Assistive technology application in educational contexts: policy framework and core areas / 中国康复理论与实践

ABSTRACT

ObjectiveTo study domestic and international policies and core areas related to assistive technology services for children with disabilities, to explore the application of assistive technology for children with special needs in the educational context. MethodsBased on the relevant policies and theoretical frameworks of policies on assistive technology services of United Nations, World Health Organization (WHO) and China, the policy frameworks and core areas of assistive technology in the educational context were analyzed using the theories of the six elements of the WHO assistive technology service system and the 5P service model, as well as the international and domestic classifications and directory lists of assistive technologies. ResultsInternational Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) gave the definition and classification of assistive technology in educational scenarios. With the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) as the core and the Assistive Technology for Children with Disabilities (ATD) strategy as the centerpiece of the international policy, the core areas of assistive technology application in educational settings were established with the 5P Model, consisting of five related areas, namely individuals, policies, products, practitioners and service delivery, based on the six elements of the WHO assistive technology service system, namely leadership and governance, financing, human resources for health, service delivery, medical technology and health information system. The ecosystem focused on people, policies, products, practitioners and services that promote access to and use of assistive technology. ConclusionThe policy and core areas for the application of assistive technology in educational contexts are formed on the basis of ICF, with the CRPD at the core, and the strategy of ATD, to define scientifically the definition; and promote assistive technology services for children with disabilities from the perspective of the right to comprehensive, efficient, and child-centered development, to provide usable, accessible, affordable, adaptable, acceptable and quality assistive technology services to ensure that children with disabilities enjoy equal and quality education, and to improve the quality of life and well-being. A human-centered assistive technology ecosystem can be established using 5P Model, to innovate and develop assistive technology services for children with disabilities.