Understanding Assistive Technology from the Consumer’s Perspective: An Informational Interview with a Person with a Disability

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ASSIGNMENT INSTRUCTIONS:

Each student will identify a person with a disability that utilizes an assistive device or assistive devices. Students will obtain written permission from a person with a disability to conduct an interview. The purpose of this informational interview will be to allow students the opportunity to be exposed to the delivery of assistive technology from the consumer’s viewpoint. Examples that students will ask:
1. How did the person find out about the assistive device or assistive devices (i.e., referral source)?
2. Who referred the person (referral person)?
3. The name of the device
4. Purpose of the assistive device(S)
5. Manufacture of the assistive device(S)
6. Who or how did the person receive training on how to use the assistive device?
7. Is the person knowledgeable of where the assistive device can be serviced or repaired?
8. Does the product have a warranty? If so, how long is the warranty?
If the product’s warranty has expired, does the person have the financial means to have the assistive device repaired?
10. Does the assistive device do what it is intended to do?
11. Does the device serve the person’s needs?
12. Are there any changes that can be made to the assistive device that will help the device to perform more efficiently (i.e., better)?
Information that is gathered from the person will be typed. Responses to questions (1-12) should be identified in the report.

HOW TO WORK ON THIS ASSIGNMENT (EXAMPLE ESSAY / DRAFT)

Introduction: Assistive technology is a vital component in improving the lives of people with disabilities. As such, it is essential for students to understand the delivery of assistive technology from the consumer’s viewpoint. To gain this perspective, each student was tasked with identifying a person with a disability who uses an assistive device and obtaining written permission to conduct an interview. The purpose of the interview was to gather information on how the individual received the device, their experience with it, and any suggestions they may have to improve its performance.

Referral Source and Referral Person: One of the questions posed to the interviewee was how they found out about the assistive device(s) they use. The response provided insight into the referral source, which was a disability support organization. The interviewee’s referral person was their primary care physician, who recommended the use of the assistive device(s) to help with mobility and daily activities.

Name and Purpose of the Assistive Device(s): The interviewee provided the names of two assistive devices they use, a motorized wheelchair and a voice-activated home assistant. The purpose of the motorized wheelchair was to assist with mobility, while the voice-activated home assistant helped with daily tasks such as turning on and off lights, setting reminders, and making phone calls.

Manufacturer and Training: The manufacturer of the motorized wheelchair was a well-known brand specializing in mobility devices, while the voice-activated home assistant was from a popular tech company. The interviewee received training on how to use the motorized wheelchair from a representative of the manufacturer and received instructions on how to use the voice-activated home assistant from a caregiver.

Service, Repair, and Warranty: The interviewee was knowledgeable about where they could take their motorized wheelchair for repairs and servicing. They also had a warranty on the device, which was valid for two years. If the warranty had expired, the interviewee could still afford to have the assistive device repaired. The voice-activated home assistant was covered under the manufacturer’s warranty, which was valid for one year.

Device Performance and Suggestions for Improvement: According to the interviewee, both assistive devices served their needs well and performed as intended. They had no significant complaints about the devices’ performance and did not see any need for any major changes to be made. However, they did suggest that additional features could be added to the voice-activated home assistant to enhance its functionality further.

Conclusion: The interview provided valuable insights into the delivery of assistive technology from the consumer’s perspective. It highlighted the importance of referral sources and the role of healthcare providers in recommending the use of assistive devices. It also emphasized the importance of proper training and having access to repair and servicing options for the devices. Overall, the interview provided students with a better understanding of how assistive technology can improve the lives of people with disabilities.

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