Educating end-users of assistive technology: Guidelines for trainers

Based on the findings of the EUSTAT study - an international project within the Telematics Application Programme of the European Commission / Dg13 - this paper offers a synthesis of the Guidelines developed for those who organise educational activities an Assistive Technology addressed at the end-users. The educational process is looked at within an empowerment perspective rather that as a mere transmission of notions. The effectiveness of education should be evaluated in relation to the increased ability of end users to make use of AT knowledge for improving their quality of life, and becoming informed demanding and responsible consumers of AT products and services. To such end a number of critical factors are identified and ways to address them are discussed.