Experiences of individuals with severe disabilities using assistive devices: A qualitative study

Abstract

Background: Assistive devices positively impact the lives of people with disabilities. However, many individuals face challenges preventing them from fully utilizing these tools, which is an unresolved issue in South Korea. Objective: This study explores the experiences of individuals with severe disabilities regarding the use of assistive devices. Methods: Data were collected from 13 such individuals through individual in-depth interviews from December 2021 to April 2022 and then analyzed using content analysis. Results: Three main categories—“Assistive devices as catalysts for independent living,” “Unmet realities and limitations of assistive devices,” and “Hopes for a better future with assistive devices”—and eight sub-categories related to the participants’ experiences were derived. The participants experienced both the positive effects of assistive devices on their independence and social participation, as well as deficiencies in the quality of the devices, service process, and support systems. Additionally, they noted environmental challenges and social constraints. Conclusions: The findings suggest the importance of ensuring the systematic management of device and environmental quality, among other things, and can inform the development of more effective and user-centered assistive technologies based on the experiences of individuals with severe disabilities.