Empowering Potential of the My Assistive Technology Guide: Exploring Experiences and User Perspectives

Abstract

The use of assistive technology (AT) devices enhances older adults' function in daily activities. However, the lack of awareness of AT among potential AT users has been identified as a major barrier to its adoption. This study aimed to assess the quality of the Mi Guía de Asistencia Tecnológica (MGAT) web app, which provides information on AT, from the perspective of older Latinos with physical disabilities, and to explore their experience using the MGAT. We employed a convergent parallel mixed-method design involving 12 older Latinos living in Puerto Rico. In Phase I, the researchers trained the participants in the use of the MGAT. In Phase II, participants were encouraged to use it for 30 days. In Phase III, the participants completed the User Mobile Application Rating Scale and individual interviews, analyzed with descriptive statistics and a directed thematic content analysis. The quality of the MGAT was rated high in both the objective (mean = 3.99; SD = 0.7) and subjective (mean = 4.13; SD = 1.1) domains. Qualitative data revealed the MGAT was accessible, usable, desirable, credible, useful, and valuable to increasing older Latinos' AT knowledge, function, and autonomy. The MGAT has the potential to increase AT awareness and adoption among older adults.

Figure 1.

Features of the MGAT web app. (A) Introductory screen to the home page; (B) tutorial screen; (C) screen of categories of daily activities; (D) screen of activities within the selected categories of activities; (E) screen of assistive technology devices; and (F) screen of information and instructional video of the assistive technology. The MGAT uses Google images depicting individuals engaging in various daily activities. As the MGAT is a prototype developed for non-profit research purposes, we have employed these Google Images under the Fair Use doctrine. This doctrine permits the use of copyrighted materials without seeking permission from the copyright owner for non-profit research endeavors.

Figure 2.

Description of the three phases of this study.