Assistive TechnologyPub Date : 2025-01-02Epub Date: 2023-08-02DOI: 10.1080/10400435.2023.2238199
Hana Hanifah, Yuko Ito, Kaoru Inoue, Kumiko Kushiyama
{"title":"Occupation-focused wheelchair training interventions to support the activity participation of children with mobility limitations: A rapid review of literature.","authors":"Hana Hanifah, Yuko Ito, Kaoru Inoue, Kumiko Kushiyama","doi":"10.1080/10400435.2023.2238199","DOIUrl":"10.1080/10400435.2023.2238199","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>New types of wheelchairs are being introduced in the market to maximize opportunities for children to participate in meaningful occupations. However, interventions to support the inclusion of children with mobility limitations by using mobility support are desirable as these children continue to experience barriers to community and school participation, happiness, and inclusion. Little is known about the training programs and interventions designed to effectively integrate wheelchair use into the occupations of children with mobility limitations. This rapid review identified 10 studies addressing programs and interventions to equip children with mobility limitations with wheelchair-related skills and competencies. Three overarching themes, including (1) technology-mediated simulation, (2) custom-made wheelchairs, and (3) skills training and exercises, based on the type of intervention were identified. The development, safety, and playfulness of children with mobility limitations are crucial factors when providing wheelchair-related interventions.</p>","PeriodicalId":51568,"journal":{"name":"Assistive Technology","volume":" ","pages":"31-40"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-01-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"9973097","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":"The Wheelchair Use Confidence Scale (WheelCon): Arabic translation, adaptation, and validation.","authors":"Hassan Izzeddin Sarsak, Paula W Rushton","doi":"10.1080/10400435.2024.2436870","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/10400435.2024.2436870","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This study translated and culturally adapted the Wheelchair Use Confidence Scale for Manual Wheelchair Users (WheelCon-M) and the Wheelchair Use Confidence Scale for Power Wheelchair Users (WheelCon-P) into Arabic and examined their reliability and validity. Internal consistency and test-retest reliability were examined, and concurrent validity was evaluated using Pearson correlation coefficients with the Arabic versions of the Functioning Everyday with a Wheelchair (FEW) and the Functional Mobility Assessment (FMA). The Arabic translated versions of the WheelCon-M (WheelCon-M-A) and the WheelCon-P (WheelCon-P-A) were administered to 33 adult wheelchair users. Cronbach's α was 0.94 (<i>p</i> < 0.01) for the WheelCon-M-A and 0.95 (<i>p</i> < 0.01) for the WheelCon-P-A. The WheelCon-M-A and WheelCon-P-A were reliable with respect to test-retest with an ICC of 0.974 (<i>p</i> < 0.01) and 0.965 (<i>p</i> < 0.01), respectively. The Pearson correlation coefficient of the WheelCon-M-A scores was 0.776 with the FEW scores and 0.685 with the FMA scores (<i>p</i> < 0.01). The Pearson correlation coefficient of the WheelCon-P-A scores was 0.782 with the FEW scores and 0.654 with the FMA scores (<i>p</i> < 0.01). This study has provided preliminary evidence of new valid, reliable, and useful tools for healthcare professionals to help measure confidence with wheelchair use among Arab wheelchair users.</p>","PeriodicalId":51568,"journal":{"name":"Assistive Technology","volume":" ","pages":"1-6"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2024-12-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142840210","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}
Chorong Oh, Min Sook Park, Yura Lee, Jiyae Bong, Hyun Seung Lee
{"title":"Perceived usefulness of digital memory book among family caregivers of persons with dementia with and without communication deficits.","authors":"Chorong Oh, Min Sook Park, Yura Lee, Jiyae Bong, Hyun Seung Lee","doi":"10.1080/10400435.2024.2424944","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/10400435.2024.2424944","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The Memory Book approach to dementia care effectively fosters daily communication with individuals with dementia. With technological advancements, the traditional memory book intervention has evolved into digital forms. However, it remains unclear whether family caregivers (FCGs) perceive this transition as beneficial or not, especially when their loved ones with dementia demonstrate communicative deficits. To investigate the perceived usefulness of digital memory books, we conducted a survey using the Technology Acceptance Model in which 169 FCGs of individuals with dementia participated. The participants were categorized into two groups based on their observations of communicative deficits in their loved ones. We compared the perceived usefulness of digital memory books between these two groups using Welch's two-sample t-test. Additionally, we employed univariate general linear models to explore the communicative deficits underlying the participants' perceptions. Our findings revealed that FCGs dealing with communicative challenges in their loved ones found digital memory books to be more useful. Furthermore, 7 out of 11 communicative deficits assessed (e.g., anomia) significantly influenced FCGs' perception. The digital memory book intervention has the potential to improve both the quality and quantity of communication between FCGs and individuals with dementia alleviating caregiving burdens for FCGs.</p>","PeriodicalId":51568,"journal":{"name":"Assistive Technology","volume":" ","pages":"1-8"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2024-12-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142774130","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}
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":"https://doi.org/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":"1-8"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2024-11-13","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}
