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

[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.This research had the support for its publication by National Program of R + D+i oriented to the Challenges of Society 2019 (coordinated research) Grant number: PID2019-104323RB-C33. Ministry of science and innovation. The APC was funded by CITIC as a Research Center of the Galician University System is financed by the Consellería de Education, Universidades y Formación Profesional (Xunta de Galicia) through the ERDF (80%), Operational Program ERDF Galicia 2014–2020 and the remaining 20% by the Secretaria Xeral de Universidades (Ref. ED431G 2019/01)Xunta de Galicia; ED431G 2019/0

Cross-Cultural Validation of Quebec User Satisfaction with Assistive Technology 2.0 for Spanish Population (QUEST-2.0 ES)

[Abstract] Background: Assistive technologies (ATs) are resources to promote the independence and participation of people with a disability. The use of standardized tools, based on outcome measures, is essential for guaranteeing high-quality rates. The Quebec User Evaluation of Satisfaction with AT-2.0 (QUEST) is a scale to assess the satisfaction of people using any AT. Objectives: To translate and culturally validate the QUEST-2.0 for the Spanish population (QUEST 2.0-ES). Methods: A validation cross-design and descriptive study. The test-retest reliability, validity, and internal consistency of QUEST 2.0-ES were studied. It was divided into two phases: Sample 1 was formed by 26 persons; in sample 2, 30 persons participated. The conditions included neurological conditions, amputations, rare diseases, and deafness. Results: Thirty-five men and 21 women participated in total. The majority of AT used were those for mobility. QUEST 2.0-ES analysis showed internal consistency values between the test (α = 0.87) and retest versions (α = 0.89). The internal consistency was high for AT (test, α = 0.83; retest, α = 0.87) and Service (test, α = 0.80; retest, α = 0.80). The temporal reliability (1-2 weeks) for test-retest was 0.88. Conclusion: QUEST 2.0-ES showed good psychometric properties in terms of validity and test-retest reliability, and it is a good tool to assess the user's satisfaction with ATs and services.Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación (España); PID2019-104323RB-C3