Challenges to Effective Evaluation of Assistive Technology - Design and Use of Assistive Technology - page 55

Several AT outcomes instruments have been developed, including the
eciency of assistive technology and services (EATS) [ 8 ], matching person
and technology assessment (MPT) [ 13 ], psychosocial impact of assistive de-
vices scale (PIADS) [ 6 ], and the Quebec User Evaluation of Satisfaction with
Assistive Technology (QUEST) [ 3 ]. However, none of these instruments mea-
sure the interaction of concurrent interventions or isolates the impact of an
individual AT when multiple technologies are adopted at the same time.
6.5 Conclusions
There are challenges to evaluating assistive technology at all stages of product
development and service delivery. Some of these obstacles are unavoidable
when designing technology for a small, heterogeneous population with diverse
needs. Others, however, may be overcome through advances in technique or
technology.
References
[1] Baker B (1982) Minspeak. Byte 7:186-202
[2] Batavia AJ, Dillard D, Phillips B (1990) How to avoid technology aban-
donment. Washington, DC
[3] Demeres L, Weiss-Lambrou R, Ska B (1996) Development of the Quebec
user evaluation of satisfaction with assistive technology (QUEST). As-
sistive Technology 8(1):3-13
[4] Hart SG, Staveland LE (1988) Development of NASA-TLX (Task Load
Index): Results of empirical and theoretical research. In: Hancock PA,
Meshkati N (eds) Human Mental Workload, chap 7, pp 139-183. Elsevier,
Amsterdam
[5] Hazell G, Colven D (2001) ACE centre telesupport for loan equipment.
Oxford
[6] Jutai J, Day H (2002) Psychosocial impact of assistive devices scale
(PIADS). Technology and Disability 14(3):107-111
[7] Lysley A, Colven D, Donegan M (1999) Catchnet final report. Oxford
[8] Persson J (1997) An overview of the EATS project: Effectiveness of assis-
tive technology and services. In: Anogianakis G, Buhler C, Soede M (eds)
Advancement of Assistive Technology, pp 48-52. IOS Press, Amsterdam
[9] Phillips B, Zhao H (1993) Predictors of assistive technology abandon-
ment. Assistive Technology 5(1):36-45
[10] Raskind M (1993) Assistive technology and adults with learning disabil-
ities: A blueprint for exploration and advancement. Learning Disability
Quarterly 16(3):185-196