Low vision assistive technology device usage and importance in daily occupations.

UNLABELLED: When selected, accepted and used appropriately, low vision assistive technology devices (ATDs) have the potential to facilitate the performance of occupations that lead to positive outcomes. OBJECTIVE: This paper identifies some low vision ATDs currently used and explores their relative importance for the performance of daily occupation from participants' perspectives. PARTICIPANTS: 17 adults (M=56 years old, SD=15.8) with low vision we0re recruited through a purposeful sampling strategy. METHODS: Through one-on-one semi-structured telephone interviews, ATD usage data, ranking of perceived importance of ATDs and verbal data were collected from the participants. RESULTS: A total of 124 devices were identified by the participants of which 104 (83.9%) were used and 20 (16.1%), mostly adaptive computer technologies, were not. 22 (21%) mainstream aids to daily living were identified (large monitor, large screen TV, DVD player) and they ranked high in terms of perceived importance by the participants for daily activities. Verbal feedback from participants supplemented this finding. CONCLUSION: Concepts related to usage and ranking of importance of ATDs for daily occupations are multi-faceted and complex(e.g. combination of devices used, multiple equal rankings, etc.). The authors suggested future research opportunities to examine these concepts through qualitative means.

Driving, navigation, and vehicular technology: experiences of older drivers and their co-pilots.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this article is to explore relationship between older drivers and their passengers (co-pilots) and potential implications of in-vehicle navigation technology on their driving safety. METHODS: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 44 healthy, community-dwelling older adults (aged 60-83) or 22 married couples. Males identified themselves as drivers and females identified themselves as passengers (i.e., co-pilot). RESULTS: Findings indicate that operating a motor vehicle in older adulthood is a shared activity between drivers and passengers. Older drivers and co-pilots reported their level of interaction depended on their familiarity with their route. Navigating unfamiliar areas, particularly large urban centers, was identified as the most challenging driving situation. Participants identified their level of collaboration would increase with the advent of in-vehicle navigation technology. Safety concerns related to the use of this technology, included distraction of both drivers and passengers. Differences amongst couples in their perceptions of using this technology were linked to their level of experience with using other forms of technology. CONCLUSIONS: Older drivers and passengers identified working closely together when operating a motor vehicle. Further investigation into the effects of in-vehicle navigation technology on the driving safety of older drivers and their co-pilots is warranted.

Turning points and protective processes in the lives of people with chronic disabilities.

In this qualitative study, the authors examined the nature of resilience in people with chronic disabilities. Fifteen people with disabilities identified the factors that helped or hindered them at major turning points, and the triggers and resolutions to these turning points. Turning points were emotionally compelling experiences and realizations that involved meaning acquired through the routes of belonging, doing, or understanding the self or the world. The major protective factors were social support, traits such as perseverance and determination, and spiritual beliefs. Three new protective processes were identified: replacing a loss with a gain (transcending), recognizing new things about oneself (self-understanding), and making decisions about relinquishing something in life (accommodating). These protective factors, processes, and ways in which people with disabilities draw sense and meaning in life have important implications for service delivery.