Rehabilitation and Product Design: Towards the Inclusion of People with Disabilities Through Interdisciplinary Collaboration

Abstract

In low-GDP countries, such as Brazil, many older people and people with disabilities rely on the public health system for access to assistive devices, which are important to support them to live healthy and dignified lives. However, many problems limit their access to specialized prescriptions and appropriate devices that satisfy their needs and expectations. This paper explores the challenges, contributions and results from an interdisciplinary collaboration between two different yet related areas of knowledge-Product Design and Rehabilitationin education, research and innovation in assistive technologies. The combination of product design education and rehabilitation services has mutual benefits from the perspective of research and innovation, thus contributing for the community. Here, we report on the process and benefits resulting from four years of interdisciplinary collaboration on assistive products for the aging population and people with disabilities.

Ensino de tecnologia assistiva nos cursos de graduação em terapia ocupacional do Estado de São Paulo

“…Além do conhecimento técnico e científico, tanto no ensino de órteses quanto de próteses, é importante que o graduando seja estimulado a refletir sobre a relevância de um olhar ampliado para o sujeito, alvo da intervenção. O sucesso na adesão e habilidade no uso de qualquer produto assistivo está relacionado não apenas às questões de ordem prática, mas também a fatores humanos de ordem pessoal e social, que influenciam suas percepções e satisfação, sendo determinantes para garantir a aceitação e a eficiência do produto (Medola & Paschoarelli, 2014;Medola et al, 2019), com consequente impacto na usabilidade. À título de exemplificação, constatou-se nos PE de duas IES públicas preocupação explícita quanto aos fatores pessoais e sociais, conforme exposto nos excertos a seguir:…”

Teaching assistive technology in undergraduate courses in occupational therapy in the State of São Paulo

“…In addition to technical and scientific knowledge, both in the teaching of orthoses and prostheses, it is important that the undergraduate student is encouraged to reflect on the relevance of an expanded view of the subject, the target of the intervention. Success in adherence and ability to use any assistive product is related not only to practical issues, but also to human factors of a personal and social nature, which influence their perceptions and satisfaction, being crucial to guarantee the acceptance and efficiency of the product (Medola & Paschoarelli, 2014;Medola et al, 2019), with consequent impact on usability. By way of example, it was found in the content program of two public HEIs explicit concern regarding personal and social factors, as shown in the following excerpts:…”