what-when-how
In Depth Tutorials and Information
sociotechnical perspective in work environments and using the same tools in the
context of voluntary use. Of course both of these environments are, in a funda-
mental way, voluntary; employees can always quit, but in the case of assistive tech-
nology (AT) the motivation is not so much economic and psychological (e.g., job
satisfaction) as literally functional (i.e., ability to perform Activities of Daily Living
(ADL)* or Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL)
†
).
We start the discussion with defining and exploring the dimensions of assistive
technology in design and use, with particular attention to the process of adoption
and abandonment. Following this is a short review of the traditional process of
sociotechnical systems and environments, looking at them from the perspective
of typical domains studied and the evolution of the field. Within this section we
present several practices or tools used in sociotechnical evaluation and design.
We illustrate the process of sociotechnical design of assistive technology by
discussing MAPS (Measures of Academic Progress), a ADL task-support tool for
persons with cognitive disabilities, following the process from participant designer
selection and study through adoption of a prototype system and lessons learned.
We then make a more formal comparison between “traditional” STE study and
AT-based STE work, decomposing the elements of the MAPS system. Finally, we
conclude with some suggestions for further work
7.2 AssistiveTechnology
Assistive technology is defined in the United States as “Any item, piece of equipment,
or system, whether acquired commercially, modified, or customized, that is com-
monly used to increase, maintain, or improve functional capabilities of individuals
with disabilities.” (
Source
: he U.S. Technology-Related Assistance for Individuals
With Disabilities Act of 1988, Section 3.1. Public Law 100-407, August 9, 1988;
renewed in 1998 as the Clinton Assistive Technology Act.)
Assistive technology devices can be as simple as an extender for door handles to
allow opening of doors by people with reduced manipulative ability or as complex
as an alternative and augmentative communications device to support communica-
tions by persons with speech disabilities, like Steven Hawkins. In this chapter we
will be discussing high-level computer-based AT, typically for leveraging existing
abilities by persons with cognitive disabilities to perform tasks that they would not
be able to do without assistance. his discussion of AT is focused on complex AT
adoption because the successful adoption process for such items (1) takes a longer
time (weeks or months) and involves multiple roles (e.g., end users and caregivers)
*
ADLs refer to refers to six activities (bathing, dressing, transferring, using the toilet room,
eating, and walking) that reflect the patient's capacity for self-care.
†
IADLs are tasks that enable people to live independently in the community. Examples include
shopping, cooking, and house cleaning. IADLs support ADLs.
