Publications
Evidence about aids and equipment (assistive technology) can be found in a variety of books and journals from disability, medical, social science, health economic and rehabilitation literature.
These articles cannot be reproduced here for reasons of copyright, however AEAA members are collating an annotated bibliography of useful titles to inform people about key references and their findings.
Articles can be purchased from the parent journal, or if you are a member of an organisation such as a health network or university, your workplace may provide access to a library to obtain articles free of charge.
As a member of the public, free library access is provided by the Yooralla Society of Victoria, an AEAA member. To obtain an article or other information from the Yooralla library, note down the full citation/ reference listed for the article you require and contact:
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Yooralla Library and Information Service 705 Princes Highway (formerly Geelong Road) Brooklyn Phone: (03) 9362 6143 |
AEAA presentations at the 2010 ARATA conference
Click here to download the report.
Launch of the AEAA Policy Statement 2011-2013
The following Policy Statement launch will be at the AEAA General Members Meeting in March, and is the accumulation of a lot of input from members for which we are extremely grateful. Special thanks to Michael Summers who has been responsible for this document. The purpose of this policy statement is to provide a focus to agreed priority areas regarding issues of access to Aids and Equipment, and all members are encouraged to distribute this document broadly to your networks, local members and those with an opportunity to influence policy in this area over the next 2 years. Hard copies of the document are available so please contact the AEAA if you require them.
AEAA Policy Statement
Government Media Access Report
The Australian government has released its 'Investigation into access to electronic media for the hearing and vision impaired' report which can be accessed here.
Equipping Inclusion Studies
The Equipping Inclusion Studies are the result of a two year research project funded by the William Buckland Foundation. The 200 page report contains new evidence as to needs, cost burden, and the impact of existing aids and equipment programs, for people living with a disability in Victoria.
The research report by Deakin University, launched 13 October 2010 at the Melbourne Town Hall, is in two formats: a short summary report Key Findings and Policy Implications , and the Full Report . A Press Release is also available.
For more information on this research the Report’s authors can be contacted through the AEAA at info@aeaa.org.au, or Natasha Layton, Associate Researcher, at nlay@deakin.edu.au
Unmet need for therapy and equipment in Australia
The report summarises the literature about whether therapy 'makes a difference', investigates the nature and extent of met, partially met and unmet need for therapies and equipment, and estimates the effects of provision in terms of functioning, participation, and reduced social costs.
Reference: AIHW. (2006). Therapy and equipment needs of people with cerebral palsy and like disabilities in Australia. Canberra: Australian Institute of Health and Welfare.
"Powered mobility liberated me..."
This exchange between two medical practitioners, one with a disability, occurs in the reputable American Journal of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitiation. It demonstrates the significance of equipment (assistive technology) as a means of improving people's lives, and captures two standpoints, namely that of the treating physician and the AT user.
References: (2002). Letters to the Editor: Lee Kirby, R. Where does AT fit in ICIDH-2; Stineman, M. AT outcomes: commodity or therapy? American Journal of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 81 (8), 636-637
'Equipping Inclusion' Paper
This four page document was the basis for discussions at the inaugural Equipping Inclusion Forum in 2006. It contains information on equipment funding options internationally, and the final page lists policy options for consideration. The Aids and Equipment Alliance grew out of the Equipping Inclusion Forum, and this document represents our starting point.
AT devices are environmental resources that reduce disability by influencing the extent and nature of children's activities and participation in everyday life
Reference: Ryan, S., & Campbell, K. (2009). Evaluation of a parent-report diary of the home use of assistive devices by young children with cerebral palsy. Disability and Rehabilitation: Assistive Technology, 4(3), 189-197.
Assistive technology and universal design can work together
'If a curb-cut already exists, all people, whether in wheelchairs or not, can use the sloped access to a sidewalk and a special ramp is not needed. If 'alt text' verbally describes visual items within a computer operating system, a special reader is not required. If a professor automatically faces the class when lecturing, the deaf student who lip-reads does not need to obtain special lecture notes as an individual accommodation' (page 123)/
Reference: Smith, R., Longenecker Rust, K., & Siegler, S. (2007). Assistive Technology Devices and Universal Design Assessments: Theoretical Relationships and Implications on Measurement. In J. M. W. a. M. F. Story (Ed.), MEDICAL INSTRUMENTATION Accessibility and Usability Considerations (pp. 119-130). Atlanta: RESNA Press.
Baby Boomers and Assistive Technology
This article conducted a review of published studies regarding assistive technology (AT) use by the baby boomer generation. Findings include specific characteristics of baby boomers and their expectations of health and independence, and a recognition of the increasing demand for aged health care by this group.
Reference: Steel, D., & Gray, M. Baby boomers' use and perception of recommended assistive technology: A systematic review Disability and Rehabilitation: Assistive Technology, 4(3), 129 — 136.
