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"I see it as a wellspring for my positive and upward journey in life.": Understanding Current Practices of Assistive Technology's Customized Modification in China

Kexin Yang, Junyi Wu, Haokun Xin, Jiangtao Gong

TL;DR

It is found that modified ATs not only make the lives of people with disabilities more comfortable and convenient but also bring them confidence, reduce social pressure, and even help them achieve self-realization.

Abstract

Due to the significant differences in physical conditions and living environments of people with disabilities, standardized assistive technologies (ATs) often fail to meet their needs. Modified AT, especially DIY (Do It Yourself) ATs, are a popular solution in many high-income countries, but there is a lack of documentation for low- and middle-income areas, especially in China, where the culture of philanthropy is undeveloped. To understand the current situation in this paper, we conducted semi-structured interviews with 10 individuals with disabilities using modified ATs and 10 individuals involved in providing these, including family members, standard assistive device manufacturers, and individuals employed for their modification skills, etc. Based on the results of the thematic analysis, we have summarized the general process of modified ATs for people with disabilities in China and the benefits these devices bring. We found that modified ATs not only make the lives of people with disabilities more comfortable and convenient but also bring them confidence, reduce social pressure, and even help them achieve self-realization. Additionally, we summarized the challenges they encountered before, during, and after the modification, including awareness gaps, family resistance, a lack of a business model, and so on. Specifically, we conducted a special case study about the typical business models and challenges currently faced by AT modification organizations in China. Our research provides important design foundations and research insights for the future of universal and personalized production of AT.

"I see it as a wellspring for my positive and upward journey in life.": Understanding Current Practices of Assistive Technology's Customized Modification in China

TL;DR

It is found that modified ATs not only make the lives of people with disabilities more comfortable and convenient but also bring them confidence, reduce social pressure, and even help them achieve self-realization.

Abstract

Due to the significant differences in physical conditions and living environments of people with disabilities, standardized assistive technologies (ATs) often fail to meet their needs. Modified AT, especially DIY (Do It Yourself) ATs, are a popular solution in many high-income countries, but there is a lack of documentation for low- and middle-income areas, especially in China, where the culture of philanthropy is undeveloped. To understand the current situation in this paper, we conducted semi-structured interviews with 10 individuals with disabilities using modified ATs and 10 individuals involved in providing these, including family members, standard assistive device manufacturers, and individuals employed for their modification skills, etc. Based on the results of the thematic analysis, we have summarized the general process of modified ATs for people with disabilities in China and the benefits these devices bring. We found that modified ATs not only make the lives of people with disabilities more comfortable and convenient but also bring them confidence, reduce social pressure, and even help them achieve self-realization. Additionally, we summarized the challenges they encountered before, during, and after the modification, including awareness gaps, family resistance, a lack of a business model, and so on. Specifically, we conducted a special case study about the typical business models and challenges currently faced by AT modification organizations in China. Our research provides important design foundations and research insights for the future of universal and personalized production of AT.
Paper Structure (82 sections, 3 figures, 5 tables)

This paper contains 82 sections, 3 figures, 5 tables.

Table of Contents

  1. Introduction
  2. Related Work
  3. DIY and Modification of AT
  4. Business Model of AT
  5. AT Modification Needs in developing countries
  6. Current Public Services for Disabled People in China
  7. Methodology
  8. Participants
  9. Procedure
  10. For Individuals with Disabilities Who Use and Are Involved in the Modification of ATs
  11. For Individuals with Experience in Modifying ATs for Others
  12. For Representatives from Third-party Modification Agencies and Non-profit Organizations
  13. For Personnel from the Accessibility Departments of the CDPF
  14. Data Analysis
  15. Research Ethics
  16. ...and 67 more sections

Figures (3)

  • Figure 1: The modified ATs in our study (The images are provided by participants.): (a) D2’s head-controlled wheelchair; (b) D1’s homemade prosthetic eye; (c) D3's chin controlled electric wheelchair; (d) D7's pocket tricycle; (e) Toe-controlled electric wheelchair made by S2 for D9; (f) The modified wheelchair backrest S10 installed for his mother; (g) D5‘s handmade crutch appearance.
  • Figure 2: The social media about modified AT in our study: (a) D2's Tiktok account to share modification and rehabilitation knowledge; (b) D9's Tiktok account to share daily life and modification; (c) D1's Bilibili account to share daily life and modification; (d) S10's Tiktok account to share daily life and modification; (e) A WeChat group created by D3 to share daily life and modification.
  • Figure 3: The modification process (adapted from the Double Diamond design process model council2005double).