Assistive TechnologyPub Date : 2026-01-01Epub Date: 2026-03-18DOI: 10.1080/10400435.2026.2645185
Youngshin Lim, Rokbit Sanghee Lee, Jinmoo Heo, In Heok Lee, May Kim
{"title":"Leisure and learning activities and stress in children with physical disabilities: The moderating role of psychological changes after wheelchair power-assist device use.","authors":"Youngshin Lim, Rokbit Sanghee Lee, Jinmoo Heo, In Heok Lee, May Kim","doi":"10.1080/10400435.2026.2645185","DOIUrl":"10.1080/10400435.2026.2645185","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This study examined how leisure and learning activities are associated with stress in children with physical disabilities, and how psychological changes - specifically competence, adaptability, and self-esteem - following the use of a power-assist device (PAD) influence this relationship. The study involved 19 children using a PAD for their manual wheelchairs. We collected responses regarding daily activities and activity-related feelings over a period of five days using the day reconstruction method and assessed psychological changes after the use of PAD. The analysis revealed that leisure activities had a significant negative effect on stress; academic engagement did not demonstrate a similar impact. Participants' increased adaptability after using the PAD was related to lower stress levels. Moreover, children who reported minimal self-esteem changes after using the PAD were more likely to experience the positive impact of leisure on their stress levels. These findings emphasize both the importance of promoting leisure participation and the value of expanding access to assistive mobility technology, which together can reduce stress and foster psychological resilience in children with severe physical disabilities.</p>","PeriodicalId":51568,"journal":{"name":"Assistive Technology","volume":" ","pages":"265-272"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147476405","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Assistive TechnologyPub Date : 2026-01-01Epub Date: 2026-03-04DOI: 10.1080/10400435.2026.2630935
Sevgi Kırboyun Tipi
{"title":"Exploring perspectives of teachers of students with visual impairments on teaching screen readers.","authors":"Sevgi Kırboyun Tipi","doi":"10.1080/10400435.2026.2630935","DOIUrl":"10.1080/10400435.2026.2630935","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This study explores the perspectives of teachers of students with visual impairments regarding screen reader instruction and summarizes their experiences in teaching screen readers. A total of 301 teachers of students with visual impairments were included in this analysis. A descriptive research design was employed, incorporating both qualitative and quantitative data. Open-ended responses were analyzed using summative content analysis, while descriptive statistics were used to summarize quantitative findings. The study reveals several barriers to the use and teaching of screen readers. The results support a greater need for further studies about the use of screen readers, such as financial support, pre- and in-service training, more interaction with screen readers at home and in the classroom, standardized instruments for teachers of students with visual impairments, screen reader training for preschoolers, and collaboration with parents and general education teachers.</p>","PeriodicalId":51568,"journal":{"name":"Assistive Technology","volume":" ","pages":"360-371"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147357570","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Assistive TechnologyPub Date : 2026-01-01Epub Date: 2026-02-24DOI: 10.1080/10400435.2026.2630939
John V Rider, Ryan E Linford, Wei Ju Lin
{"title":"Shoulder pain in wheelchair rugby athletes: Athlete characteristics, training behaviors, and rehabilitation implications.","authors":"John V Rider, Ryan E Linford, Wei Ju Lin","doi":"10.1080/10400435.2026.2630939","DOIUrl":"10.1080/10400435.2026.2630939","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Shoulder pain is a common concern among wheelchair users and may be influenced by adaptive sports. Although participation in adaptive sports is increasing, limited research has examined shoulder pain in this population. This cross-sectional survey investigated the prevalence and severity of shoulder pain and explored associations with demographic factors, activity patterns, and management strategies among 61 wheelchair rugby athletes in the United States. The Wheelchair User's Shoulder Pain Index (WUSPI) measured pain, with an average score of 56.08 (performance-corrected score (PC-WUSPI) = 58.13), reflecting high levels of shoulder pain. Significant negative correlations (ps < 0.001) were found between PC-WUSPI scores and years of wheelchair use (<i>r</i> = -0.48), adaptive sports participation (<i>r</i> = -0.47), warm-up frequency (<i>r</i> = -0.53), and shoulder strength training (<i>r</i> = -0.34). A positive correlation was observed with power wheelchair use (<i>r</i> = 0.51, <i>p</i> < 0.001). Most participants managed shoulder pain with medication (67.2%) or exercise (57.4%), with medication rated as more effective. The most common medical services utilized for pain management were physical therapy (54.1%), occupational therapy (44.3%), and primary care physicians (41%). Findings highlight the need for targeted prevention and rehabilitation strategies to address shoulder pain in wheelchair rugby athletes, emphasizing proactive conditioning and multidisciplinary approaches.</p>","PeriodicalId":51568,"journal":{"name":"Assistive Technology","volume":" ","pages":"256-264"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147286116","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Assistive TechnologyPub Date : 2026-01-01Epub Date: 2025-09-04DOI: 10.1080/10400435.2025.2550407
Drew H Redepenning, Lynn A Worobey, Randall Huzinec, Andy J Wu, Christopher Power, Brad E Dicianno, Chloe S Shearer, Shivaali Maddali, George Tankosich, Dan Ding
