Thinking about inclusion: Assessment of multiplatform apps for people with disability

Abstract

The use of Information and Communication Technology for people with disability has become an opportunity to improve their education; however, the information and quality assessment of apps is unreliable. The overall purpose of the research was to identify multiplatform apps quality assessed with Mobile App Rating Scale that could help people with disability in their learning process. A systematic search was performed with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses in specialized catalogs, Google, Google Play Store, and Apple App Store to identify apps for people with disability, such as autism, Down syndrome and cerebral palsy. Sixty apps were evaluated according to MARS items. The results were classified by disability, platform, and competences of life; each app had their own MARS score. Based on MARS total mean score it concludes that the work of evaluators was aligned with MARS guidelines. MARS scores and app list can be used to encourage therapists, parents, and people with disability the use of them. The evaluation revealed apps with a lack of customization and interactivity, features that are relevant to improve the learning process for people with disability.