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Assistive Technology Provider Experiences during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Author

Listed:
  • Louise Puli

    (Access to Assistive Technology Team, World Health Organization, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland)

  • Natasha Layton

    (Rehabilitation, Ageing and Independent Living Research Centre, Monash University Australia, Clayton 3800, Australia)

  • Daniel Mont

    (Center for Inclusive Policy, Washington, DC 20005, USA)

  • Kylie Shae

    (Access to Assistive Technology Team, World Health Organization, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland)

  • Irene Calvo

    (Access to Assistive Technology Team, World Health Organization, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland)

  • Keith D. Hill

    (Rehabilitation, Ageing and Independent Living Research Centre, Monash University Australia, Clayton 3800, Australia)

  • Libby Callaway

    (Rehabilitation, Ageing and Independent Living Research Centre, Monash University Australia, Clayton 3800, Australia
    Occupational Therapy Department, Monash University Australia, Clayton 3800, Australia)

  • Emma Tebbutt

    (Access to Assistive Technology Team, World Health Organization, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland)

  • Abner Manlapaz

    (Center for Inclusive Policy, Washington, DC 20005, USA)

  • Inge Groenewegen

    (Liliane Fonds, 5211 TX s-Hertogenbosch, The Netherlands)

  • Diana Hiscock

    (HelpAge International, London SE1 7RL, UK)

Abstract

Globally, health systems face challenges in the delivery of assistive technology (AT) and only 10% of people are currently able to access the assistive products they need. The COVID-19 pandemic presented an uncharted path for AT providers to navigate, placing them under pressure to be agile and rapidly adapt. This article, part of a series, explores the experiences and impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on AT providers and aims to inform how AT providers can be better prepared and supported in the future. A mixed methods approach was used to gather service data and perspectives from AT providers via a survey. A total of 37 responses were received from 18 countries. Service data showed extensive service disruption throughout 2020. Thematic analysis suggested significant changes to routine AT service delivery including rapid momentum towards home-based, decentralised, and digital services for which many AT providers were not prepared. Providers were required to make difficult decisions and deliver services in new ways to balance meeting demands, complying with government restrictions, and ensuring the safety of staff and clients. Few but important positives were expressed including the belief that expanded capacity to use remote and digital AT service delivery would remain useful in the future.

Suggested Citation

  • Louise Puli & Natasha Layton & Daniel Mont & Kylie Shae & Irene Calvo & Keith D. Hill & Libby Callaway & Emma Tebbutt & Abner Manlapaz & Inge Groenewegen & Diana Hiscock, 2021. "Assistive Technology Provider Experiences during the COVID-19 Pandemic," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(19), pages 1-20, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:18:y:2021:i:19:p:10477-:d:650418
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Sureshkumar Kamalakannan & Sutanuka Bhattacharjya & Yelena Bogdanova & Christina Papadimitriou & Juan Carlos Arango-Lasprilla & Jacob Bentley & Tiago S. Jesus & Refugee Empowerment Task Force, Interna, 2021. "Health Risks and Consequences of a COVID-19 Infection for People with Disabilities: Scoping Review and Descriptive Thematic Analysis," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(8), pages 1-17, April.
    2. Silvia Faccioli & Francesco Lombardi & Pierantonio Bellini & Stefania Costi & Silvia Sassi & Maria Cristina Pesci, 2021. "How Did Italian Adolescents with Disability and Parents Deal with the COVID-19 Emergency?," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(4), pages 1-13, February.
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    Cited by:

    1. Natasha Layton & Daniel Mont & Louise Puli & Irene Calvo & Kylie Shae & Emma Tebbutt & Keith D. Hill & Libby Callaway & Diana Hiscock & Abner Manlapaz & Inge Groenewegen & Mahpekai Sidiqi, 2021. "Access to Assistive Technology during the COVID-19 Global Pandemic: Voices of Users and Families," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(21), pages 1-23, October.
    2. Daniel Mont & Natasha Layton & Louise Puli & Shivani Gupta & Abner Manlapaz & Kylie Shae & Emma Tebbutt & Irene Calvo & Mahpekay Sidiqy & Kudakwashe Dube & Ulamila Kacilala, 2021. "Assistive Technology during the COVID-19 Global Pandemic: The Roles of Government and Civil Society in Fulfilling the Social Contract," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(22), pages 1-15, November.

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