ABSTRACT

The purpose of this study was to describe the actual demand and use pattern of assistive devices among employers hiring workers with disabilities. Methods : This study was conducted using 1054 enterprises registered in a ʻJob Information Systemʼ. The question retrieval method is post and e-mail. The post retrieval ratio is 13% and the e-mail retrieval ratio, which became clogged down, is 10.7%. Finally, the questionnaires of a total of 121 respondents were analyzed. The study period was from October to December, 2008. Results : Employers (36.3%) who experienced assistive device support are currently using 17 items of office assistance, 25 items of information access, 80 items of work utensils, and 2 items of communication. They also expressed additional support demand for 5 items of both locomotion and ADL, 3 items of visual devices, 2 items of both hearing and hand devices, and 1 item of communication. The percentage of recognition of the Assistive Technology Center among the employers (63.6%) who did not experience assistive device support was 31.5%, and 58.4% of the employers replied that they will use Assistive Technology Service. When they choose an assistive device, they consider its effectiveness, handiness, and safety. Employers want an Assistive Technology Service to expand the support estimate, expand the equipment type, number, and assessment, and support the work place environment. Conclusion : We identified that employer service utilization of the Korea Employment Promotion Agency for the disabled(KEPAD). Assistive Technology is low. Not only did they have little understanding of the Assistive Technology support, but their intention to use the service was also low. They believe that important Assistive Technology matters are a support estimate, and expanding the equipment type and number. So, in order to use Assistive Technology, KEPAD must make employers recognize Assistive Technology.