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Abstract
Wheelchair users (WCUs) face additional challenges than non-WCU to multi-tasking (i.e. open doors, cook, use a cell-phone) while navigating their environments. While assistive devices have attempted to provide WCUs with mobility solutions that enable multi-tasking capabilities, current devices have been developed without the input of end-users and have proven to be non-usable. More balanced approaches that integrate the end-users’ voices may improve current assistive technology usability trends. This study sought to empathically understand the lived experience of WCUs, their needs towards a mobility device, and their perceptions towards hands-free mobility. Full-time WCUs and care providers participated in semi-structured interviews examining wheelchair use and perceptions towards current and future mobility devices. Thematic analysis was used to analyze interview data. 9 WCUs (aged 32.1 ± 7.0 years; wheelchair experience 17.9 ± 11.6 years) and five care providers (years caring for WCU 3.75 ± 0.96 years) participated in the study. The most common disability type was spinal cord injury (WCUs: n = 3; care providers: n = 3). Qualitative analysis revealed four key themes: (1) Current wheelchair usage, (2) WCU and care provider perspectives, (3) Future wheelchair, and (4) Hands-free wheelchair. Accordingly, participants desire bespoke, light-weight mobility devices that can through tight spaces, access uneven terrain, and free the hands during navigation. This study provides meaningful insight into the needs of WCUs and care providers that assistive technology innovators can use to develop more usable assistive technologies. Amongst study participants, the concept of a hands-free mobility device appears to be usable and desirable.
IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION
Integrating end-users’ voices into the development of assistive technology may improve current usability trends
Wheelchair users desire access to their hands and the ability to multi-task while navigating their wheelchairs
The development of a hands-free mobility device may profoundly improve the quality of life of wheelchair users.
Acknowledgements
We want to acknowledge Dr. Robert Norris for his contributions on this project.
Disclosure statement
The authors report that there are no competing interests to declare.
Data availability statement
Additional data can be accessed by reaching out to the corresponding author.
Additional information
Funding
Notes on contributors
Joseph Peters
Joseph Peters is a medical student at Kansas City University. He is a former postdoctoral researcher at the Beckman Institute, assistant coach for the UIUC Wheelchair Track team and research affiliate in the dis(Ability) Design Studio at University of Illinois.
Michael Chen
Michael Chen is a medical student at Carle College of Medicine.
Kathryn Huang
Kathryn Huang is a graduate student in the Disability, Participation, and Quality of Life Research Laboratory at the University of Illinois.
Marissa Siero
Marissa Siero is the Associate Director of Entrepreneurship Programming at the University of Illinois.
Jeannette Elliot
Jeannette Elliot is a doctor of physical therapy and the lead clinician of the Health and Wellness Center at the University of Illinois.
Adam Bleakney
Adam Bleakney is Director of the Human Performance and Mobility Maker Laboratory and faculty at the Beckman Institute at the University of Illinois. He is the Head Coach of the University of Illinois Wheelchair Track team Wheelchair Track team.
Elizabeth Hsiao-Wecksler
Elizabeth Hsiao-Wecksler is Professor (Mechanical Science and Engineering) and Director of the Human Dynamics and Controls Laboratory at University of Illinois.
Deana McDonagh
Deana McDonagh is Professor Industrial Design (School of Art and Design), Health Innovation Professor (Carle Illinois College of Medicine) and Founder of the (dis)Ability Design Studio (Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology).