Children’s Satisfaction With Assistive Technology Solutions for Schoolwork Using the QUEST 2.1: Children’s Version
By Murchland, Sonya; Kernot, Jocelyn; Parkyn, Helen; Assistive Technology, Volume 23, Number 3, pages 162-176Publication Date: 2011
Study explored the levels of satisfaction children with disabilities experienced with assistive technology items used to assist them in their schoolwork. Modified from the Quebec User Evaluation of Satisfaction (QUEST 2.0), the QUEST 2.1: Children’s Version was developed to enable scoring by children with our without parent assistance. The instrument used a seven-point smiley face scale with 1 indicating “delighted” and 7 indicating “terrible.” A mailed survey to a convenience sample of 703 children aged 8 to 18 years with physical disabilities was undertaken, with 156 responses yielding 98 valid QUEST 2.1 questionnaires. Children had a mean age of 12 years 6 months, 60.2 percent were boys, and 80.6 resided in metropolitan or peri-urban areas. For data analysis, assistive technology items were grouped as communication devices, computer hardware, computer software, and other. Items grouped under “other” included mobility aids, writing aids, and general equipment such as bath chairs and hearing devices. High levels of satisfaction were reported overall on the QUEST 2.1: Children’s Version. Items grouped as “other” received the highest levels of satisfaction, and software items received the lowest overall ratings. Simple communication devices scored lower than complex devices within the service subscales. Within the computer hardware category, portable note takers gained the highest level of satisfaction. Lower levels of satisfaction were noted with both access hardware and access software. Advice given for selection, reliability, and ease of use were identified as the most important satisfaction items. Directions for further development of the Quest 2.1: Children’s Version are discussed.
Assistive Products Discussed: QUEBEC USER EVALUATION OF SATISFACTION WITH ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY (QUEST 2.0)
Published by: Rehabilitation Engineering & Assistive Technology Society of North America (RESNA) (Website:http://www.resna.org)
Link to text: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/10400435.2011.588990
