?It is essential that we capture genuine information to substantiate the impacts that having, or not having, assistive technology can have for people living with a disability. This facilitates informed decision making when planning for service provision?, says Anne-Marie Carew, lead author of the report. 

?The report also found that a substantial number of people still require additional assistive technology and a further group have received none at all to date?.  

The evidence was gathered using WHO-based measures from 10,552 Irish people as part of ongoing data collection for the HRB?s National Physical and Sensory Disability Database. It is analysed and published in Activity, participation and assistive technology, Issue 6 in the Measure of Activity and Participation (MAP) Bulletin series from the HRB.  

The bulletin examines the types of assistive technology used and required by people with a physical and/or sensory disability in Ireland. This includes those with a physical, neurological, visual, hearing or multiple disabilities. It evaluates the relationships between use of assistive technology and levels of participation in everyday life and activities.  The person?s age, gender, area of residence and whether or not he/she has a primary carer are also included in the analysis.  

Among the report?s findings were;

• The AT used and required by people with a physical and/or sensory disability is diverse, ranging from items such as magnifying lenses and standing frames to powered wheelchairs and computer-based communication aids. AT requirements are specific to an individual?s condition and level of functioning. 
• Although the types of assistive technology used and required differ across the disability types, many of the barriers and areas of restriction were similar. 
• Access to information (e.g. about entitlements, services, or nature of the condition) was a major barrier to participation and was significant for all five disability types.
• 28% required additional assistive technology and 4% have no assistive technology.

The report is available from the HRB website at the link below.