Network analysis of assistive technology stakeholders in Malawi

Figures & data

Table 1. Description of survey scale

Strength	Weight	Definition Provided
No Relationship	0	I am not aware of the work this organization is doing
Awareness	1	We are aware of the work done by this organization, but our work is entirely independent.
Communication	2	Our organization actively shares information with this organization as we work towards our own goals. We do not currently cooperate or collaborate on any initiatives.
Cooperation	3	Our organization actively shares information and sometimes has shared activities (less than three times iai year). Referral of clients is included in this category.
Collaboration	4	Our organization actively shares information, and frequently has shared activities (more than 3 times a year). We plan and work together towards shared goals, projects, and initiatives.

Table 2. Demographic information for respondent organizations

Factor		# Respondents
Disability Focus	Physical	6
	Intellectual	1
	Psychosocial	1
	Developmental	4
	Sensory	3
	All	5
Age of Clients Served	Children (0–18)	13
	Adults (19–50)	16
	Older Adults (50+)	14
Service Provided	Assistive Technologies	8
	Related Services	12
	None	3

Table 3. Network metrics

	Mean Values (Range)
Type of Respondent	In-Degree	Out-Degree	Weighted In-Degree	Weighted Out-Degree	Betweenness Centrality
Total Possible	19.0 (0–19)	19.0 (0–19)	76.0 (0–76)	76.0 (0–76)	1.00 (0–1)
Government Ministry (n = 4)	17.0 (17–17)	16.8 (15–18)	45.5 (41–50)	53.0 (37–61)	0.76 (0.67–0.79)
Service Delivery Organization* (n = 1)	18.0 (-)	17.0 (-)	52.0 (-)	56.0 (-)	0.79 (-)
Organizations of Persons with Disabilities (n = 6)	15.3 (14–16)	16.3 (15–18)	37.8 (26–49)	38.3 (28–50)	0.59 (0.12–0.79)
International NGO (n = 8)	14.9 (9–18)	14.4 (6–18)	35.9 (14–43)	31.2 (8–53)	0.58 (0.24–0.79)
All Organizations (n = 19)	15.6 (9–18)	15.6 (6–18)	39.4 (14–50)	57.5 (8–61)	0.63 (0.12–0.79)

*Only one service delivery organization is included; values are specific to that organization.

Figure 1. Graphical representation of network of assistive technology organizations in Malawi.