Factors Associated with AT Discontinuance Among Individuals with Disabilities

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The hypothesis of this study developed from variables of Rogers‘ theory of diffusion and two additional factors related to the discontinuance of AT--the degree of consumer involvement and changes in the consumer‘s needs.

The researchers developed a survey to pinpoint common reasons for abandonment, interviewed a small sample population (115 people with a variety of AT needs), and formed the hypothesis that "there is a relationship between assistive technology discontinuance among individuals with disabilities and a combination of independent variables (relative advantage, support, consumer involvement, trialability, changes in consumers, re-invention and compatibility)."



In addition to the results data demonstrating the degree of impact that the Rogers‘ theory variables and consumer factors have on the discontinuance of AT, the researchers present five recommendations to expand research, reduce AT abandonment, and encourage the involvement of consumers in the choice of and trainings for their AT devices.