Inclusive rehabilitation and assistive technologies development: An exploration of considerations, principles, and stakeholder engagement

Journal of Rehabilitation and Assistive Technologies Engineering, 2024 · DOI: 10.1177/20556683241286517 · Published: January 1, 2024

Assistive Technology Accessibility Rehabilitation

Simple Explanation

Rehabilitation and assistive technologies are increasingly important for people with disabilities. However, end-users are often excluded from the development process, leading to unmet needs and abandonment of devices. It's crucial to include end-user stakeholders throughout the entire process. Traditional A-T development has focused on the medical model with a clinician identified as the expert; however PWD using these devices everyday will quickly surpass their knowledge level of use. The definition of 'end-user' should be broadened to include not only people with disabilities, but also family members, personal care attendants, providers, distributors, and funders.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

Not specified

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
Excluding end-users leads to problems such as device abandonment, additional expenses, lack of maintenance options, and ethical implications.
2
Co-development principles, focusing on usability, adoptability, desirability, accessibility, affordability, and adjustability, are essential for addressing core end-user needs.
3
Gaps in Rehab & A-T development become apparent with the exclusion of stakeholder engagement.

Research Summary

The article emphasizes the importance of including end-users in the development of rehabilitation and assistive technologies (Rehab & A-T) to ensure that these technologies effectively meet their needs. Co-development principles, which consider usability, adoptability, desirability, accessibility, affordability, and adjustability, are highlighted as a way to address the limitations of traditional A-T development processes. The piece identifies gaps in the Rehab & A-T development process, such as the lack of standards for multi-stakeholder involvement and the absence of Universal Design principles, and suggests opportunities for fostering stakeholder engagement.

Practical Implications

Inclusive Design Practices

Developers and providers should adopt inclusive design practices that actively involve end-users in all stages of A-T development, from initial design to testing and maintenance.

Stakeholder Engagement

Funding organizations and regulatory bodies should promote and require multi-stakeholder involvement in A-T projects to ensure transparency and accessibility.

Co-Development Frameworks

Implement and evolve practical frameworks and toolkits for co-development, incorporating lessons learned and addressing challenges such as building organizational structures and measuring performance.

Study Limitations

1
The authors acknowledge that their experiences are primarily restricted to those living with mobility impairments in the United States.
2
The article may not fully address the nuances of specific disability types or cultural contexts beyond the authors' experiences.
3
Challenges in implementing co-development principles, such as overcoming bureaucracy and applying fair compensation, may limit the applicability of the proposed solutions.

Your Feedback

Was this summary helpful?

Back to Assistive Technology