A. H. Quamar1, D. M. Collins2, M. Schmeler3
1University of Arkansas at Little Rock, 2University of Texas Medical Branch
3University of Pittsburgh
Introduction
Assistive technology (AT) professionals prefer solutions for consumer problems to be commercially available devices that have universal appeal and are typically less expensive than those devices specifically designed for Persons with Disabilities (PWD);[1]. Thus, using Information Communication Technology (ICT), such as mobile technology devices and the internet of things, is appealing to meet every day functional needs of PWD. Both able-bodied and PWD have adopted computers, laptops, apps, smartphones, smart speakers, and the internet as convenient ways to participate in banking, navigating to new places, restaurant reservation making and communicating with one another [2]. Curious as to how PWD use of ICT differs from people without disabilities, we sought to determine what are common functional tasks that all individuals with or without disabilities use ICT to complete. We set out to understand which domains of daily functioning these internet-connected devices have impacted. As a result, we conducted an exploratory literature review identifying the common domains of functional tasks that people complete using electronic assistive devices (EADs). For this study, EADs refers to any ICT or electronic device or software such as smartphone, laptops, the internet, or apps, that assist with promoting, maintaining, or enhancing the ability of PWD to live independently in society or improve the quality of their lives.
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