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Critical Junctures in Assistive Technology and Disability Inclusion

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A special issue of Sustainability (ISSN 2071-1050).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (15 July 2021) | Viewed by 23620

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Special Issue Editors

Dr. Maria Kett

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Guest Editor

Humanitarianism and Disability, UCL Institute of Epidemiology and Healthcare, 1–19 Torrington Place, London, WC1E 6BT, UK
Interests: disability; humanitarian contexts and situations; global health; innovations

Prof. Dr. Catherine Holloway

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Guest Editor

UCLIC, University College London, 66–72 Gower Street, London WC1E 6EA, UK
Interests: assistive technology; disability; innovation; systems thinking; interaction design; human-computer interaction
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Ms. Victoria Austin

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Guest Editor

UCLIC, University College London, 66–72 Gower Street, London, WC1E 6EA, UK
Interests: social development; disability

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Recent world events have highlighted the potential for a transformation in the way we live and work, with technology playing a key role in these changing environments. They have also highlighted huge inequalities and cracks with supply chains which leave systems vulnerable to shocks. Persons with disabilities—who make up around 15% of the world’s population—already face barriers to accessing education, employment, healthcare and other services. In this Special Edition, we focus on assistive technology—the technology used by persons with disabilities—to bridge accessibility gaps in mainstream digital and physical environments. People with disabilities have been shown to be disproportionately affected by the recent COVID-19 pandemic, as is the case in many humanitarian settings. However, there is a growing movement of activity globally to better understand how assistive technology systems and services can be better designed to enable more robust and equitable access to all. Next year, the WHO will publish a World Report on Access to Assistive Technology. Ahead of that, this Special Issue explores how opportunities from recent critical junctures can be harnessed to ensure disability inclusion. We therefore welcome papers which help to support the World Report and the ongoing discussion. We seek papers on topics including:

- AT, disability and development in a post-COVID world;
- The role of AT in disrupting the status quo;
- Sustainability of AT supply chains;
- Sustainable design of assistive products and services;
- Local solutions and production of AT;
- Social networks as drivers for change;
- Digital accessibility for sustainability;
- AT innovation for sustainability.

Dr. Maria Kett
Prof. Dr. Catherine Holloway
Ms. Victoria Austin
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Sustainability is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

assistive technology
innovation
transformation
sustainable supply-chains
disability

Published Papers (7 papers)

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Editorial

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3 pages, 173 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Critical Junctures in Assistive Technology and Disability Inclusion

by Maria Kett, Catherine Holloway and Victoria Austin

Sustainability 2021, 13(22), 12744; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su132212744 - 18 Nov 2021

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1330

Abstract

It is clear from the events of the last 18 months that while technology has a huge potential for transforming the way we live and work, the entire ecosystem—from manufacturing to the supply chain—is vulnerable to the vagaries of that ecosystem, as well [...] Read more.

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Critical Junctures in Assistive Technology and Disability Inclusion)

Research

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14 pages, 838 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Participation and Achievement in the Summer Paralympic Games: The Influence of Income, Sex, and Assistive Technology

by Giulia Oggero, Louise Puli, Emma Maria Smith and Chapal Khasnabis

Sustainability 2021, 13(21), 11758; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su132111758 - 25 Oct 2021

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3022

Abstract

Global participation at the Paralympic Games has been steadily growing in the past 60 years. However, inequities in relation to geographic representation of Paralympians, sex representation, access to assistive technology, and medal success remain. The objectives of this research are to describe and compare trends in Paralympians’ participation and achievements in the Summer Paralympic Games by income level and sex, including in events requiring assistive products (wheelchairs, hand cycles/trikes, and prostheses). A retrospective secondary analysis of publicly available data was conducted. Participation, sex, and medal tally data were extracted from data available on the International Paralympic Committee website and archives. Data regarding income and population were collected from publicly available data available from the World Bank website. Participation in the Summer Paralympic Games differs significantly by income level (p = 0.000) with high- income countries sending, on average, more Paralympians than low- and middle-income countries. There is a significant difference between male and female participation (p = 0.00), with approximately 29% of all Paralympians being female. High-income countries demonstrate significantly higher achievement than low- and middle-income countries (p = 0.000), including in events requiring assistive products (p = 0.007). Despite growth in overall participation, low- and middle-income countries remain severely underrepresented in both participation and achievement at the Paralympic Games, especially in the events that require high quality assistive products to succeed. More equitable participation and achievement in the Paralympics may be supported by addressing the barriers for females, for people from low- and low-middle income countries, and for those without access to high quality assistive products required. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Critical Junctures in Assistive Technology and Disability Inclusion)

