Inclusive rehabilitation and assistive technologies development: An exploration of considerations, principles, and stakeholder engagement.

French, Jennifer; Anderson, Kim D; Welden, Jeffra; Axelson, Peter; Bayes, Bruce; Burkhart, Ian

This article explores the integration of rehabilitation and assistive technologies (Rehab & A-T) in the lives of People With Disabilities (PWD). It highlights the importance of including end-users in the development process and emphasizes the need for a shift towards co-development principles. The article discusses the role of technology in addressing both the medical and social models of disability and the challenges of overlooking environmental barriers and social determinants of health. It also presents practical frameworks and tools for co-development in Rehab & A-T and identifies gaps and opportunities in stakeholder engagement. The article concludes by advocating for inclusive design and co-development to enhance the efficacy and accessibility of Rehab & A-T for diverse end-users.

SOCIAL model of disability; ARM amputation; WEB design; BUSINESS partnerships; VIRTUAL communities; ITERATIVE learning control

Journal of Rehabilitation & Assistive Technologies Engineering, 2024, p1

2055-6683

Academic Journal

10.1177/20556683241286517