.e., to write), and, thus, AT has the potential to promote participation in regular education. Future research should focus on how to customize assistive technology support in order to better utilize the potential. This study found that students with reading difficulties could use reading and writing apps (with text-to-speech, TTS and speech-to-text, STT) in portable tables to be able to gain access to, and to produce text in an applied school setting. To use TTS and STT as assistive technology efficiently may require relative extensive support and training, but even with this support, not all students in this study benefited from the potential use of the technology, as the processes of being able to gain access to and to produce text with assistive technology seem to be a difficult process for some of the students. It is proposed that in order to enable all students with reading difficulties possibilities to use assistive technology efficiently, its uses need to be customized even further than was done in this extensive intervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to address the development of the Full Participation Science and Engineering Accessibility (FPSEA) self-report survey that gathers experiences from students with physical disabilities (SwD-P) using a postsecondary laboratory and to evaluate the survey's stability. Methods: Survey items were generated from an extensive literature review and recommendations articulated by experts. Think-aloud sessions and content validity index (CVI) were used to determine survey content validity and help finalize survey items. Individuals with physical disabilities (n = 20) who have taken a postsecondary science or engineering laboratory course completed the survey and took it again 10–14 days apart. The test–retest reliability was assessed using Spearman Rho coefficients for Likert-scale items, Chi-square and Fisher's exact test for the dichotomous items. Missing data completely at random (MCAR) test was computed before reliability data analysis. Results: Each sub-item passed the MCAR test, indicating that the data are missing completely at random and can be imputed to perform the analysis. Reliability analysis was completed on 20 individuals. The FPSEA had good content reliability: the item-level CVI of items kept ranged from 0.86 to 1. The scale-level CVI was 0.94. Stability was demonstrated with adequate Spearman correlation ranged from 0.56 to 0.86. Conclusions: No previous survey had been developed linking SwD-P and the postsecondary science and engineering (S&E) laboratory setting prior to this work. Overall, FPSEA is reliable and stable for reporting the barriers and facilitators to use S&E laboratories from the SwD-P's perspective. The barriers students with disabilities encounter in S&E laboratory environments are largely unknown. The FPSEA survey may help identify barriers and facilitators to using S&E laboratories for SwD-P. The FPSEA Survey allows former and current SwD-P to share their experiences using a postsecondary S&E instructional laboratory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study examined speech and language pathologists' (SLPs') perceptions and practices of communication partner training with high-tech speech generating devices (SGDs). Method: Fifteen SLPs were recruited throughout Sweden. The SLPs answered a study-specific questionnaire on communication partner training in relation to communication partners to children with severe cerebral palsy and intellectual disability. The results were analysed with descriptive statistics (closed-ended questions, responses on Likert scales) and content analysis (open-ended question) using ICF-CY. Results: Twelve SLPs completed the survey. Half had no or one training session with communication partners in the last year. One-third never used documents for goal-setting. Half seldom or never taught communication partner strategies. Three quarters only used verbal instructions. The main obstacles were environmental factors. Conclusions: This study contributes valuable knowledge about high-tech SGD interventions targeting communication partners. The high-tech SGD intervention may benefit from goal-setting, extended number of training sessions and a range of instructional approaches. Speech and language pathologist (SLPs) reported that children with severe cerebral palsy and intellectual disability (SSPI) can benefit from speech generating device (SGD) communication. Communication partner strategies and goal-setting supports the development of communication with SGD. SLPs seldom taught stakeholder communication partner strategies and instruments for goal-setting. Because stakeholders may vary in their way of learning SLPs need to use a variety of instructional approaches. SLPs used few instructional approaches, typically verbal information. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The objective of this research was to identify and conceptualize barriers and strategies for effective implementation of information communication technology (ICT) training for older adults. Methods: A grounded theory approach was used to collect and analyze qualitative data from 61 participants in three stakeholder groups: older-adult ICT trainees, care providers and ICT trainers. Results: Care providers expressed older adults' reluctance, lack of affinity, fears and socio-contextual attributes as barriers to overcome with ICT training. ICT trainers highlighted motivation, trainer–trainee relationship, patience, self-reliance and mutual value as strategic themes. ICT trainees elucidated occupational accomplishment, challenges and a sense of competence as themes from their experience with training. Discussion: While digital literacy and skill building have traditionally been the key focus of ageing-centred ICT training, a deeper approach to address internal (personal) and external (socio-contextual) barriers, as conceptualized in the study finding, is vital in yielding successful outcomes. Information communication technology (ICT) is a vital resource for older adults to age-in-place and for health professionals in delivery of tele-rehabilitation. Family members and care providers realize the scope of ICT for ageing-in-place but raise doubts on the inherent motivation and abilities of older adults to adopt ICT. On the other hand, older adults who engage in one-on-one ICT training value their new-found sense of accomplishment and competence in using the Internet and social media. Graduate students who provided the training greatly appreciate their own learning experience, and stress the need for mutual trust, patience and simplicity in teaching ICT. A major precursor to imparting digital literacy and skills in older adults who lack ICT exposure is to help them overcome deep-seated attitudinal and socio-contextual barriers through a one-on-one approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and aim: Cognitive impairments following brain injury, including difficulty with problem solving, can pose significant barriers to successful community reintegration. Problem-solving strategy training is well-supported in the cognitive rehabilitation literature. However, limitations in insurance reimbursement have resulted in fewer services to train such skills to mastery and to support generalization of those skills into everyday environments. The purpose of this project was to develop and