Paying for assistive technology: a study of Hispanics

Abstract

Purpose. The purpose of this study is to learn about the methods that Hispanics utilise to pay for assistive technology (AT) and how these compare with a National sample of non-Hispanic participants who answered the same survey in a previous project.

Method. This secondary analysis combined two studies – a National Study and a targeted study of Hispanics – a follow-up study that purposively sought out Hispanics, due to their lower representation in the national sample.

Results. This study found that Hispanics pay for AT out of their own pocket or relied on extended family rather than government programmes. The study also found that Hispanics utilised private insurance less than their counterparts in the National study.

Conclusions. This study raises questions about the reach of government programmes, meant to enhance the access of underrepresented groups to AT, established by the AT legislation. Further studies are needed to explore whether participants are not accessing this programmes or are failing to identify them as resources.

Keywords:

• Assistive technology
• hispanics
• payment methods
• people with disabilities