Adoption of new transportation assistive technologies by people with mild intellectual disabilities

PurposeAlthough numerous technology-based assistive devices are available for use by people with intellectual disabilities, device adoption rates of are often low. The current research examined reasons for non-adoption among two samples of people with mild intellectual disabilities focusing on transportation: an area of great concern for individuals with intellectual disabilities. The influences on adoption or non-adoption of the perceived benefits of assistive devices were assessed together with the effects of device complexity, transportation self-efficacy, desire for self-determination regarding transport, technophobia, and the desire to be seen to "fit in" with wider society when wearing a device.Materials and methodsInterviews were conducted with 44 people attending a support venue in southwest London. Outcomes to the interviews were employed in the formation of a questionnaire distributed to a wider national sample of people with mild intellectual disabilities. Interview and survey questions were created using Tourangeau's investigation method. Responses to the survey were subjected to a logistic regression analysis.Results and conclusionTechnophobia, transportation self-efficacy and desires for self-determination and to "fit-in" exerted powerful impacts on device adoption. Campaigns and activities designed to increase adoption rates need to recognise these important influences. Encouraging people with intellectual disabilities to adopt assistive technologies is highly desirable because of the latter's ability improve a person's quality of life.Government and manufacturers as well as carers have critical roles to play in securing device adoption.Training of individuals and their carers in device features and application is essential.