A Network-Based Quantitative Analysis of the Societal Impacts of Assistive Technology

It is estimated that around 1.3 billion people, roughly 16% of the global population, live with some form of disability, which can be physical, auditory, visual, intellectual, or psychosocial (mental). To help this group overcome daily functional limitations and improve their ability to perform activities independently, Assistive Technologies (AT) are used. However, understanding the complex effects of these technologies on users’ lives poses challenges in measurement. This research aims to identify and systematise the impacts caused by AT within society, analysing the relationships among these impacts to offer a comprehensive understanding of their scope. A Systematic Literature Review (SLR) was carried out following the PRISMA protocol, supplemented by association rule analysis using the Apriori algorithm with Weka software. Metrics such as Support, Confidence, and Lift were used to evaluate the associations identified by the algorithm. This analysis revealed fourteen distinct types of impacts, categorised into three groups: User Quality of Life, Social and Psychosocial, and Work Environment and Productivity. The findings demonstrated consistent associations, including Autonomy → Independence, Socioeconomic Status → Social Impact, and Education → Social Impact, indicating interconnected effects of assistive devices across functional, educational, emotional, social, economic, and productivity areas. This study supports the Sustainable Development Goals by promoting the development of AT standardisation tools, guiding more inclusive public policies, and encouraging collaborative networks among stakeholders involved in AT research and development.