Search

In contemporary society, being unable to take advantage of information and communication technology (ICT) can create barriers to maintaining social relations and, thus, can increase the risk of social exclusion and loneliness. Prior studies have revealed that, among persons with disabilities, customised ICT can contribute to the maintenance and improvement of personal social networks. Nevertheless, there is still a need for knowledge regarding the adaption of ICT of those involved when customized ICT are set up in the residents for persons with disabilities. Through conducting interviews with four residents, as well as their relatives and members of staff this article explores how KOMP, a customised ICT product designed to enhance digital contact among people who are unable to use ICT independently, was applied in four different municipal residences in Norway. Collective qualitative analysis was utilised to perform this investigation. The analysis show that KOMP can help strengthen relationships, interferes with interactional practices, and underscores the institutionalised lives in the residences. These findings emphasise that applying customised ICT/KOMP in such settings highlights the underlying tensions regarding residents' rights to self-determination and privacy. This study provides insights into how formal and informal regulations developed by relatives and staff, with the purpose of both protecting residents and protecting oneself from digital exposure, impacts the residents' ability to take advantage of customised ICT and overcome the digital disability divide. The present findings underscore the need for enhancing residential staff's competence regarding the use of information and communication technology and their knowledge of the associated rights of persons with disabilities. These findings represent the need to improving residential staff's awareness of their role in providing services that enable persons with disabilities to benefit from technological advancements offering distance communication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The review examined the effectiveness of Active Support (RQ1) and stakeholders' experiences of the model (RQ2). Method: Data were meta‐analysed (RQ1; studies = 14) and synthesized narratively (RQ2; studies = 10). Results: By follow‐up (6 months post‐training), effect sizes (RQ1) for resident total activity engagement were significant and ranged from small (d = 0.33, 95% CIs: 0.10–0.50) to large (Tau‐U = 0.95, 95% CIs: 0.64–1.25) depending on study design. Follow‐up changes in staff assistance were moderate (d = 0.56, 95% CIs: 0.23–0.89; Tau‐U 0.63, 95% CIs: 0.32–0.93) and large for quality of support (d = 1.03, 95% CIs: 0.61–1.44). Other outcomes did not change. Conclusions: Active Support was more effective following complete staff training, in larger settings, at lower staff‐to‐resident ratios and with less experienced staff. Active Support training and outcomes were valued by staff and residents (RQ2), and staff experienced increased job satisfaction. Lower staff turnover and organizational readiness appear crucial for maintaining implementation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]