Consumers as experts
Research partnerships with consumers who have disabilities offer numerous opportunities for assistive technology (AT) professionals to develop new understandings of the human and technological forces that impact on technology uptake.
Reference: Owens, J., & Scherer, M. (2003). Consumers as partners in inclusive assistive technology research. Paper presented at the Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Association (RESNA) International Conference, Atlanta.
Hard and soft assistive technologies: Defining roles for clinicians
We contend that tertiary educated health professionals (clinicians) have an essential role in the provision of assistive technology (AT). The involvement of expert clinicians in the interaction between client, AT and environment optimises 'fit' and minimises non-use or dissatisfaction with AT. Using the concept of hard and soft technologies we review professional practice roles and models of practice in AT, and address current threats to these roles. We urge further development of AT competency standards, recognition of the mentoring role AT services provide, and role development for clinicians in the soft technology arena.
Reference: Waldron, D., & Layton, N. (2008). Hard and Soft Assistive Technology: defining roles for clinicians. Australian Occupational Therapy Journal, 55(1), 61-64.
Housing in Australia - the AHURI Reports
AHURI is a not-for-profit independent national research organisation which conducts and disseminates high-quality research on housing and urban issues to inform the policies and practices of governments, industry, and the community and stimulating debate in the broader Australian community.
Recent reports of interest to AEAA can be accessed via the AHURI website
and topics include:
- The housing careers of people with disabilities and their carers
- Housing assistance, social inclusion and people with a disability
- Integration and social housing in Australia: theory and practice
- The role of home maintenance and modification services in achieving health, community care and housing outcomes in later life
Keeping Cool Survey Policy Implications Report
The MS Society have released a new report incorporating public policy related results and recommendations from the Keeping Cool Survey: Air Conditioner Use by Australians with MS.
This research is vital to resourcing work being done throughout Australia to help ensure that people who have heat intolerant conditions such as MS, and especially those on low incomes, are able to access assistance to help them cover the costs of keeping cool on hot days and hot nights. As can be seen in this report, people with MS spend approximately 10 times more to run their air conditioners to keep cool than the average Australian household does.
Also, making sure that people who have to run their air conditioners more than most are also able to minimise their costs and environmental impacts by using new and efficient air conditioners, and have minor home modifications done to make their homes energy efficient will also require people with MS, MS Societies, communities, air conditioner manufacturers and retailers, and government at all levels to work together.
Older Victorians using Assistive Technology - a qualitative study
This 2002 study from Melbourne's National Ageing Research Institute describes the experience of obtaining and using aids and equipment for older Victorians recieving government equipment funding. Key findings included the value of equipment in supporting functioning at home, but also a lack of choice about the type and style of equipment, and lack of trial time, followup, or mechanisms for review and equipment return.
Reference: Smith, R., Quine, S., Anderson, J., & Black, K. (2002). Assistive devices: self-reported use by older people in Victoria. Australian Health Review, 25(4).
Participation of children with cerebral palsy
The author reviewed the literature and found that how children with cerebral palsy participate in a diverse array of activities across a range of occupational contexts. She found, 'Their participation was not always a positive experience. Factors most commonly identified as barriers to participation were social attitudes and the physical environment' (abstract).
Reference: Imms, C. (2008). Children with cerebral palsy participate: a review of the literature. Disability And Rehabilitation, 30 (24), 1867-1844.
Paying for assistive technology
EXCERPT from ABSTRACT
The purpose of this study is to learn about the methods that Hispanics utilise to pay for assistive technology (AT). This study found that Hispanics pay for AT out of their own pocket or relied on extended family rather than government programmes. It raises questions about the reach of government programmes, meant to enhance the access of underrepresented groups to AT.
Reference: Guzman, A. (2009). Paying for assistive technology: a study of Hispanics. Disability and Rehabilitation: Assistive Technology 4(1), 9–16.
People requiring AT to access computers are often excluded from information on the internet
Even though the US government has legislated that government websites be accessible, the primary finding of the study was that 'e-government Web sites frequently do not comply with all of the requirements of Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act, rendering most e-government Web sites inaccessible to some or all persons with disabilities' (page 27).
This study found that 'the combination of policy analysis, expert testing, user testing, and webmaster questionnaires may provide an effective user-centered approach to the evaluation of the accessibility of e-government Web sites… . Expert testing provided the broad perspective of issues related to the spectrum of different disabilities. User testing provided deep, detailed information directly from the viewpoints of users with particular disabilities' (page 30 & 31).
Reference: Jaeger, P. T. (2008 ). User-Centered Policy Evaluations of Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act Evaluating E-Government Web Sites for Accessibility for Persons With Disabilities. Journal of Disability Policy Studies, 19(1).
Shut Out: the experience of people with disabilities and their families in Australia - National Disability Strategy Consultation Report
Notes from the National Disability Strategy Consultation Report.
Prepared by Natasha Layton August 2009.
