title: Getting it "right": how collaborative relationships between people with disabilities and professionals can lead to the acquisition of needed assistive technology.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of a consumer-led equipment and device program [Equipment and Assistive Technology Initiative (EATI) in British Columbia, Canada] from the perspective of program participants. The importance of collaborative assessments for obtaining the right assistive technology (AT) for meeting an individual's needs is discussed in light of the program's participant-centered "Participation Model", or philosophy by which the program is structured.
  
  
  METHODS
  A cross-sectional survey with participants and semi-structured interviews were conducted with participants (≥ 18 years) who held a range of disabilities. The survey asked participants to rank their AT and to identify the method by which they obtained the technology [by self, prescribed by a health professional or collaborative (self and professional)]. Interviews addressed participants' opinions about obtaining and using AT.
  
  
  RESULTS
  In total, 357 people responded to the survey (17% response rate) and 16 people participated in the interviews. The highest ranking AT was assigned to devices assessed via a collaborative method (self = 31%, practitioner = 26%, collaborative = 43%; χ(2) (16,180) = 39.604, p < 0.001).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Shared decision-making between health professionals and people with disabilities within the assessment process for assistive technology leads to what participants perceive as the right AT.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Collaborative decision-making can lead to the selection of assistive technology that is considered needed and right for the individual. Person-centered philosophy associated with assistive technology assessment is contributing to attaining "the right" AT.
authors.affiliation: School of Social Work .
authors.forename: Patricia
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Johnston
authors.forename: Leanne M
authors.initials: LM
authors.lastname: Currie
authors.forename: Donna
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Drynan
authors.forename: Tim
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Stainton
authors.forename: Lyn
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Jongbloed
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001955:British Columbia; D003299:Cooperative Behavior; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003657:Decision Making; D006233:Persons with Disabilities / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D020380:Needs Assessment; D011369:Professional-Patient Relations; D012656:Self-Help Devices
keywords: Abandonment; assessment; assistive technology; client-centered; consumer-driven; disability services; equipment; participation