ABSTRACT

Objective : The purpose of this study was to identify the need for assistive devices and to initiate the groundwork for their appropriate development, as well as creating supporting policies, in vocational rehabilitation.Methods : People with disabilities currently undergoing vocational training and counseling were selected. Locational variables in the survey were also taken into consideration. The total available data came from 275 subjects (male: 218, female: 55, did not respond: 2), and they were analyzed according to areas of priority with regard to the development of assistive devices for disabilities.Results : With regard to priority in the development of assistive devices, people with physical disabilities pointed the following out as being of utmost importance: activities during daily routines, (ADLs), instrument-related work, and mobility. Blind persons required the development of assistive devices related to vision, and persons with a hearing impairment demanded development of assistive devices related to hearing. Demands for the development of detailed items to assist people with disabilities were mostly expressed inthe following areas: a height-adjustable washbowl and height-adjustable chamber pot in ADLs, a delivery apparatus in working objects, a height-adjustable worktable, an ulcer protective cushion for instrument related work, a modified automobile for persons with disabilities, automobile accessories for persons with disabilities, and a power-driven wheelchair for better mobility. The blind require a computer input or output program, a Braille device, a document recognition program, voice memory, and a walking stick as assistive devices. The demands of people with hearing impairments include a letter transmitter-receiver telephone, a device converting sound to light or vibration, a communication board using figures and letters, a portable communicator, and a videophone.Conclusion : We identified the priorities in the development of areas and detailed items of assistive devices for applicants with disabilities in vocational rehabilitation. The results of this study show a demand for the further development of assistive devices and supporting policies in vocational rehabilitation.