Assistive Products and Technology to Facilitate Activities and Participation for Children with Disabilities

Abstract

We aimed to identify activity limitations and participation restrictions encountered by children and youth with disabilities for which assistive products and technology could be helpful. We used a convergent, parallel, mixed-methods design involving a nationwide, French survey composed of closed questions (quantitative) and open questions (qualitative) that enlightened the quantitative data. A total of 1055 responses were received, and 962 included: 92 from children and youth with disabilities, 493 from relatives and 377 from professionals. Difficulties frequently checked and described in detail were participation in recreational activities, leaving the house and traveling, participating in a group, and getting ready. Transversal explanations for difficulties were spontaneously provided (e.g., lack of accessibility and mobility). Solutions proposed included personal assistive devices to facilitate home life, high-tech devices, devices to compensate for impaired body functions, and adaptation of the familiar environment and daily activities. Few public solutions were proposed. The necessity of human assistance was emphasized. The mixed-methods design and involvement of different stakeholders identified common, macroscopic trends in difficulties encountered and desired solutions. Products and technology are required in the following domains: the familiar environment, accessibility and mobility, sports and leisure, high-technology, and family support. We provide suggestions to facilitate the development of innovative solutions.

Exploring needs and requirements for a prototype device measuring physical activity in pediatric physical therapy: A qualitative study

“…In a next step, input from this study will be used to decide with relevant stakeholders, including developers and budget holders, which needs and requirements can be fulfilled. Therefore, researchers, PPTs, parents, children, and adolescents should be enabled to elaborate mutual needs together [ 42 , 43 ]. Based on feasibility and available resources, researchers and developers will decide which of the needs should be incorporated within the innovation.…”

The accessibility of beaches for blind people and their guide dogs: accessible tourism and inclusion in Spain

“…Low et al (2020) claim that the needs of visually impaired people are not well addressed, and journeys are very difficult for them, for this reason, audio information is very important for blind people. DMOs should seek feedback from blind people about their tourist experience within the destination to gradually improve the offer and infrastructure for this group (Mensah-Gourmel et al , 2023; Rucci and Porto, 2022).…”