The experience of speech recognition software abandonment by adolescents with physical disabilities.
BACKGROUND
There is a high rate of speech recognition software (SRS) abandonment by adolescent students with physical disabilities.


OBJECTIVE
This study sought to describe the experience of adolescents & their parents, who experienced abandonment of SRS.


METHODS
Using a narrative inquiry method, semi-structured interviews were conducted with three adolescents with a physical disability (and two parents). The individual narratives were transcribed and analyzed using plot-solution and three-dimensional space narrative elements.


RESULTS
Participants' descriptions of their experiences of abandonment emerged along four descriptive themes: (a) they didn't tell me the whole story, (b) I know how to use it, it's just not worth the time and effort, (c) it's just not the right fit for me or my needs, (d) there's an easier way!


CONCLUSIONS
Participants believed the SRS was not an adequate fit for their needs or their specific disabilities and so resorted to alternative methods of written communication. A better understanding of the compatibility of the client's needs with the strengths & limitations of the technology, may improve the prescription and intervention process for both therapists & their clients.
Occupational Therapy Program, Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Ottawa , Ottawa, Ontario , Canada and.
Rebecca
R
Van Schyndel
Amita Bhargava
AB
Furgoch
Tara
T
Previl
Rose
R
Martini
D000293:Adolescent; D006233:Persons with Disabilities / Q000523:psychology* / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D010352:Patient Dropouts / Q000523:psychology*; D036301:Qualitative Research; D049250:Speech Recognition Software
Abandonment; assistive technology; speech recognition software