Through funding support provided by Telstra Australia we have been undertaking research into the efficacy of mainstream devices such as iPads as assistive technologies over the last few months. The aim of the research is to provide empirical evidence of the impact of the use of such mainstream technologies on the attainment of the participation goals of 10 adults with varying physical disabilities and communication needs.
The methodology employed has involved a mixed-methods approach incorporating: 1) evaluation of the participants’ use of the devices over a 12 month period (such as frequency of use, their choice of software applications and their interactions with others using the devices); 2) pre and post intervention measurements using the Canadian Occupational Performance Measurement (COPM) instrument designed to detect changes in self-perceived occupational performance over time (Law et al, 2000) and goal attainment scaling (Kiresuk, Smith & Cardillo, 1994) in which each participant determines their own goals for the use of the iPads; and 3) analysis of social interactions facilitated through the use of the iPads as AAC devices using the Circle of Communication Partners Paradigm (Blackstone & Hunt Berg, 2003).
We presented interim findings to Department of Communities and Social Inclusion therapists on the 13th December and will be presenting the findings at the AGOSCI conference in May 2013.
The study contributes to the growing evidence-base exploring the potential of mainstream mobile devices such as iPads as assistive technologies and identifies both the benefits and challenges in adapting these technologies for use by people with physical disabilities and complex communication needs.
I’ve been reading a lot about the potential of iPads as assistive devices but I wonder, are researchers giving Apple way too much publicity? iPads are expensive gadgets, and there are other tablets in the market that are cheaper. I would like to know if they can also be used as assistive devices because not everyone can afford an iPad. Is there much difference between an Android-powered tablet and an iPad?
Hi Nataligv
You raise some interesting issues that are also quite close to my heart given the work I am undertaking in socially disadvantaged areas of South Africa where iPhones and iPads are indeed luxuries.
I have been watching the emergence of increasingly affordable smart phones and tablets for some time and it is exciting to see the competition is contributing to the affordability of many of the Android devices and now too Widows 8 tablets. I am quite sure that we will see more research citing the use of these alternative lower cost devices in time. Apple was a game changer with the introduction of accessibility features in IOS devices, so it is not surprising that early developers focused their attention on developing apps for iDevices – but that is already changing – for example Therapy Box (an assistive software company in the UK) is now modifying much of their software to provide Android alternatives.
While our research has been trialling iPads as assistive technologies, that is largely because at the time we began the research, the apps we needed were only available on IOS ad also we were fortunate in having Telstra sponsor the research and provide the iPads for our participants. However, our focus is not really on any one platform – the outcomes of our research are designed to be applicable to any mainstream mobile technology and will hopefully encourage other developers to do more in this space across all platforms.
We have recently submitted a paper on the initial findings of our trials to the Telecommunications Journal of Australia. If the paper is accepted we will link to it from this blog.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts – I can only agree with everything your raise here – but also would stress times are changing and competition is a good thing when it comes to affordability of these technologies.
Best wishes
Denise
Thanks for your kind reply, Denise. Perhaps you’ll be interested in checking out our website: http://www.amovil.es/en We’re non profit organization based in Spain dedicated to helping people with special needs identify mobile devices compatible with assistive technologies that would best suit their needs and preferences. Any feedback is welcome.
Thanks for sharing your site – a very impressive and inspirational project. Are you primarily focusing on the one country or is your reach intended to be global?
Have you thought about also building up an evidence base of academic research (journal and conference papers) demonstrating the value and application of these mobile technologies? Might attract a broader population of researchers and developers perhaps?
Cheers
Denise