{"title":"Facilitators of and barriers to adaptive video gaming participation among individuals with physical disabilities.","authors":"Drew H Redepenning, Lynn A Worobey, Randall Huzinec, Andy J Wu, Christopher Power, Brad E Dicianno, Chloe S Shearer, Shivaali Maddali, George Tankosich, Dan Ding","doi":"10.1080/10400435.2025.2550407","DOIUrl":"10.1080/10400435.2025.2550407","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Participation in leisure and recreational activities has been associated with improvements in quality of life and social relationships for individuals with physical disabilities. The purpose of this study was to determine the most frequent facilitators and barriers that individuals with physical disabilities experience, both when starting with adaptive video gaming and when maintaining participation. A self-administered survey was used to collect data from individuals who currently participate in adaptive gaming and included three sections: (1) Demographic Section, (2) Gamer Habits Section, and (3) Facilitators and Barriers to Adaptive Gaming Section. A total of 256 participants met inclusion criteria and completed the study survey. Family, friends, rehabilitation staff members, social media/YouTube, and peer support were found to play a role in facilitating the initiation of adaptive gaming participation. Common facilitators of adaptive gaming were fun/entertainment, stress relief/relaxation, and prior involvement in video gaming. Barriers to adaptive gaming participation were cost of equipment and difficulties with gameplay. Older age and greater severity of hand impairment were associated with experiencing a higher number of barriers (<i>p</i> < 0.01). Improving funding resources, game accessibility, and access to professional assistance for adaptive gaming may help overcome some of the commonly reported barriers in this study.</p>","PeriodicalId":51568,"journal":{"name":"Assistive Technology","volume":" ","pages":"218-225"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144994082","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Assistive TechnologyPub Date : 2026-01-01Epub Date: 2025-10-08DOI: 10.1080/10400435.2025.2565292
Rosanny Araysy Munoz Collado, Yun-Hwan Lee, JongBae Kim
{"title":"Access to assistive technology and related services in Latin American Countries: A systematic review.","authors":"Rosanny Araysy Munoz Collado, Yun-Hwan Lee, JongBae Kim","doi":"10.1080/10400435.2025.2565292","DOIUrl":"10.1080/10400435.2025.2565292","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Assistive technology(AT) presents potential for the improvement of public health and the achievement of fundamental human rights, however the use and access to AT, especially in Latin American Countries is still a neglected field of research and practice. This study aims to systematically review the evidence on access to Assistive Technology and related services in Latin American Countries. Literature was searched in 5 web-based databases (EMBASE, CINAHL, Web of Science, LILACS and PUDMED). Studies carried out in Latin American countries addressing AT and its related services were included. The 33 included articles were primarily focused on service delivery, assistive device outcome and satisfaction, with only a few projects focusing on AT design, evaluation, provision and training. While some assistive devices (e.g. hearing aids, mobility aids, vision aids) are available in Latin American Countries, other aids designed to prevent impairment, disability, and other health outcomes, such as cognitive and augmentative communication devices, have received little attention. Despite the availability of some assistive devices, significant barriers to access persist, including limited awareness, insufficient training for professionals, and a lack of systematic, equitable approaches to provision.</p>","PeriodicalId":51568,"journal":{"name":"Assistive Technology","volume":" ","pages":"37-46"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145253765","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Assistive TechnologyPub Date : 2026-01-01Epub Date: 2025-10-07DOI: 10.1080/10400435.2025.2565294
Zeinab Gasavi Nezhad, Steven A Gard, Mokhtar Arazpour
{"title":"The effect of spinal orthoses on pain, kyphosis angle, balance, fall risk, and quality of life in older adults with hyperkyphosis: A systematic review.","authors":"Zeinab Gasavi Nezhad, Steven A Gard, Mokhtar Arazpour","doi":"10.1080/10400435.2025.2565294","DOIUrl":"10.1080/10400435.2025.2565294","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Hyperkyphosis, defined as excessive forward thoracic curvature, is associated with pain, impaired balance, increased fall risk, and reduced quality of life in older adults. Spinal orthoses have been proposed as a therapeutic option. This systematic review evaluated their effects on pain, kyphosis angle, balance, fall risk, and quality of life. The protocol was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42024607584) and followed PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Comprehensive searches of PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, CINAHL, and Cochrane Library up to November 2024 identified 16 eligible studies involving 757 participants and 13 orthosis types. Inclusion criteria covered clinical trials, cohort, cross-sectional, and observational studies in adults ≥60 years with hyperkyphosis, while surgical, pharmacological, and non-hyperkyphotic studies were excluded. Data were synthesized qualitatively, with balance outcomes classified as static or dynamic, and orthoses categorized by design and function. Risk of bias was assessed using PEDro and ROBINS-I. Findings suggest spinal orthoses, particularly semi-rigid devices, may reduce kyphosis angle, alleviate pain, enhance balance, and improve quality of life. Nonetheless, heterogeneity, limited blinding, and non-randomized designs reduce certainty. Further high-quality trials are warranted to strengthen evidence. No funding was received.</p>","PeriodicalId":51568,"journal":{"name":"Assistive Technology","volume":" ","pages":"108-134"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145245846","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Assistive TechnologyPub Date : 2026-01-01Epub Date: 2024-11-13DOI: 10.1080/10400435.2024.2423608
E Leung, E Li, M Primucci, T Edwards, D Houston, I C Levine, J L Campos, T Dutta, A C Novak
