This study explores satisfaction with assistive technology (AT) products in Italy using data from the rapid Assistive Technology Assessment (rATA). It evaluates how demographics and functional difficulties influence satisfaction levels. Older adults (60+) showed the highest satisfaction (mean = 2.82), while younger participants (0-17 years) reported the lowest (mean = 1.07; ANOVA, F = 376.59, p < 0.001). Satisfaction rose with difficulty severity, with “Cannot Do at All” users scoring highest (mean = 3.95; ANOVA, F = 1185.95, p < 0.001). These findings stress the value of outcome measurement in refining AT provision and tailoring policies to maximize satisfaction and impact, especially for underserved groups.

JACO is a wheelchair-mounted robotic arm designed to increase the social participation of wheelchair users with limited upper limb mobility. However, the determinants of user satisfaction and the psychosocial impact of long-term use of the JACO arm are not well documented. The objective was to evaluate the associations between user satisfaction regarding the technology and related services, psychosocial effects, and the duration of JACO arm use. In this cross-sectional study, 21 JACO users completed the Quebec User Evaluation of Satisfaction with Assistive Technology (QUEST 2.0) and the short form of the Psychosocial Impact of Assistive Devices (PIADS). Associations were assessed using Pearson’s correlation coefficient and multivariate linear regression analysis. User satisfaction regarding the services received for the JACO arm (β=0.40; p=0.04) and its duration of use (β=0.41; p=0.04) were positively associated with user satisfaction regarding the JACO arm (R²=0.36). Additionally, the psychosocial effects of using the JACO arm were positively correlated with user satisfaction regarding the services received for the JACO arm (r=0.436; p=0.048). Results highlighted the importance of providing quality services (e.g., delivery, repairs and follow-up services) adapted to the users’ needs to promote satisfaction with the AT and ensure long-term use.

Despite the increasing global demand for assistive technologies (AT), many individuals still face significant obstacles in accessing appropriate devices and services. This study investigates the experiences of people with disabilities and older adults in The Hague regarding access to and use of AT. Using a cross-sectional survey (n=192), we examined satisfaction, effectiveness, and barriers in obtaining AT. Results show that while most users find AT beneficial for their quality of life, some face challenges related to bureaucracy, lack of professional coordination, and unclear reimbursement procedures. Socioeconomic factors, such as income and living situation, are significantly associated with satisfaction with and effectiveness of AT. These findings highlight the need for streamlined AT provision processes and improved interprofessional collaboration to enhance accessibility and user satisfaction.

In this paper, two occupational therapists practicing and researching in very different contexts reflect upon definitions of assistive technology ‘use’. The implications of different definitions are explored through a review of the literature and in light of several current studies running in different countries. This practical session addresses how AT practitioners make decisions about terminology, and considers the links between uptake of assistive products, and the related provision of assistive services. The aim of the paper is to spark a dialogue among AAATE attendees for whom AT uptake is important. We will discuss some of the international directives which can assist practitioners and researchers to use consistent and meaningful definitions to more fully understand AT use, underuse and non-use.

Virtual Reality (VR) technology can pose a good alternative in cognitive testing to the original paper-and-pencil based tasks, however, the acceptance and user experience is often left unattended when it comes to developing cognition measuring tasks. In order to solely measure the effects induced by the VR device or environment, we created a 1:1 copy of a classical cognitive psychological test, the Corsi-Block Tapping Task, and digitalized it into a VR environment. We investigated if different age groups, from children to elderly, showed different rates on mood, emotion, VR experience and user experience questionnaires and if these results impacted their performance. Our pilot results indicate that age is decreasing factor on performance, however, VR makes no difference in that matter. Further data collection will allow us to conduct more analysis, gaining deeper insight into the potential effects. Assistive technologies should pay more attention to such factors, besides measuring performance, in order to comprehend a full picture of participants cognitive status.