The full report is 90 pages long. These 8 pages contain the relevant sections relating to assistive technology, and some related issues (eg. poverty, housing, life domains).
REFERENCE: Commonwealth Government. (2009). Shut Out: the experience of people with disabilities and their families in Australia - National Disability Strategy Consultation Report. Retrieved. from http://www.fahcsia.gov.au/
Supply and manufacture of assistive technologies in Australia
'Assistive Technology (AT) plays a pivotal role in the lives of people who require assistance with one or more aspects of daily living'. (abs)
'The AT sector in Australia is small and fragmented, and dependent largely on imported products from overseas-based companies, especially in the areas of electronic communication aids, power wheelcharir control systems and environmental control systems. As Australia's only independent testing facility for mechanical assistive and rehabilitation technology, NovitaTech's accredited Testing Laboratory has seen a steady decline in Australian designed and fabricated products over the last 10 years. The knowledge and capacity ase that Australia used to have in wheeled mobility is slowly being eroded as large multinational companies acquire local companies to complement existing product lines, shifting resarch and development and manufacturing off-shore'. (153)
Reference: Hobbs, D., Close, J., Downing, A., Reynolds, K., & Walker, L. (2009). Developing a national research and development centre in assistive technologies for independent living. Australian Health Review, 33(1), 152-160.
The evidence for alternative and augmentative communication technology
This chapter of a major speech pathology text book summarises the evidence and discusses the state of AAC in Australia. Studying AAC is complex and the author, Theresa Iacono, notes that the efficacy of AAC intervention is largely based on case studies with some generally single case experimental studies.
'The evidence for AAC intervention is comprehensive, given the range in the needs, skills and life situations of people with permanent or temporary severe communication impairment. Case studies have demonstrated the range of potential applications in a process that evolves with each individual. As a result, no longer is AAC seen as the last-resort intervention for people who have 'failed' in traditional speech pathology,. Rather, AAC serves to enhance communication along an intervention continuum from functioning as a short-term interventions strategy to providing varied means of meeting all communication requirements across life situations.' (p305)
Reference: Chapter 12 by Theresa Iacono in: Reilly, S., Douglas, J., & Oates, J. (Eds.). (2004). Evidence-based practice in speech pathology. London: Whurr Publishers
The lack of consumer input into design: problems with accessibility of household electronics
Every day, one in five Australians experiences difficulties or frustrations in performing everyday tasks with everyday things, such as consumer electronics and appliances. As technology develops, an increasing proportion of products are inaccessible to people with a range of different disabilities. These one-in-five Australians are what the author terms the 'overlooked consumers'.
Reference: Noonan, T. (2007). The Overlooked Consumers - 20% of the Australian Population with Disabilities and Older People: A discussion paper examining the access, challenges and emerging possibilities for consumer electronics and home appliances. Sydney: Tim Noonan Consulting.
Universal Design and Assistive Technology
Hua Dong of Brunel University in the UK, has written several book chapters addressing equipment design. He contends that as design generally does not cater people with disabilities, 'special' equipment (assistive technology) must then be designed at greater cost and with less availability.
Victorian Spinal Cord Injury Final Report July 2007
This study was commissioned by the Transport Accident Commission (TAC) and the Department of Human Services (DHS) to review and make recommendations to improve the community reintegration of individuals with both traumatic and non-traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI).
The study included a detailed review of the literature on spinal cord injury and quality of life, vocational outcomes and community reintegration. Spinal cord injury services in other jurisdictions were identified and reviewed for outcomes and applicability to the Victorian system. Interviews were conducted with key stakeholders to identify system strengths and weaknesses and available utilisation data were analysed to confirm the current SCI health system.
Who judges what abilities are most important to us?
This study asked health professionals such as medical staff and therapists about the functional abilities that would be the most important to them if they became disabled. The participants were asked to rate areas such as bathing, toileting, communication and walking. There were differences between the areas valued by different professionals. It does not ask about other life skills and abilities that might not be looked at in rehabilitation, but which are perhaps more highly valued by people living with disability.
The article has some interesting comments on how disability is perceived, stating: ‘Studies on the process of recovery and its implications and meanings have frequently focused on the perceptions of people with disabilities or on the general public's view. The general public typically estimates the quality of life of people with particular conditions that limit one's abilities to perform daily activities as being lower than people with those conditions rate the quality of their own lives' (page 1600).
Reference: Rist, P., Freas, D., Maislin, G., & Stineman, M. (2008). Recovery from Disablement: what functional abilities to rehabilitation professionals value the most? Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 89, 1600-1606
Aids and equipment for Victorians with disabilities - entitlement or hand-out?
Aids and Equipment Report, Melbourne City Mission - October 2006
AEAA Action Day
This event was held on 17/01/08 and received media coverage in The Age.
Media coverage:
'Disabled call for better funding'
(Age, 18/1/08);
'The lives left on hold'
(Age 12/4/08); (Moreland Leader 28/4/08)