Caregivers’ Influence on Smartphone Usage of People with Cognitive Disabilities: An Explorative Case Study in Germany

Abstract

Intuitive handling, mobile internet access, and a large number of applications make smartphones extremely popular devices. Smartphones promise particularly high potentials for various marginalized groups. This explorative case study examines formal caregivers’ attitudes towards smartphone usage and internet access by people with cognitive disabilities. Due to the close relationship to their clients, it is assumed that caregivers support or prevent smartphone usage of people with cognitive disabilities depending on their attitudes and experiences. The aim of this study is to examine which particular factors influence caregiver’s attitudes towards smartphone usage. Twenty-four semi-structured interviews with formal caregivers were conducted between January and December 2018 in Germany. This paper discusses the main findings on the background of psychological and technological theories of technology acceptance and personal-growth, including self-determination-theory.