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The Effect of the Usage of Computer-Based Assistive Devices on the Functioning and Quality of Life of Individuals Who Are Blind or Have Low Vision

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Title: The Effect of the Usage of Computer-Based Assistive Devices on the Functioning and Quality of Life of Individuals Who Are Blind or Have Low Vision
Language: English
Authors: Rosner, Yotam, Perlman, Amotz
Source: Journal of Visual Impairment & Blindness. Jan-Feb 2018 112(1):87-99.
Availability: American Foundation for the Blind. 11 Penn Plaza Suite 300, New York, NY 10001. Tel: 800-232-5463; Tel: 212-502-7600; e-mail: afbinfo@afb.net; Web site: http://www.afb.org/store
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 13
Publication Date: 2018
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Research
Descriptors: Foreign Countries, Quality of Life, Blindness, Visual Impairments, Partial Vision, Questionnaires, Leisure Time, Computer Uses in Education, Disabilities, Assistive Technology, Observation
Geographic Terms: Israel
ISSN: 0145-482X
Abstract: Introduction: The Israel Ministry of Social Affairs and Social Services subsidizes computer-based assistive devices for individuals with visual impairments (that is, those who are blind or have low vision) to assist these individuals in their interactions with computers and thus to enhance their independence and quality of life. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of computer usage on the quality of life of computer-based assistive device users, and to evaluate their capacity to carry out computer-based tasks. Methods: The study was conducted between the years 2013 and 2015. Questionnaires were provided to 96 randomly sampled individuals with visual impairments. These questionnaires were designed to collect information about the quality of life, types and frequency of computer use, satisfaction with the assistive devices, and the effects of computerbased assistive device usage on the participants' lives. In addition, the study evaluated participants' performance in tasks such as e-mail use, Internet surfing, and the use of Microsoft Word; participants performed these tasks on their personal computers. The research sample accounts for about 10% of visually impaired persons in Israel. Results: Findings suggest that participants use computer-based assistive devices frequently (four hours a day on average), primarily for leisure (three hours on average). Participants also report high satisfaction with their devices (mean of 3.98 out of the maximum score of 5.00) and indicate that the devices have improved their quality of life (mean 3.67 out of 5.00) and leisure activities (mean 3.68 out of 5.00). Participants display high levels of task performance, especially in the use of Microsoft Word software (mean of 3.47 out of 5.00), and e-mail usage (mean of 3.81 out of 5.00). Discussion: The findings suggest that most participants use computer-based assistive devices daily and report a positive influence from them on their quality of life and activity. Implications for practitioners: The study suggests that welfare services and assistance organizations would benefit from subsidizing computer assistive devices for individuals with visual impairments.
Abstractor: As Provided
Number of References: 33
Entry Date: 2018
Accession Number: EJ1171908
Database: ERIC
FullText Text:
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  Data: The Effect of the Usage of Computer-Based Assistive Devices on the Functioning and Quality of Life of Individuals Who Are Blind or Have Low Vision
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  Data: <searchLink fieldCode="AR" term="%22Rosner%2C+Yotam%22">Rosner, Yotam</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="AR" term="%22Perlman%2C+Amotz%22">Perlman, Amotz</searchLink>
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  Data: <searchLink fieldCode="SO" term="%22Journal+of+Visual+Impairment+%26+Blindness%22"><i>Journal of Visual Impairment & Blindness</i></searchLink>. Jan-Feb 2018 112(1):87-99.
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  Data: American Foundation for the Blind. 11 Penn Plaza Suite 300, New York, NY 10001. Tel: 800-232-5463; Tel: 212-502-7600; e-mail: afbinfo@afb.net; Web site: http://www.afb.org/store
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  Data: 13
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  Data: Journal Articles<br />Reports - Research
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  Data: <searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Foreign+Countries%22">Foreign Countries</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Quality+of+Life%22">Quality of Life</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Blindness%22">Blindness</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Visual+Impairments%22">Visual Impairments</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Partial+Vision%22">Partial Vision</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Questionnaires%22">Questionnaires</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Leisure+Time%22">Leisure Time</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Computer+Uses+in+Education%22">Computer Uses in Education</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Disabilities%22">Disabilities</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Assistive+Technology%22">Assistive Technology</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Observation%22">Observation</searchLink>
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  Data: <searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Israel%22">Israel</searchLink>
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  Data: 0145-482X
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  Label: Abstract
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  Data: Introduction: The Israel Ministry of Social Affairs and Social Services subsidizes computer-based assistive devices for individuals with visual impairments (that is, those who are blind or have low vision) to assist these individuals in their interactions with computers and thus to enhance their independence and quality of life. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of computer usage on the quality of life of computer-based assistive device users, and to evaluate their capacity to carry out computer-based tasks. Methods: The study was conducted between the years 2013 and 2015. Questionnaires were provided to 96 randomly sampled individuals with visual impairments. These questionnaires were designed to collect information about the quality of life, types and frequency of computer use, satisfaction with the assistive devices, and the effects of computerbased assistive device usage on the participants' lives. In addition, the study evaluated participants' performance in tasks such as e-mail use, Internet surfing, and the use of Microsoft Word; participants performed these tasks on their personal computers. The research sample accounts for about 10% of visually impaired persons in Israel. Results: Findings suggest that participants use computer-based assistive devices frequently (four hours a day on average), primarily for leisure (three hours on average). Participants also report high satisfaction with their devices (mean of 3.98 out of the maximum score of 5.00) and indicate that the devices have improved their quality of life (mean 3.67 out of 5.00) and leisure activities (mean 3.68 out of 5.00). Participants display high levels of task performance, especially in the use of Microsoft Word software (mean of 3.47 out of 5.00), and e-mail usage (mean of 3.81 out of 5.00). Discussion: The findings suggest that most participants use computer-based assistive devices daily and report a positive influence from them on their quality of life and activity. Implications for practitioners: The study suggests that welfare services and assistance organizations would benefit from subsidizing computer assistive devices for individuals with visual impairments.
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      – Text: English
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        PageCount: 13
        StartPage: 87
    Subjects:
      – SubjectFull: Foreign Countries
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Quality of Life
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Blindness
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Visual Impairments
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Partial Vision
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Questionnaires
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Leisure Time
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Computer Uses in Education
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Disabilities
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      – SubjectFull: Assistive Technology
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      – SubjectFull: Observation
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      – SubjectFull: Israel
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