Assistive Products and Technology to Facilitate Activities and Participation for Children with Disabilities

Johanne Mensah-Gourmel (), Margot Thépot, Jan Willem Gorter, Maxime Bourgain, Christèle Kandalaft, Alain Chatelin, Guy Letellier, Sylvain Brochard and Christelle Pons
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Johanne Mensah-Gourmel: Physical Medecine and Rehabilitation Department, Centre Hospitalier Régional Universitaire Brest, 29200 Brest, France
Margot Thépot: Physical Medecine and Rehabilitation Department, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Marseille, 13005 Marseille, France
Jan Willem Gorter: CanChild Centre for Childhood Disability Research, Department of Pediatrics, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 1C7, Canada
Maxime Bourgain: Arts et Métiers Institute of Technology, Université Sorbonne Paris Nord, Institut de Biomécanique Humaine Georges Charpak, 75013 Paris, France
Christèle Kandalaft: Independent Researcher, 75013 Paris, France
Alain Chatelin: Fondation Paralysie Cérébrale, 75013 Paris, France
Guy Letellier: Pediatric Rehabilitation Hospital, Etablissement de Santé pour Enfants et Adolescents de la région Nantaise—APF France Handicap, 44200 Nantes, France
Sylvain Brochard: Physical Medecine and Rehabilitation Department, Centre Hospitalier Régional Universitaire Brest, 29200 Brest, France
Christelle Pons: Physical Medecine and Rehabilitation Department, Centre Hospitalier Régional Universitaire Brest, 29200 Brest, France

IJERPH, 2023, vol. 20, issue 3, 1-14

Abstract: We aimed to identify activity limitations and participation restrictions encountered by children and youth with disabilities for which assistive products and technology could be helpful. We used a convergent, parallel, mixed-methods design involving a nationwide, French survey composed of closed questions (quantitative) and open questions (qualitative) that enlightened the quantitative data. A total of 1055 responses were received, and 962 included: 92 from children and youth with disabilities, 493 from relatives and 377 from professionals. Difficulties frequently checked and described in detail were participation in recreational activities, leaving the house and traveling, participating in a group, and getting ready. Transversal explanations for difficulties were spontaneously provided (e.g., lack of accessibility and mobility). Solutions proposed included personal assistive devices to facilitate home life, high-tech devices, devices to compensate for impaired body functions, and adaptation of the familiar environment and daily activities. Few public solutions were proposed. The necessity of human assistance was emphasized. The mixed-methods design and involvement of different stakeholders identified common, macroscopic trends in difficulties encountered and desired solutions. Products and technology are required in the following domains: the familiar environment, accessibility and mobility, sports and leisure, high-technology, and family support. We provide suggestions to facilitate the development of innovative solutions.

Keywords: assistive products and technology; survey; needs; children; daily life; participation (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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