Article

Assistive technology for computer access can be used to facilitate
people with a spinal cord injury to utilize mainstream computer applications,
thereby enabling participation in a variety of meaningful occupations. The aim of
this study was to gain an understanding of the experiences of clients with
tetraplegia trialing assistive technologies for computer access during different
stages in a public rehabilitation service. METHOD: In order to explore the
experiences of clients with tetraplegia trialing assistive technologies for
computer use, qualitative methodology was selected. Data were collected from
seven participants using semi-structured interviews, which were audio-taped,
transcribed and analyzed thematically. RESULTS: Three main themes were
identified. These were: getting back into life, assisting in adjusting to injury
and learning new skills. CONCLUSIONS: The findings from this study demonstrated
that people with tetraplegia can be assisted to return to previous life roles or
engage in new roles, through developing skills in the use of assistive technology
for computer access. Being able to use computers for meaningful activities
contributed to the participants gaining an enhanced sense of self-efficacy, and
thereby quality of life. Implications for Rehabilitation Findings from this pilot
study indicate that people with tetraplegia can be assisted to return to previous
life roles, and develop new roles that have meaning to them through the use of
assistive technologies for computer use. Being able to use the internet to
socialize, and complete daily tasks, contributed to the participants gaining a
sense of control over their lives. Early introduction to assistive technology is
important to ensure sufficient time for newly injured people to feel comfortable
enough with the assistive technology to use the computers productively by the
time of discharge. Further research into this important and expanding area is
indicated.

Langue : ANGLAIS