Biomedical Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
a significant other, and design projects that involved consumers (broadly
understood) at all stages of the process as well as from the literature [ 6 , 5 ].
This work, in part, derives from concern about the rate of abandonment of
AT and the associated costs - monetary, time, and social participation - to
the consumer, others in their social sphere, and society.
2.2 Key Ideas Related to Meaning and Assistive
Technology
Not surprisingly, the meaning of technology conveys both positive and nega-
tive/enabler and barrier notions. Two broad perceptions of technology will be
discussed to illustrate the meaning that AT can hold for consumers: assistive
technology as a tool and assistive technology as a visible sign of disability .
2.2.1 Assistive Technology as a Tool
Some assistive technology users, mostly those who are experienced users, view
their technology as a means to complete an activity. The meaning ascribed
to the AT was no different than any other tool or technology used in daily
life. For example, participants in a project exploring how individuals chose
to complete daily activities talked about sharing opinions on the best chair
components for their sport along with wheelchair maintenance and modifi-
cation activities. These discussions had the flavor of cyclists discussing the
latest cycling technologies. The AT was simply a tool that enabled them to
compete in a sport they loved.
Participants in both qualitative studies indicated that assistive technol-
ogy facilitated their ability to engage in desired activities. Participants in
one study indicated that access to AT was a primary factor in enabling a
significant other to return home, as seen in the following quote [ 6 ]:
“[lift] helps him and me together to do it [daily care]... Without [the lift] I would
not be able to handle [husband].”
For many participants in these studies, the technology had faded into the
background of their lives. They did not speak of the challenges posed by the
technology but did describe the constraints imposed by the environment that
was not accessible due to their use of the technology.
Assistive technology can provide a means to share activities. While the
decision to obtain a powered wheelchair is not made lightly, it can provide
independent mobility that results in a couple being able to walk side by side as
they go about daily tasks rather than one partner being dependent on the
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