'It Makes Me My Own Person': The Impact of Assisstive Technologies on the Lives of People Living with a Disability in Ireland

Despite the benefits of AT and the progress made in terms of technological development, there is still underutilisation of ATs (World Health Organization, 2022). Barriers for PwD in using ATs include the cost and the lack of technical support (Tanis et al., 2012). Provision of training and support has also been highlighted as a means to increase the utilisation of ATs (Darcy et al., 2017; O’Sullivan et al., 2023). However, a first step towards better uptake and use of AT is to better understand the experiences of those who have engaged with it. Although there is much research examining the potential of AT use to assist PwDs, few studies have examined the impact of using ATs among PwD in an Irish context (O’Neill et al., 2020). In addition, most studies are focused on children or the student population. Since the population of PwD is diverse, and given population ageing, there is a need to examine the impact among PwDs aged 18+ years. In addition to examining the experiences of using ATs among PwD, views are also needed from those in their circle of support (CoS). A CoS refers to a group of people coming together to assist a person with a disability in formulating, promoting, and supporting their goals (HSE, n.d.). The individual with a disability is at the centre of the circle. The CoS helps identify the resources required to make things happen and can play a key role in the person-centred planning process (HSE, n.d.).