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A Framework for a New Approach to Empower Users Through Low-Cost and Do-It-Yourself Assistive Technology

Author

Listed:
  • Thais Pousada García

    (CITIC, TALIONIS Research Group, Universidade da Coruña, 15071 A Coruña, Spain)

  • Jessica Garabal-Barbeira

    (AGAELA (Galician Association of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis), 15670 A Coruña, Spain)

  • Patricia Porto Trillo

    (COGAMI (Galician Confederation of People with Disabilities), 15704 Santiago de Compostela, Spain)

  • Olalla Vilar Figueira

    (COGAMI (Galician Confederation of People with Disabilities), 15704 Santiago de Compostela, Spain)

  • Cristina Novo Díaz

    (COGAMI (Galician Confederation of People with Disabilities), 15704 Santiago de Compostela, Spain)

  • Javier Pereira Loureiro

    (CITIC, TALIONIS Research Group, Universidade da Coruña, 15071 A Coruña, Spain)

Abstract

Background: Assistive Technology (AT) refers to “assistive products and related systems and services developed for people to maintain or improve functioning and thereby to promote well-being”. Improving the process of design and creation of assistive products is an important step towards strengthening AT provision. Purpose: (1) to present a framework for designing and creating Low-Cost AT; (2) to display the preliminary results and evidence derived from applying the framework. Methodology: First, an evidence-based process was applied to develop and conceptualize the framework. Then, a pilot project to validate the framework was carried out. The sample was formed by 11 people with disabilities. The measure instruments were specific questionnaire, several forms of the Matching Person-Technology model, the Psychosocial Impact of Assistive Device Scale, and a tool to assess the usability and universal design of AT. Results: The framework integrates three phases: Identification (Design), Creation (Making the prototype), and Implementation (Outcome Measures), based on the principles of Design Thinking, and with a user-centered perspective. The preliminary results showed the coherence of the entire process and its applicability. The matching between person and device was high, representing the importance of involving the user in the design and selection of AT. Conclusions: The framework is a guide for professionals and users to apply a Low-Cost and Do-It-Yourself perspective to the provision of AT. It highlights the importance of monitoring the entire procedure and measuring the effects, by applying the outcome measures.

Suggested Citation

  • Thais Pousada García & Jessica Garabal-Barbeira & Patricia Porto Trillo & Olalla Vilar Figueira & Cristina Novo Díaz & Javier Pereira Loureiro, 2021. "A Framework for a New Approach to Empower Users Through Low-Cost and Do-It-Yourself Assistive Technology," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(6), pages 1-18, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:18:y:2021:i:6:p:3039-:d:517712
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Thais Pousada & Jessica Garabal-Barbeira & Cristina Martínez & Betania Groba & Laura Nieto-Riveiro & Javier Pereira, 2021. "How Loan Bank of Assistive Technology Impacts on Life of Persons with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Neuromuscular Diseases: A Collaborative Initiative," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(2), pages 1-14, January.
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    Cited by:

    1. Javier Esclapés & Almudena Gómez & Ana Ibañez, 2021. "Flow. A Socially Responsible 3D Printed One-Handed Recorder," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(22), pages 1-17, November.
    2. Joao Guerreiro & Estíbaliz Jiménez-Arberas & Patricia Porto Trillo & Olalla Vilar Figueira & Pedro Saénz-López Buñuel & Sandra Pais & José Tierra Orta & Thais Pousada García, 2022. "Cross-Cultural Validation of Quebec User Satisfaction with Assistive Technology 2.0 for Spanish Population (QUEST-2.0 ES)," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(15), pages 1-11, July.
    3. Sara Vannelli & Filippo Visintin & Clio Dosi & Laura Fiorini & Erika Rovini & Filippo Cavallo, 2024. "A Framework for the Human-Centered Design of Service Processes Enabled by Medical Devices: A Case Study of Wearable Devices for Parkinson’s Disease," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 21(10), pages 1-30, October.

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