The increasing number of powered wheelchair users, driven by an aging global population and advancements in medical care, highlights a critical need to understand their unique experiences and challenges, particularly regarding assistive technologies and caregiver support. Our study, drawing on qualitative data from 11 participants with diverse disabilities, investigates the complex interplay of technology, independence, and socio-economic factors in their lives. It reveals a significant gap between the potential and actual use of assistive technologies, underscoring the importance of innovation in areas where users heavily rely on caregivers. The implication of this study includes emphasizing the necessity for inclusive, adaptable, and economically accessible assistive technologies and highlighting the vital role of human support in augmenting the quality of life for individuals with mobility impairments.
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Shahria et al. (2024) studied this question.
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