{"title":"Toward a better understanding of barriers to wayfinding technology use for people with disabilities.","authors":"E Leung, E Li, M Primucci, T Edwards, D Houston, I C Levine, J L Campos, T Dutta, A C Novak","doi":"10.1080/10400435.2024.2423608","DOIUrl":"10.1080/10400435.2024.2423608","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Wayfinding is the process of navigating from one's present location to their desired location. While wayfinding technologies are increasingly used by people with disabilities, there is little understanding of the barriers specific to wayfinding technology. The objective of this study was to understand the wayfinding technology barriers experienced by Canadians with disabilities. A total of 213 participants with varying disabilities (i.e. mobility, visual, hearing, memory and learning disabilities) completed a survey of open-ended questions about their personal experiences with different types of technologies. Technologies were categorized into public (i.e. digital and tactile interfaces) and personalized (i.e. mobile/website applications, wearable devices, smart assistive devices), and qualitative content analysis was used. Main themes were identified and either common across both groups (i.e. compatibility, demands on personal resources, information provision, interactability) or specific to one technology type (i.e. stigma, specific to personalized technology). Detailed subthemes provided greater specificity on the types of barriers encountered. For example, infection risk was noted as a barrier to public technology and high costs was a barrier for personalized technology. Results support the inclusion of wayfinding technology within accessibility standards and provide insights to clinicians on how to best support people with disabilities and their use of technology.</p>","PeriodicalId":51568,"journal":{"name":"Assistive Technology","volume":" ","pages":"201-208"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142632475","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Assistive technology in current occupational therapy practice.","authors":"Karen Dishman, Blair Carsone, Juliana Bell, Leslie J Hardman, Olivia Fulton","doi":"10.1080/10400435.2025.2555238","DOIUrl":"10.1080/10400435.2025.2555238","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Previous research found that occupational therapy practitioners desired more training in assistive technology. This study provides further evidence on which assistive technology categories should be included in the education of occupational therapists in the United States, based on the practice setting. Participants were recruited through snowball sampling and were included if they were certified occupational therapists practicing in the United States. A quantitative survey method was utilized, and 392 participant responses were captured through Likert-scale, multiple-choice, and ordinal ranking-scale questions. Of the 12 settings included in the study, eight practice settings reported that wheelchair seating and mobility were the most used assistive technology. Regarding the remaining four practice settings, occupational therapists working in early intervention with children aged 0-3 years reported using communication devices; outpatient hand therapy reported home modifications; mental health professionals reported using cognitive aids; and occupational therapists in the school setting reported using technology for learning disabilities. All participants reported that assistive technology is used \"sometimes\" to \"always,\" regardless of setting. The need for occupational therapists to have an established knowledge base in assistive technology is crucial. This study highlights the association between the practice setting and the use and frequency of assistive technology.</p>","PeriodicalId":51568,"journal":{"name":"Assistive Technology","volume":" ","pages":"11-16"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145024772","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Assistive TechnologyPub Date : 2026-01-01Epub Date: 2025-10-13DOI: 10.1080/10400435.2025.2566844
Thijs Waardenburg, Maurice Magnée, Jan Pieter Teunisse, Mascha van der Voort, Jelle van Dijk
{"title":"A closer look at the role of caregivers in Co-designing everyday technology for autistic young adults: A scoping review.","authors":"Thijs Waardenburg, Maurice Magnée, Jan Pieter Teunisse, Mascha van der Voort, Jelle van Dijk","doi":"10.1080/10400435.2025.2566844","DOIUrl":"10.1080/10400435.2025.2566844","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Assistive technologies designed through co-design hold promise for enhancing independence and quality of life for autistic people. By actively involving stakeholders in the development process, co-design improves the relevance of assistive technologies and empowers stakeholders by providing them with a greater sense of control. Although stakeholders are increasingly involved in co-design, the involvement of caregivers in the co-design of everyday technology, representing their own needs rather than solely representing autistic end-users, is limited, despite caregivers frequently interacting with these technologies. It is essential to incorporate their preferences and wishes into the design process. The purpose of this scoping review is to explore the role of caregivers in co-designing everyday technologies with autistic young adults, as reflected in the current literature. This research provides insights into the extent and way caregivers contribute to the co-design of everyday technologies. We systematically queried seven databases, which returned 863 records after removing duplicates. Guided by the PRISMA-ScR approach, we selected 28 studies. The findings indicate that caregivers are minimally involved in the co-design of everyday technologies. If they are involved at all, it is mainly as proxies for autistic people. Future research should involve caregivers as key stakeholders when co-designing everyday technology.</p>","PeriodicalId":51568,"journal":{"name":"Assistive Technology","volume":" ","pages":"135-146"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145281629","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}