Technology for disabilities. Interview by Ron Davis.
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ABSTRACT:
SUBMITTER: Cooper R
PROVIDER: S-EPMC1129068 | biostudies-literature | 1999 Nov
REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature
Publications
Technology for disabilities. Interview by Ron Davis.
BMJ (Clinical research ed.) 19991101 7220
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Project description: Not available
| S-EPMC1129081 | biostudies-literature
Project description:BackgroundDigital technologies such as virtual reality (VR), humanoid robots, and digital companion pets have the potential to provide social and emotional enrichment for people living in aged care. However, there is currently limited knowledge about how technologies are being used to provide enrichment, what benefits they provide, and what challenges arise when deploying these technologies in aged care settings.ObjectiveThis study aims to investigate how digital technologies are being used for social and emotional enrichment in the Australian aged care industry and identify the benefits and challenges of using technology for enrichment in aged care.MethodsA web-based survey (N=20) was distributed among people working in the Australian aged care sector. The survey collected information about the types of technologies being deployed and their perceived value. The survey was followed by semistructured interviews (N=12) with aged care workers and technology developers to investigate their experiences of deploying technologies with older adults living in aged care. Survey data were analyzed using summary descriptive statistics and categorizing open-ended text responses. Interview data were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis.ResultsThe survey revealed that a range of commercial technologies, such as VR, tablet devices, and mobile phones, are being used in aged care to support social activities and provide entertainment. Respondents had differing views about the value of emerging technologies, such as VR, social robots, and robot pets, but were more united in their views about the value of videoconferencing. Interviews revealed 4 types of technology-mediated enrichment experiences: enhancing social engagement, virtually leaving the care home, reconnecting with personal interests, and providing entertainment and distraction. Our analysis identified 5 barriers: resource constraints, the need to select appropriate devices and apps, client challenges, limited staff and organizational support, and family resistance.ConclusionsThis study demonstrates that technologies can be used in aged care to create personally meaningful enrichment experiences for aged care clients. To maximize the effectiveness of technology-mediated enrichment, we argue that a person-centered care approach is crucial. Although enrichment experiences can be created using available technologies, they must be carefully selected and co-deployed with aged care clients. However, significant changes may be required within organizations to allow caregivers to facilitate individual technology-based activities for enrichment.
| S-EPMC9044160 | biostudies-literature
Project description:BackgroundThe impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on people with disabilities has been described as a 'triple jeopardy'. Not only have they experienced the negative social impacts of disease control measures, but access to required health services has been affected, and, not least, they are at increased risk of severe outcomes from COVID-19. This study aimed to determine how children with disabilities have experienced the pandemic in Sweden and its impact on their lives.MethodsSix children (5-13 years) were interviewed via video conferencing. An interview guide was adapted based on the children's communicative abilities and included augmentative and alternative communication support. Reflective field notes were included in the analysis. The data were analysed using qualitative content analysis.ResultsTwo themes were identified: The child's knowledge of Corona raises anxiety and fear; and Boring Corona makes the child even lonelier. The children had knowledge about and were worried about COVID-19, primarily about illness and death of their grandparents. The children longed for their grandparents and other social contacts at school, and life was described as boring and lonely. Many families lacked adequate tools to communicate with their children about the pandemic.ConclusionGiven adequate support, children with disabilities and communication difficulties can give insights to their unique life situations. The interviewed children reported significant impact on their life and school life. Children were worried about their grandparents based on their knowledge about the virus. The enthusiasm with which the children engaged in the interviews is testament to the need and right of all children, regardless of communicative competence, to voice their experiences.
