EXPERIENCES OF EXPERTS IN USING ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY

Abstract

Assistive technology is a collective term that refers to assistive devices and services for people withdisabilities. The use of assistive technology in working with people with disabilities facilitates their learning and performance of activities of daily living. The knowledge and experience of experts is necessary for the selection, purchase, and use of assistive technology. For the purpose of this work, an online survey was conducted among experts in Bosnia and Herzegovina who had the opportunity to use and apply assistive technology through their work. The research participants (N=23) were educational rehabilitators, speech therapists, teachers, pedagogues, physiotherapists, and nurses. The online questionnaire consisted of 33 open and closed-ended questions. The data obtained were processed using quantitative and qualitative data processing methods. The aim of the research was to ask experts in Bosnia and Herzegovina about their experience with the use of assistive technology, their knowledge and attitudes, and the challenges they face in their work. The results show that assistive technology has not beenused for long in Bosnia and Herzegovina and that experts encounter many challenges in their work, such as financial problems, lack of technical support, and difficulties in working with parents. They also emphasize the need for more training in assistive technology.Keywords: assistive technology, experts, experience, knowledge, education.