 | The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA |
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| The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA |
Robin H. Pugh Yi, PhD, Elizabeth Tewey, MA, Shelia Newman, MA, and Bonnie O'Day, PhD. Research and Evaluation, Cherry Engineering Support Services, Inc., 6858 Old Dominion Dr., Ste. 250, McLean, VA 22101, (703)448-6155, rpughyi@cessi.net
Persons with visual, auditory, ambulatory, or cognitive disabilities participated in four focus groups and a web site survey to determine: 1) how frequently these groups use assistive technologies, 2) how assistive technologies are used, 3) how technologies can be improved to better suit consumer needs, and 4) what new technological developments could increase consumer independence. A total of 27 people participated in focus groups; while 741 people completed the web-based survey. Study participants were asked seven open-ended questions regarding their use of and need for assistive technology as well as how technology could be improved to help them function more independently. Content analysis and descriptive statistics were used to analyze data. Results were obtained across groups and according to type of disability as well as according to other demographic variables such as age, sex, and employment status. All groups reported that cost was a potential barrier to obtaining technology. Effective, inexpensive, timely training on using technology was also a priority across groups. Each disability group discussed issues and suggestions specific to their needs. For example, hearing impaired persons frequently mentioned that mandatory television captions for emergency warnings would be helpful. Vision impaired participants mentioned that they would be more independent if they had access to audio instructions for computers and other sophisticated devices. Learning objectives are: 1) obtaining information on the usefulness of currently available assistive technology from various consumer perspectives; and 2) hearing suggestions on how technology can be improved to further increase consumers’ independence.
Learning Objectives:
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.