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20 pages, 3354 KiB

Open AccessArticle

WeThe15, Leveraging Sport to Advance Disability Rights and Sustainable Development

by Catherine Carty, Daniel Mont, Daniel Sebastian Restrepo and Juan Pablo Salazar

Sustainability 2021, 13(21), 11738; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su132111738 - 24 Oct 2021

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3199

Abstract

#WeThe15 launched at the Tokyo Paralympic Games. It aims to mobilize global partners to level the playing field for the 15% of the global population living with disabilities. This paper examines how current policy, human rights and development objectives seek this inclusive change. It explores how sport and the media, both popular components of culture globally, are vehicles for impacting positive change for individuals and society. Researchers conducted analyses of mainstream media coverage across the US, UK, Latin America, and the Caribbean (LAC) of the 2016 Summer Paralympics. This was taken as a proxy to popular culture or public perception of disability. Results found considerable use of inspiration porn and non-inclusive language across media outlets. The US media led in raising awareness and promoting a cultural shift. Focus groups in Latin America examined athletes’ use of their platforms to identify and overcome barriers and promote disability rights. Athletes reported access barriers to sport across infrastructure, culture, school, environment, and sport itself. They are willing to use their voice to advance inclusion. While work is needed, para-sport has potential in the policy context and culturally significant media platforms to promote human rights and sustainable development for all people with disabilities. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Critical Junctures in Assistive Technology and Disability Inclusion)

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18 pages, 813 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Could Assistive Technology Provision Models Help Pave the Way for More Environmentally Sustainable Models of Product Design, Manufacture and Service in a Post-COVID World?

by Ben Oldfrey, Giulia Barbareschi, Priya Morjaria, Tamara Giltsoff, Jessica Massie, Mark Miodownik and Catherine Holloway

Sustainability 2021, 13(19), 10867; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su131910867 - 30 Sep 2021

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 4477

Abstract

From multiple studies conducted through the FCDO AT2030 Programme, as well as key literature, we examine whether Assistive Technology (AT) provision models could look towards more sustainable approaches, and by doing this benefit not only the environment, but also address the problems that the current provision systems have. We show the intrinsic links between disability inclusion and the climate crisis, and the particular vulnerability people with disabilities face in its wake. In particular, we discuss how localised circular models of production could be beneficial, facilitating context driven solutions and much needed service elements such as repair and maintenance. Key discussion areas include systems approaches, digital fabrication, repair and reuse, and material recovery. Finally, we look at what needs be done in order to enable these approaches to be implemented. In conclusion, we find that there are distinct parallels between what AT provision models require to improve equitable reliable access, and strategies that could reduce environmental impact and bring economic benefit to local communities. This could allow future AT ecosystems to be key demonstrators of circular models, however further exploration of these ideas is required to make sense of the correct next steps. What is key in all respects, moving forward, is aligning AT provision with sustainability interventions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Critical Junctures in Assistive Technology and Disability Inclusion)

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25 pages, 4423 KiB

Open AccessArticle

“This Is the Story of Community Leadership with Political Backing. (PM1)” Critical Junctures in Paralympic Legacy: Framing the London 2012 Disability Inclusion Model for New Global Challenges

by Victoria Austin, Kate Mattick and Cathy Holloway

Sustainability 2021, 13(16), 9253; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su13169253 - 18 Aug 2021