| S-EPMC8983410 | biostudies-literature
Project description:We aimed to identify activity limitations and participation restrictions encountered by children and youth with disabilities for which assistive products and technology could be helpful. We used a convergent, parallel, mixed-methods design involving a nationwide, French survey composed of closed questions (quantitative) and open questions (qualitative) that enlightened the quantitative data. A total of 1055 responses were received, and 962 included: 92 from children and youth with disabilities, 493 from relatives and 377 from professionals. Difficulties frequently checked and described in detail were participation in recreational activities, leaving the house and traveling, participating in a group, and getting ready. Transversal explanations for difficulties were spontaneously provided (e.g., lack of accessibility and mobility). Solutions proposed included personal assistive devices to facilitate home life, high-tech devices, devices to compensate for impaired body functions, and adaptation of the familiar environment and daily activities. Few public solutions were proposed. The necessity of human assistance was emphasized. The mixed-methods design and involvement of different stakeholders identified common, macroscopic trends in difficulties encountered and desired solutions. Products and technology are required in the following domains: the familiar environment, accessibility and mobility, sports and leisure, high-technology, and family support. We provide suggestions to facilitate the development of innovative solutions.
| S-EPMC9915405 | biostudies-literature
Project description:Responses of Escherichia coli as they are treated to Gamma radiation in Davis medium Keywords: time course
2006-03-08 | GSE4377 | GEO
Project description:OBJECTIVES:The aim of this study was to explore the barriers to accessing cancer services faced by adults with pre-existing physical disabilities. DESIGN:Cross-sectional, exploratory qualitative study. Data were collected by semistructured interviews and analysed thematically. SETTING:Participants were recruited through statutory and third sector organisations in England and Wales between October 2017 and October 2018. PARTICIPANTS:18 people with a diagnosis of cancer and a pre-existing physical disability. RESULTS:The findings illustrate that people with physical disabilities in England and Wales face a variety of barriers to accessing cancer services. The overall theme that emerged was that participants experienced a lack of attitudinal and institutional preparation both from healthcare professionals and healthcare facilities. This overall theme is illustrated through three subthemes: lack of acknowledgment of disability, unseeing disability and physical inaccessibility. CONCLUSIONS:As the population ages and increasing numbers of people live with cancer and disability, it is important to develop knowledge to respond to the needs of this population. The mere existence of services does not guarantee their usability. Services need to be relevant, flexible, and accessible and offered in a respectful manner. It is important that healthcare professionals work towards inclusive healthcare provision, enabling the utilisation of services by all. Necessary steps to be taken include better communication between the various professionals and across the different teams involved in patients' care, raising awareness of how physical disability can affect or interact with cancer-related treatment and creating more accessible physical environments.
| S-EPMC6597631 | biostudies-literature
Project description:This paper aims to address the information gap on the influence of socio-demographic factors on access and utilization of Assistive Technology (AT) among children with disabilities in Malawi. Thus, it contributes towards the realization of the recommendations of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with disabilities and the development of a framework for creating an effective national AT policy. The paper used two statistically matched datasets, namely, the 2017 survey on Living conditions among persons with disabilities in Malawi and the 2015-16 Malawi Demographic and Health survey. Logistic regression and structural equation modeling techniques were utilized to assess the influence of socio-demographic factors on the use of AT among children with disabilities. The results indicate that there is a high level of unmet need for AT among young children aged 2 to 9 and those living in urban areas. The results further indicate that children with multiple disabilities have lower odds (OR = 0.924) of using AT for personal mobility compared to children with a single functional difficulty. These results entail that AT needs for children with multiple disabilities are not adequately addressed. Therefore, when developing policies on AT, younger children and those with multiple disabilities need to be specifically targeted.
| S-EPMC8002356 | biostudies-literature
Project description:The current paper explores the relationship between technological knowledge, beliefs about technology use in education, beliefs about the limits of technology use with respect to children with disabilities, self-efficacy beliefs, and their effects on technology use or teacher practices in the special education setting regarding mathematics education. Research was conducted via an online questionnaire. A total of 83 teachers working in the field of special education answered the questionnaire. The answers were analyzed via quantitative and qualitative analyses. In addition, correlational analyses were conducted. A prediction model that included all the aforementioned variables was tested. Our regression analysis evidenced the strong predictive value of technology-related knowledge with respect to technology integration practices but not toward the other models that included beliefs. Through mediation analysis, we found that technology-related knowledge mediates the relationship between self-efficacy and technology integration practices. The qualitative findings provided information on the interplay between knowledge, practice, and beliefs that are contextualized; on the specificity of technology-related knowledge. Implications are discussed with reference to factors important for the professional development of teachers with regard to technology integration.
| S-EPMC10296979 | biostudies-literature