Electronic Aids to Daily Living: Be Able to Do What You Want
By Verdonck, Michele Claire; Chard, Gill; Nolan, Maeve; Disability and Rehabilitation: Assistive Technology, Vol.. 6, No. 3, pp. 268-281Publication Date: May 2011
Study explored the experiences of Irish people with high cervical spinal cord injuries (SCI) living with electronic aids for daily living (EADL) and the meaning attributed to such systems in the context of participation in everyday life. EADL, also known as environmental control systems, are defined as devices used to control entertainment equipment such as radio and television as well as doors, windows, and telephones. Data were collected using 4 focus groups of users and nonusers of EADL. Participants were 4 women and 11 men ranging in age from 20 to 57 years with high cervical SCI and no active hand movement. Eight participants used environmental control systems including 4 GEWA Prog, 3 Proteor Keo, and one X10. Groups were video recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using descriptive phenomenological analysis. Findings revealed the following elements of the meaning of living with EADL: (1) time alone, including space and privacy; (2) changed relationships, including decreased burden of care and less worry on the part of caregivers and family; and (3) autonomy, an overriding theme expressed as “being able to do what you want.” Findings suggest that participants perceived improvements in both anticipated and actual lived experiences with EADL.
Assistive Products Discussed: X10 ACTIVEHOME AUTOMATION KIT
X10 UNIVERSAL MODULE (MODEL UM506)
GEWA PROG
Published by: Taylor & Francis, Limited (Website:http://taylorandfrancis.org)
International Society of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine (Web Site: http://www.isprm.org )
