title: Assistive technology provision within the Navajo Nation: user and provider perceptions.
abstract: In this study we explored the factors that affect assistive technology (AT) provision within the Navajo Nation using a qualitative approach to inquiry. Focus groups were held in which AT users discussed their awareness of AT and their need for, use of, and satisfaction with AT devices and services. Twenty-eight individuals who used wheelchairs, orthotics or prosthetics, hearing aids, communication aids, vision aids, and other AT participated in one of seven focus groups. Seven AT providers discussed the facilitators and barriers that affect AT provision. The findings revealed six themes common to both stakeholder groups and two additional themes for AT users. The central theme for AT users centered on (not) feeling understood; the central theme for AT providers revolved around the processes, activities, and roles the providers engaged in at times for different clients. Activities to increase awareness and to promote successful AT provision and satisfaction with AT devices were proposed.
authors.affiliation: San Francisco State University, San Francisco, California, USA reisinger@whirlwindatr.org.
authors.forename: Kim D
authors.initials: KD
authors.lastname: Reisinger
authors.affiliation: University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.
authors.forename: Jacquie D
authors.initials: JD
authors.lastname: Ripat
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001294:Attitude to Health; D006233:Persons with Disabilities / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D006310:Hearing Aids / Q000523:psychology; D006801:Humans; D007198:Indians, North American / Q000523:psychology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009989:Orthotic Devices; D019736:Prostheses and Implants / Q000523:psychology; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012656:Self-Help Devices / Q000523:psychology*; D014910:Wheelchairs / Q000523:psychology; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Aboriginal people, North America; disability / disabled persons; focus groups; health and well-being; health care, access to; hearing / deafness; rehabilitation; spinal cord injury; technology, assistive; vision