evaluate an integrated, web-based programme, ProSolv, which uses a small number of coaching sessions to support problem solving in everyday life following brain injury. Method: We used participatory action research to guide the iterative development, usability testing, and within-subject pilot testing of the ProSolv programme. The finalized programme was then evaluated in a between-subjects group study and a non-experimental single case study. Results: Results were mixed across studies. Participants demonstrated that it was feasible to learn and use the ProSolv programme for support in problem solving. They highly recommended the programme to others and singled out the importance of the coach. Limitations in app design were cited as a major reason for infrequent use of the app outside of coaching sessions. Conclusions: Results provide mixed evidence regarding the utility of web-based mobile apps, such as ProSolv to support problem solving following brain injury. Implications for Rehabilitation: People with cognitive impairments following brain injury often struggle with problem solving in everyday contexts. Research supports problem solving skills training following brain injury. Assistive technology for cognition (smartphones, selected apps) offers a means of supporting problem solving for this population. This project demonstrated the feasibility of a web-based programme to address this need. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Visually disabled people increasingly use computers in everyday life, thanks to novel assistive technologies better tailored to their cognitive functioning. Like sighted people, many are interested in computer games - videogames and audio-games. Tactile-games are beginning to emerge. The Tactile Radar is a device through which a visually disabled person is able to detect distal obstacles. In this study, it is connected to a computer running a tactile-game. The game consists in finding and collecting randomly arranged coins in a virtual room. Methods: The study was conducted with nine congenital blind people including both sexes, aged 20-64 years old. Complementary methods of first and third person were used: the debriefing interview and the quasi-experimental design. Results: The results indicate that the Tactile Radar is suitable for the creation of computer games specifically tailored for visually disabled people. Conclusions: Furthermore, the device seems capable of eliciting a powerful immersive experience. Methodologically speaking, this research contributes to the consolidation and development of first and third person complementary methods, particularly useful in disabled people research field, including the evaluation by users of the Tactile Radar effectiveness in a virtual reality context. Implications for rehabilitation: Despite the growing interest in virtual games for visually disabled people, they still find barriers to access such games. Through the development of assistive technologies such as the Tactile Radar, applied in virtual games, we can create new opportunities for leisure, socialization and education for visually disabled people. The results of our study indicate that the Tactile Radar is adapted to the creation of video games for visually disabled people, providing a playful interaction with the players. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The concept of assistive technology covers several areas of action; one of them is communication with the elaboration of accessible solutions to overcome daily difficulties. It contributes to the resumption of functional abilities, expanding and facilitating inclusion and independent living. Objective: To analyze the usability of a low cost prototype device to support educational activities of adolescents with cerebral palsy. Methods: A descriptive observational study. The evaluation of a prototype device was made through a validated questionnaire, Quest Version 2.0, on the level of the user’s satisfaction with an assistive technology, composed of 12 evaluation items. The questionnaire was filled out by the educator based on the observation of four wheelchair-bound participants diagnosed with cerebral palsy according to the international classification of diseases and health-related problems, ICD-10, who attend a coexistence and teaching institution in the state of São Paulo, Brazil. Results: The device developed was considered an assistive technology, which provided an experience with a positive level of satisfaction for the participants. Conclusion: The tested prototype contributes to communication and interaction allowing adolescents with cerebral palsy to participate in educational activities. Implications for Rehabilitation: The device assists the individual in the educational activities and can positively influence their development, observe the individual number 5, who has an important limitation in coordination and fine movements, placing the role of the task in the vertical position offers a new perspective to perform the task, this stimulates him to try to perform the work, so the challenge was adjusted to the demands of each individual which can contribute to its neuromotor development, the amplitude of the distal movements and the manual ability, since it must look for alternatives to complete the task requested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This article illustrates user-centred design of a novel sensor access system for environmental control in the concept stage of development.Methods: Focus groups of individuals with disabilities and rehabilitation healthcare professionals were provided with video illustration of the technology and asked to provide quantitative and qualitative feedback through a semistructured interview process. Qualitative methods were employed to analyse transcribed comments to develop themes supporting ongoing development of the technology.Results: Both end-user streams rated the original design features of the sensor access system (alternative interface to assistive technologies, having wireless capabilities and not requiring batteries) as having high potential value. Both groups identified a need for the future design of the sensor technology to be able to capture minimal/reduced movements for those with severe physical impairments. Themes included (1) the sensor technology could be individualized/customized to accommodate the user, (2) minimal positioning and set-up requirement and (3) technology that alleviated problems encountered with touch-based solutions.Conclusions: Inclusion of end-user feedback provided the research team with valuable information that supported the initial conceptualization of the design features of the technology and provided valuable data to support development of a new prototype that can capture more reduced/minimal movements. Implication for Rehabilitation User-centered design of assistive technology is essential to the development of technology that can meet the unique needs of those with the most severe physical impairments.New sensor technology may alleviate some of the access challenges faced by individuals with severe physical impairments.Collaboration between all key stakeholders (individuals with disabilities, rehabilitation professionals, researchers, and developers) is an essential component in the iterative assistive technology design process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]