Heru Agus Santoso, Su-Cheng Haw, Nur Setiawati Dewi
{"title":"Enhancing accessibility: Development and usability testing of mobile application mitigating sexual harassment for visually impaired masseurs.","authors":"Heru Agus Santoso, Su-Cheng Haw, Nur Setiawati Dewi","doi":"10.1080/10400435.2024.2423605","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/10400435.2024.2423605","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This study aimed to assess the development and usability of the Visually Impaired Masseur Assistance Application (VIMAA) designed to respond to signs of danger or instances of sexual harassment experienced by Visually Impaired Masseurs (VIMs). It harmonizes Rapid Application Development (RAD) method and qualitative in-depth interviews. RAD was implemented with emphasis on four core stages: requirement identification, design workshop, construction, and implementation, while Qualitative in-depth interviews were conducted utilizing thematic analysis for usability testing. Functionality testing also verifies the effectiveness of VIMAA features while requesting help, notification, and feedback. Pre-test identified four themes, including traumatic experiences and the need for protection. Post-test revealed themes such as ease of requesting assistance and switching to speech mode. VIMs perceive that VIMAA as user-friendly, practical, and acceptable. The requesting help, notification, and feedback features also work well. This study presents the effectiveness of VIMAA in establishing a framework that is accessible by a diverse spectrum of VIMs. The insights derived from this research also furnish valuable perspectives on the preferences of users reliant on mobile applications designed for VIMs, thus providing significant impetus for future research and development endeavors in this domain.</p>","PeriodicalId":51568,"journal":{"name":"Assistive Technology","volume":" ","pages":"1-9"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2024-11-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142632470","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}
Hsiang-Han Huang, Yung-Tze Lee, Chen-Ling Lai, Min-Ching Lin
{"title":"On-time power mobility and physical activity in toddlers with motor delays: A randomized controlled trial using body-worn sensors.","authors":"Hsiang-Han Huang, Yung-Tze Lee, Chen-Ling Lai, Min-Ching Lin","doi":"10.1080/10400435.2024.2423606","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/10400435.2024.2423606","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This study conducted a secondary analysis to objectively measure the effects of modified ride-on cars (MROCs) training in different postures on physical activity (PA) levels in children with motor delays. Data from 39 participants were analyzed in a randomized controlled trial. The participants included those using MROC in standing postures (<i>n</i> = 11, mean age = 22.87 months), MROC in sitting postures (<i>n</i> = 16, mean age = 19.53 months), and a control group that received conventional therapy (<i>n</i> = 12, mean age = 23.30 months). PA intensity was measured using an ActiGraph GT3X on the participants' wrists and right hip at weeks 1, 6, and 12 of the 12-week intervention period. This trial was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT02527356). The demographic data were similar across the groups. No significant differences were found in the interaction, group, or time effects for any of the positions (<i>p</i> > 0.05). The PA levels were consistent in at least light PA intensity range. MROC training may yield PA levels comparable to those of conventional therapy. Variations in activity and motor impairment severity could affect outcomes. Future studies should investigate factors such as task characteristics, motor delay severity, PA cutoff points, and training dosage that may influence PA intensity.</p>","PeriodicalId":51568,"journal":{"name":"Assistive Technology","volume":" ","pages":"1-9"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2024-11-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142606976","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":"Development and preliminary evaluation of a grid design application for adults and children using scanning and bci-based augmentative and alternative communication.","authors":"Kevin M Pitt","doi":"10.1080/10400435.2024.2415368","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/10400435.2024.2415368","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) supports offer communication aids for individuals with severe speech and physical impairments. This study presents the development and proof of concept for an iPad application designed to evaluate the design preferences of both adults and children for AAC scanning and emerging P300-brain-computer interface access to AAC (BCI-AAC), both of which utilize item highlighting. Developed through a multidisciplinary and iterative process, the application incorporates customizable highlighting methods and display options for spelling-based and pictorial symbol interfaces. Initial testing involved five participants, including two adults with physical impairments and three children without physical impairments. Participants created unique interface displays using picture overlays, motion, and other highlighting methods. Feedback indicated strong usability and enjoyment during application use. Recommendations included expanded sound options and pre-made templates. This study demonstrates preliminary proof of concept for the application and supports the need for further research to explore user preferences and optimize communication outcomes across various AAC modalities. While BCI-AAC technology remains in its early stages, its integration into this application helps promote user-centered BCI-AAC development.</p>","PeriodicalId":51568,"journal":{"name":"Assistive Technology","volume":" ","pages":"1-8"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2024-10-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142548855","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}
