Article

Despite the importance of ensuring access to assistive technology, high
rates of underutilization remain. Relatively little is known about the
characteristics of young people reporting unmet needs for assistive devices, so
our study examined this further. METHOD: Data were analyzed using the 2006
Participation and Activity Limitation Survey. Youth aged 15-24 were selected to
explore the characteristics associated with those currently using or reporting
unmet needs for communication or mobility devices (n = 15,817). RESULTS: Family
structure and language spoken influenced the likelihood of using a communication
device for two age subgroups. Meanwhile, language spoken influenced the
likelihood of reporting unmet needs for communication assistive devices. The
following factors influenced the likelihood of using a mobility device: age,
gender, language spoken, income, family structure, and severity of impairment.
Gender, geographic location, language spoken, family structure, duration and
severity of impairment and presence of other impairments influenced the
likelihood of reporting unmet needs for mobility devices. CONCLUSIONS: Clinicians
need to pay particular attention to the socio-cultural factors of young clients
transitioning to adult care.

Langue : ANGLAIS