Investigating the psychosocial impact of assistive technology for computer and internet access

Access to the Internet and email is a valued and increasingly essential tool for anyone in the community, providing a means of communicating, transacting business, engaging in leisure, learning or work activities. For people with a disability it may be the only way they can independently perform these tasks, enabling participation and reducing isolation.

Many people with a disability require an assistive technology system to meet their individual needs. There are limited options for funding of specialised peripherals or software for adults with a disability. Lack of access to equipment funding and assistance to set up and learn to use specialised systems reduces people's ability to achieve positive outcomes in task performance and activity engagement.

In 2003, ComTEC, an assistive technology advisory service in Victoria, received a small grant to set up an Internet Access Equipment Pool aimed at providing specialised peripherals and software for people with a disability who wanted to access the Internet and email applications. The purpose of the study is to determine if the devices positively impact quality of life for people with disabilities, including impact on independence, performance, productivity, self-confidence, self-esteem and emotional well-being.

Device impact on quality of life was measured using the Psychosocial Impact of Assistive Devices Scale (PIADS ). ComTEC assessed each of the individuals prior to application for devices from the Equipment Pool. Assistance with set up and training was provided according to user needs.

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