Search results for ‘Subject term:"physical disabilities"’ Sort:
Results 1 - 3 of 3
Assistive devices in context: cross-sectional association between challenges in the home environment and use of assistive devices for mobility
- Authors:
- SEPLAKI Christopher L., et al
- Journal article citation:
- Gerontologist, 54(4), 2014, pp.651-660.
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
Purpose: This study estimates the cross-sectional association between physical and social challenge in the home environment and use of assistive devices (AD) for mobility in the home, controlling for lower extremity physical performance (short physical performance battery [SPPB]) and other factors. Design and Methods: Data are from the Women’s Health and Aging Study I, a prospective study of the factors related to physical disability in a sample of moderately to severely disabled older women. The study describes these associations in the baseline sample overall and also within subsets who do and do not have both a baseline and a 3-year follow-up observation. Results: On average, physical challenge in the home environment is inversely associated with level of AD use in the overall sample, independent of SPPB, living alone, and other factors. No significant association was found between social challenge and the level of AD use in the overall sample. Findings by follow-up responder status were similar (with minor variability). Implications: Future cohorts who are better educated and more receptive to technology may confront challenges in the home environment that limit their ability to age in place. Findings suggest that the physical challenges of the home are significantly related to AD use. Future analyses that explore the mechanisms of the home environment as a source of challenges to independent functioning could help in the design of future interventions for these cohorts as they age. (Edited publisher abstract)
Decisions about equipment and adaptations used for bathing and showering
- Author:
- McLAGGAN Joy
- Journal article citation:
- Research Policy and Planning, 31(2), 2014/15, pp.143-160.
- Publisher:
- Social Services Research Group
Bathing and showering equipment and adaptations are commonly prescribed by Occupational Therapists in Adult Services. Despite this very little is known about what affects whether or not these items are used by individuals. With demands increasing it is essential that the experiences, preferences and needs of users are better understood in order that the equipment and adaptations provided are fully utilised and the need of the user met in a client-centred approach. This article details the research ‘Equipment and adaptations used for bathing and showering: views of individuals on their use’ (McLaggan, 2011) which examined: What equipment and/or adaptations do people use for bathing and showering?; Do people utilise all the equipment and/or adaptations they possess?; What affects whether or not people use equipment and/or adaptations? The article will consider the findings from this research in relation to existing research in this field. (Publisher abstract)
Accessibility of Apple iPad for partially sighted users: pilot study
- Authors:
- HEWETT Rachel, TORGERSON Carole E., DOUGLAS Graeme
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Assistive Technologies, 8(1), 2014, pp.2-13.
- Publisher:
- Emerald
Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to present the results of a pilot trial, investigating the accessibility provided by a tablet computer (Apple iPad) to individuals with visual impairment. The study was designed around an N-of-1 randomised controlled trial (RCT), which was replicated for 12 participants. It served as an opportunity to evaluate the use N-of-1 trials in studies involving people who are visually impaired. Design/methodology/approach: The study centred round an N-of-1 RCT, comparing the accessibility provided by control equipment (Windows computer) against the intervention equipment (Apple iPad). Twelve participants conducted six tests on the equipment as per randomisation, followed by a quantitative-based evaluation and short interviews. Findings: One-sided individual randomisation tests showed a significant result for overall satisfaction in favour of the tablet at the 0.05 significance level for seven of the participants. Participants identified several strengths of the iPad in helping a partially sighted user in accessing the internet: inbuilt zoom and magnification options; increased control as a result of the touch screen; and accessibility tools being built into the operating system. The main limitation suggested was the way the zoom function operates by enlarging the onscreen keyboard. This caused difficulties for those with more severe visual impairments using this function in inputting text. Originality/value: There has been limited research to substantiate positive reviews of the tablet computer for low-vision users. The results of this pilot study gives evidence in support of these potential benefits, and demonstrates the importance of a more thorough investigation.