Exploration of Quality of Life with the Use of Assistive Technology for Individuals that Are Visually Impaired or Blind

Abstract

Individuals with vision loss must be able to be safe and independent in their home and community. According to the American Foundation for the Blind, over 10 million Americans are coping with vision impairment or blindness. Technology has opened the doors for most individuals including individuals that are blind or visually impaired making the world a more inclusive place. Access to assistive technology is a privilege that is not equal for all. Due to the excessive cost, it is often out of reach for those who live on a fixed income and rely on financial assistance. There is little qualitative research documenting the advances in assistive technology pertaining to the quality of life for individuals who are visually impaired or blind. Today only 1 out of 10 people in need of assistive technology has access, due to high cost and the lack of awareness, availability, trained personnel, policy, and financing (World Health Organization, 2020). There is limited data on the exploration of quality of life with the use of assistive technology for individuals who have a visual impairment or blindness. The purpose of this study was to explore how the use of assistive technology impacts the quality of life for individuals who have vision loss or blindness. This study sought to identify any psychological effects that derive from the use of assistive technology. This study was framed around Client Centered approach when working with the visually impaired and Blind population. The study incorporated a simple context approach in qualitative methods with a grounded theory approach to assist in analyzing the results of this study.