Working with frail, elderly EVA users to determine ways to support agency in single switch connectivity with mobile technologies

Abstract

Older adults, particularly the frail elderly, have limited communication support options other than those that have been designed for those with disabilities. The technologies supporting people with disabilities have traditionally relied on single-purpose, heavy and costly “made for the disabled” systems, most of which are outdated and designed to comply with byzantine funding frameworks instead of being designed around user needs. Some of these devices could be replaced by mobile apps and accessories at lower costs. The Tecla Shield, an assistive technology tool, has been designed to allow single-switch access to mobile devices, but frail elderly users were not considered in its development. The needs of frail elderly people may be considerably different than younger people, because communication and physical access to common devices such as televisions, lights and beds, may be more important to this user population. Two frail elderly people were interviewed about their needs for a device such as the Tecla Shield and how they may see using it within their current environment. These two individuals thought that the new version of the Tecla Shield, called EVA, would enable them to have more direct control over devices that they normally had to ask for assistance to use - enabling them to decide when and where they needed assistance, or not. However, concerns were expressed about the size and mounting system as well as the learning curve.