Article

Assistive technology (AT) devices enable people with disabilities to function in
multiple contexts and activities.
The usability of such devices is fundamentally
indicative of the user's level of participation in multiple roles and
occupations. Seventy people who used power wheelchairs were interviewed using a
novel tool, the Usability Scale for Assistive Technology (USAT). The USAT uses a
human factors science framework to investigate the wheelchair user's perceived
independence in mobility-related activities within home, workplace, community,
and outdoors in accordance with the characteristics of the wheelchair,
environmental factors, and abilities and skills of the user to operate the
wheelchair. Descriptive analysis of the data revealed usability issues with the
use of power wheelchairs in all contexts. Users confronted far more significant
issues within the community and outdoor environment compared with those at home
and in the workplace. These issues have been elucidated and applied to an
intervention framework with relevance to a multitude of AT stakeholders.

Langue : ANGLAIS