Eye-gaze technology boosts quality of life for disabled users of all ages
A new study of 61 users found that eye-gaze assistive devices significantly improve self-esteem, participation, and independence—benefits that hold steady regardless of how long someone has used the technology. The findings suggest these devices deserve wider adoption and insurance coverage as essential tools for improving outcomes in disabled populations.
Originaltitel: The psychosocial impact of eye-gaze assistive technology on everyday life of children and adults
<p>PurposeThis study investigates the psychosocial impact of eye-gaze assistive technology (EGAT) in both children and adults with long-term experience using eye-gaze assistive technology in everyday life, as well as the psychosocial impact as related to duration of use.MethodsIn this descriptive comparative study, 34 adult and 27 child EGAT users participated in a structured individual interview using the Psychosocial Impact of Assistive Devices Scale (PIADS).ResultsThe participants' age ranged from 5-74 years, 50% were female and 52% had been diagnosed with cerebral palsy. The EGAT had a positive psychosocial impact on competence, adaptability, and self-esteem among adult and child users. Competence was the only subscale with a higher value for adults (p = 0.038), compared to children. The items with the highest impact for the psychosocial aspects were quality of life, ability to participate, and self-esteem. The adults had longer duration of use than children, but for high-, medium-, and low-duration users, the device showed a positive psychosocial impact.ConclusionsParticipants considered EGAT to have high positive impacts for participation and quality of life. The study adds new knowledge in that high positive psychosocial impact may be found even among low-duration users of EGAT, which is important to consider for service providers.</p>