Exploring Assistive Technology Abandonment

The reasons for AT abandonment due to replacement are clear, the user is upgrading technology based on either a condition change or technology improvement. The reasons for AT abandonment based on disenchantment are not quite as clear. People can become frustrated with and stop using AT devices for many reasons. Riemer-Reiss and Wacker, (2000) conducted a survey to explore the factors related to consistent AT use and abandonment due to disenchantment. The following are the most common reasons for successful AT use and AT abandonment based on disenchantment as determined by their literature review and study.

• When provided with AT devices people with disabilities based their satisfaction with the device primarily on its effectiveness, operability, and durability.
• People with disabilities who do not feel that their device is compatible with their needs tend to abandon the device.
• Trialability or the opportunity to use an AT device for a significant trial period before purchasing it has been related to successful usability of AT devices. Conversely, obtaining a device without a significant trial period often leads to abandonment.
• When the AT user does not have access to reliable technical or professional support to help troubleshoot issues with the device or answer simple usage questions, he/she is more likely to abandon the AT device.
• AT users are more likely to abandon AT devices if they do not feel that they were sufficiently involved in the selection process of the device or they did not receive sufficient training on the device.

So far, this section has eluded to the idea that AT abandonment is due to an issue with the particular AT device. Other research (e.g. Hocking, 1999) has indicated that  personal factors can also influence AT abandonment. These factors may include:

• The way a person perceives and adjusts to his/her disability. Someone who accepts their disability as long term and understands the role AT will now play in their lives is more likely use an AT device than someone who views their disability as temporary and thus sees no use for AT. People who have not adjusted well to a disability are more likely to abandon the AT they are provided.
• The way a person perceives and feels about the use of the technology as an aid. Many people with disabilities are self conscience about their disability and feel that utilizing technology draws attention to them and their disability. This often causes a feeling of embarrassment. Someone who feels that AT draws attention to them is more likely to abandon a device than someone who views it as a tool to help accomplish tasks.
• A person cultural attitudes toward technology and its uses and applications can affect AT usage and abandonment. Some cultures view the use of technology to help accomplish tasks in a negative manner. Someone with these beliefs or in an environment exuding these beliefs is more likely to abandon an AT device.

Although on the surface, the idea of AT abandonment seems simple, i.e. a device does not work so the user stops using it. As documented, that is not necessarily the case. Many factors including changing technology, personal attitudes, lack of support, cultural views, and improper person-technology matches can all factor into AT abandonment. Knowing what factors into AT abandonment is the first step in reducing the problem.

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