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Technical Report - Focus Groups on Assistive Technology Use and Outcomes: A Consumer Perspective

Consumer Focus Group Technical Report (PDF, 559KB)

Summary

This needs assessment activity used the focus group as a qualitative research method to examine the perceived outcomes of using assistive technology (AT) by users of the technology. Our efforts sought to understand AT users “lived experience” and the meaning of assistive technology outcomes for consumers as they participate in their daily life activities. The focus groups took place at three sites: Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Menomonie, Wisconsin, and Seattle, Washington. The data from all three groups clearly demonstrates that the consumers’ understanding of “outcomes” is very different from the definition of “outcomes” that is held by service providers or researchers. Also, group members focused on the devices themselves, not outcomes or effectiveness of devices. They were more concerned with process than outcomes and the idiosyncratic utility of the device to enable them to take care of themselves independently and to participate in the lifestyle of their choosing.