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1 janvier 2019
- handle: 10670/1.8y6oa3
Mots-clés
assistive products assistive technology disability mobile application low resourced settingsSujets proches
Self-help devices for the disabled Assistive technologyCiter ce document
Surona Visagie et al., « Perspectives on a mobile application that maps assistive technology resources in Africa », African Journal of Disability (Online), ID : 10670/1.8y6oa3
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BACKGROUND: Access to assistive technology (AT) is poor in African countries because of a lack of knowledge, resources, services and products. A mobile application (app), the AT-Info-Map, was developed to map AT availability in southern Africa. OBJECTIVES: This article aimed to describe users' and suppliers' perceptions of the AT-Info-Map app. METHOD: Qualitative data were collected in Zambia, Botswana, Malawi and Lesotho, through nine focus group discussions with 72 participants. Participants included AT users, AT suppliers and representatives of disability organisations. Data were thematically analysed RESULTS: Two broad themes, that is, usefulness of the AT-Info-Map application and technical issues and content, emerged from the data analysis. Subthemes under usefulness focused on the importance of using current technology, convenience of the app, the need for accuracy, responsiveness of supplier to user's needs, influence on AT market and how the app creates an opportunity for networking. Challenges to download and navigate the app, the need for training in its use, exclusion of those not literate in English and those with visual impairments were subthemes under technical issues and content. CONCLUSION: The app was perceived as an important step to increase access to AT for persons with disabilities in less resourced settings. The challenges that emerged from the data analysis have led to the development of a web-based system that will complement or replace the app and improve AT information provision. However, the information provided by the app and website is still only a partial solution to improve AT access in Southern Africa.