A Study of the Challenges Related to DIY Assistive Technology in the Context of Children with Disabilities

Hook, J; Verbaan, S; Durrant, A; Olivier, P; Wright, P

doi:10.1145/2598510.2598530

A Study of the Challenges Related to DIY Assistive Technology in the Context of Children with Disabilities

Lookup NU author(s): Dr Jonathan Hook, Sanne Verbaan, Professor Abi Durrant ORCiD, Professor Patrick Olivier ORCiD, Emeritus Professor Pete Wright

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Abstract

The term Do It Yourself Assistive Technology (DIY-AT) refers to the creation and adaptation of AT by non-professionals, including people with disabilities and their families, friends and caregivers. Previous research has argued that the development of technologies and services that enable people to make their own DIY-AT will lead to the rapid and low cost development of assistive devices that are tailored to meet the complex needs of individual people with disabilities. We present the results of a qualitative study that explored challenges related to the process of making DIY-AT for children with disabilities. A series of eleven semi-structured interviews with a broad range of stakeholders involved in the current use, provision and adaptation of AT for children with disabilities revealed a number of challenges relating to the prevalence and scope of ongoing DIY-AT practice, barriers to participation, and the challenges faced by makers and users of DIY-AT.