Assistive technology in the home is choice and control… it’s freedom: perspectives of people with physical disability using electronic assistive technologies in the home.

First published online 09 August 2025.

Why this study was done

People with physical disabilities increasingly use electronic technologies in their homes. These technologies range from specialised disability devices to everyday smart home products like Alexa or Google Home. However, there was limited understanding of how people are using these various technologies in their own homes. To understand how people actually experience using electronic assistive technology, the researchers wanted to hear from people who use technology in their own homes every day.

What the study did

The researchers used a group discussion method with 9 participants who had spinal cord injuries, cerebral palsy, or brain injuries. All the people were using electronic assistive technologies at home. The participants used a wide range of technologies including: specialised equipment such as environmental control systems, speech recognition software; as well as mainstream smart devices like smart speakers, smart lights, locks, thermostats, and video doorbells.

The group met in a hybrid way, with some people face-to-face with others online on Zoom. This allowed flexible participation for people with disabilities. Participants shared their experiences using various home technologies in small group discussions over four rounds.

What the study found

The researchers analysed the discussions to interpret these into 5 common themes: Using Mainstream Technology, Navigating Person-Technology Fit; Making Technology Work, Positive Impacts and Frustrations. These are described in more detail below.

1. Using Mainstream Technology:

Many people combined both mainstream and specialised devices to create personalised systems. People creatively adapted everyday smart products (like smartphones, tablets, smart speakers) for their disability needs. Mainstream technology was more affordable and widely available than specialised disability equipment (assistive technology).

2. Navigating Person-Technology Fit

Using technology is an ongoing, evolving journey as people's needs change over time. People constantly consider new technologies as they become available. Each person needs to find the right combination of devices that work for their specific situation.

3. Making Technology Work

Reliable technology with backup systems is essential - power outages or internet failures can be serious problems. People need ongoing support from family, peers tech experts, and health professionals. Peer support communities were particularly valuable for sharing experiences and advice.

4. Positive Impacts

Technology made daily tasks easier and reduced need to ask others for help. Technology provided some independence and ability to spend time alone without constant care.

Technology use was linked to improved mental health, self-worth, and sense of control as well as restoring normal relationships with family and friends (less caregiving, more equal relationships). Technology enhanced safety and security in the home.

5. Frustrations

Unreliable technology that doesn't work consistently, especially voice control was frustrating for some. Funding challenges exist because it is difficult to get financial support, especially for mainstream devices even though these are often cheaper. Some did not trust suppliers and installers who promise more than they deliver.

What this means

For people with disabilities this means that mainstream smart home technology offers new, affordable options beyond traditional disability equipment. Successful use requires planning for backups, ongoing support, and combining different types of devices. Using technology is a process that evolves over time because what works now may need adjustment later for each person.

For healthcare professionals this means they need to understand both specialised and mainstream technology options but also consider the complexity of each person's unique technology journey. Planning for reliable systems with backup solutions should be a priority.

For Funders: Funding systems need to recognise that mainstream smart devices can be essential assistive technology. People shouldn't have to "fight" for funding for technology that significantly improves quality of life.

This study was conducted by:

Ms. Janine C. Yaffe, Dr Jacquie Ripat, Dr Gordana Dermody, and Dr Michèle C. Verdonck

To read the full article, visit the journal.

For other accessible formats, please see the column to the right.

Disclaimer: The QDRN has utilised generative AI to refine the wording of this plain language summary. All content has been checked for accuracy, appropriate tone and clarity and approved by the author.

First published online 09 August 2025.

Why this study was done

People with physical disabilities increasingly use electronic technologies in their homes. These technologies range from specialised disability devices to everyday smart home products like Alexa or Google Home. However, there was limited understanding of how people are using these various technologies in their own homes. To understand how people actually experience using electronic assistive technology, the researchers wanted to hear from people who use technology in their own homes every day.

What the study did

The researchers used a group discussion method with 9 participants who had spinal cord injuries, cerebral palsy, or brain injuries. All the people were using electronic assistive technologies at home. The participants used a wide range of technologies including: specialised equipment such as environmental control systems, speech recognition software; as well as mainstream smart devices like smart speakers, smart lights, locks, thermostats, and video doorbells.

The group met in a hybrid way, with some people face-to-face with others online on Zoom. This allowed flexible participation for people with disabilities. Participants shared their experiences using various home technologies in small group discussions over four rounds.

What the study found

The researchers analysed the discussions to interpret these into 5 common themes: Using Mainstream Technology, Navigating Person-Technology Fit; Making Technology Work, Positive Impacts and Frustrations. These are described in more detail below.

1. Using Mainstream Technology:

Many people combined both mainstream and specialised devices to create personalised systems. People creatively adapted everyday smart products (like smartphones, tablets, smart speakers) for their disability needs. Mainstream technology was more affordable and widely available than specialised disability equipment (assistive technology).

2. Navigating Person-Technology Fit

Using technology is an ongoing, evolving journey as people's needs change over time. People constantly consider new technologies as they become available. Each person needs to find the right combination of devices that work for their specific situation.

3. Making Technology Work

Reliable technology with backup systems is essential - power outages or internet failures can be serious problems. People need ongoing support from family, peers tech experts, and health professionals. Peer support communities were particularly valuable for sharing experiences and advice.

4. Positive Impacts

Technology made daily tasks easier and reduced need to ask others for help. Technology provided some independence and ability to spend time alone without constant care.

Technology use was linked to improved mental health, self-worth, and sense of control as well as restoring normal relationships with family and friends (less caregiving, more equal relationships). Technology enhanced safety and security in the home.

5. Frustrations

Unreliable technology that doesn't work consistently, especially voice control was frustrating for some. Funding challenges exist because it is difficult to get financial support, especially for mainstream devices even though these are often cheaper. Some did not trust suppliers and installers who promise more than they deliver.

What this means

For people with disabilities this means that mainstream smart home technology offers new, affordable options beyond traditional disability equipment. Successful use requires planning for backups, ongoing support, and combining different types of devices. Using technology is a process that evolves over time because what works now may need adjustment later for each person.

For healthcare professionals this means they need to understand both specialised and mainstream technology options but also consider the complexity of each person's unique technology journey. Planning for reliable systems with backup solutions should be a priority.

For Funders: Funding systems need to recognise that mainstream smart devices can be essential assistive technology. People shouldn't have to "fight" for funding for technology that significantly improves quality of life.

This study was conducted by:

Ms. Janine C. Yaffe, Dr Jacquie Ripat, Dr Gordana Dermody, and Dr Michèle C. Verdonck

To read the full article, visit the journal.

For other accessible formats, please see the column to the right.

Disclaimer: The QDRN has utilised generative AI to refine the wording of this plain language summary. All content has been checked for accuracy, appropriate tone and clarity and approved by the author.

Page published: 25 Nov 2025, 01:04 PM