Measuring the Effectiveness of Assistive Technology on Active Aging: Capturing the Perspectives of Users

The United States’ Assistive Technology Act (1998) defines assistive or adaptive technology as “…any item, piece of equipment, or product system, whether acquired commercially, modified, or customized, that is used to increase, maintain, or improve functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities” (SEC. 3. DEFINITIONS AND RULE subsection 3). This chapter uses the term mobility assistive technology (MAT) to describe a category that includes both assistive devices (applied to or directly manipulated by a person—e.g., a cane, walker, or wheelchair) and special equipment (attachments to the original structure of the physical environment—e.g., grab bars in the bathroom) that are designed to improve mobility.

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