Rosalvo Ferreira de Oliveira Neto, Larissa Almeida Rocha, Milton Pereira de Carvalho Filho, Ricardo Argenton Ramos
{"title":"Addressing visual impairments: Essential software requirements for image caption solutions.","authors":"Rosalvo Ferreira de Oliveira Neto, Larissa Almeida Rocha, Milton Pereira de Carvalho Filho, Ricardo Argenton Ramos","doi":"10.1080/10400435.2024.2413650","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/10400435.2024.2413650","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Visually impaired individuals actively utilize devices like computers, tablets, and smartphones, due to advancements in screen reader technologies. Integrating freely available deep learning models, image captioning can further enhance these readers, providing an affordable assistive tech solution. This research outlines the critical software requirements necessary for image captioning tools to effectively serve this demographic. Two qualitative investigations were conducted to determine these requirements. An online survey was first conducted to identify the main preferences of visually impaired users in relation to audio descriptive software, with findings visualized using word clouds. A subsequent study evaluated the proficiency of existing deep learning captioning models in addressing these stipulated requirements. Emphasizing the need for comprehensive image data, the results highlighted three primary areas: 1) characteristics of individuals, 2) color specifics of objects, and 3) the overall context of images. The research indicates that current captioning tools are not entirely effective for the visually impaired. Based on the delineated requirements and suggested future research paths, there is potential for the development of improved image captioning systems, advancing digital accessibility for the visually impaired.</p>","PeriodicalId":51568,"journal":{"name":"Assistive Technology","volume":" ","pages":"1-16"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2024-10-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142548854","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":"Technology-assisted instruction with teacher prompts on fraction multiplication word problems: A single-case design with visual analysis and Bayesian multilevel modeling.","authors":"Mikyung Shin, Jiyeon Park","doi":"10.1080/10400435.2024.2415366","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/10400435.2024.2415366","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This study examines the effects of technology-assisted instruction with teacher prompts on the ability to visualize and solve fraction multiplication word problems for four middle school students with learning disabilities. A multiple-probe design across participants, a type of single-case design, showed a functional relationship between the intervention and the targeted mathematical outcomes. Although there were some fluctuations over time, students demonstrated improvements from the baseline to intervention phases (Tau ranged from 0.76 to 1.00 for visualization and was 1.00 for problem-solving). Researchers employed Bayesian cumulative link mixed effects models to examine the moderating effects of word problem question types. Students showed greater maintenance effects on problem-solving than on visualization tasks, as reflected in changes in level (logit coefficient = 2.6) and trend (logit coefficient = 0.22). Students and teachers perceived vocabulary and multiplication fact practices, as well as the cognitive and metacognitive features embedded in the technology-assisted intervention, to be useful in learning targeted mathematics concepts. This study underscores the role of technology integration in enhancing teachers' instructional approach and in aiding students' acquisition and retention of mathematical concepts and skills.</p>","PeriodicalId":51568,"journal":{"name":"Assistive Technology","volume":" ","pages":"1-11"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2024-10-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142523580","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":"Program evaluation and healthcare process improvement focused on complex wheelchair procurement.","authors":"Sally Taylor, Grace Hoo, David Brewington","doi":"10.1080/10400435.2024.2413649","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/10400435.2024.2413649","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The operations of a specialty wheelchair (WC) seating center can influence the evaluation to delivery timeframe in days for a complex rehab technology (CRT) WC. Operations at one facility improved due to departmental process improvement (PI) project with evaluation of the delivery workflow and implementation of changes. A retrospective chart audit gathered baseline data on the evaluation to delivery timeframe in days of a CRT WC for 50 individuals prior to PI changes. Standard departmental workflow collected 745 individuals' post-PI changes. The interventions took place from March 25, 2017, to April 5, 2018, and included defining and educating stakeholders on their roles and expectations, revisions of the electronic medical record, weekly and quarterly meetings with supplier leadership, paperwork completion goals, and follow-up paperwork centralization. Mean pre- and post-intervention evaluation to delivery timeframes in days was significantly different (162.2 versus 127.4 days, <i>p</i> < 0.0001). Overall, a reduction in the mean evaluation to delivery timeframe in days of CRT WC by 21.5% or 34.8 days occurred. Systematic change takes time as well as the commitment of all key players. PI changes resulted in evaluation to delivery timeframe reduction for patients to receive their CRT WCs.</p>","PeriodicalId":51568,"journal":{"name":"Assistive Technology","volume":" ","pages":"1-9"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2024-10-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142512710","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}