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3221

Abstract

The London 2012 Paralympic Games was called “the most successful Paralympic Games ever” (by the then-President of the IPC), and it saw more athletes from more countries than ever before compete and become global heroes for the first time in a redeveloped part of East London which also hosted “the most accessible Olympic Games ever” that summer. However, the model used to design and deliver disability inclusion for London 2012, and its legacy, has never been explicitly written up. This paper presents new primary evidence from first-hand research from those who were involved; retrospectively framing the London 2012 Disability Inclusion Model such that it might be usable and developed for other global disability challenges. We used an adapted Delphi methodology, through four rounds: beginning with an initial hypothesis and testing through semi-structured interviews with ten key players in the London 2012 disability inclusion approach. Using thematic analysis with consensus building surveys and workshops we came to a settled unanimous agreement on the 12-step London 2012 Disability Inclusion Model comprising three parts: (Get ready) community-led mission setting, (Get set) essential building blocks and (Go) enabling a culture of success. The model is presented here, alongside a narrative on its uniqueness and replicability to other major programs, as a public good. We welcome its active use, testing and adaption by others in service of disability innovation for a fairer world. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Critical Junctures in Assistive Technology and Disability Inclusion)

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19 pages, 30975 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Moving beyond Limitations: Designing the Helpdys App for Children with Dyslexia in Rural Areas

by Andres Larco, Jorge Carrillo, Nelson Chicaiza, Cesar Yanez and Sergio Luján-Mora

Sustainability 2021, 13(13), 7081; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su13137081 - 24 Jun 2021

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 4536

Abstract

Dyslexia is a relatively common language disorder which is generally ignored in rural communities. It hinders children’s learning processes and, in some cases, is the cause of dropouts or violence in schools. The present work strives to create a web and mobile app as a preliminary step towards the diagnosis and treatment of dyslexic children. Apps providing didactic educational games and activities improve literacy skills for students with reading disabilities. The current work incorporates user experience and prototyping to fulfill app requirements. The authors evaluated the apps with the Mobile App Rating Scale (MARS) tool to assess engagement, functionality, aesthetics, and information. The app’s improvements were immediately implemented and tested in the “Escuela Linea Equinoccial” (Ecuador) school, proving its utility for future use in the education system. The app can be a valuable tool for children with dyslexia to progress successfully through school, raising their self-confidence and, thereby, helping them reach their full potential as adults able to make a positive contribution to society. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Critical Junctures in Assistive Technology and Disability Inclusion)

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Review

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23 pages, 7135 KiB

Open AccessReview

A Bibliometric Narrative Review on Modern Navigation Aids for People with Visual Impairment

by Xiaochen Zhang, Xiaoyu Yao, Lanxin Hui, Fuchuan Song and Fei Hu

Sustainability 2021, 13(16), 8795; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su13168795 - 06 Aug 2021

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2431

Abstract

The innovations in the field of specialized navigation systems have become prominent research topics. As an applied science for people with special needs, navigation aids for the visually impaired are a key sociotechnique that helps users to independently navigate and access needed resources indoors and outdoors. This paper adopts the informetric analysis method to assess the current research and explore trends in navigation systems for the visually impaired based on bibliographic records retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC). A total of 528 relevant publications from 2010 to 2020 were analyzed. This work answers the following questions: What are the publication characteristics and most influential publication sources? Who are the most active and influential authors? What are their research interests and primary contributions to society? What are the featured key studies in the field? What are the most popular topics and research trends, described by keywords? Additionally, we closely investigate renowned works that use different multisensor fusion methods, which are believed to be the bases of upcoming research. The key findings of this work aim to help upcoming researchers quickly move into the field, as they can easily grasp the frontiers and the trend of R&D in the research area. Moreover, we suggest the researchers embrace smartphone-based agile development, as well as pay more attention to phone-based prominent frameworks such as ARCore or ARKit, to achieve a fast prototyping for their proposed systems. This study also provides references for the associated fellows by highlighting the critical junctures of the modern assistive travel aids for people with visual impairments. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Critical Junctures in Assistive Technology and Disability Inclusion)

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