Each Person as an End? The Users’ Choices in the Service Delivery Process for Assistive Technology in Hungary

Abstract

Based on notions from the Capability Approach, this study investigates the service delivery process for assistive technology in Hungary. The research aimed to explore whether the service delivery is person-centered, with a specific focus on the users’ possible choices. In addition to a comprehensive analysis of legislative and policy documents, qualitative data were collected in semi-structured interviews with users and professionals (n = 31) to gain a deeper understanding of personal experiences. Our findings indicate that the service delivery system is product-centered and dominated by financial considerations. The policy and legislation framework does not provide an institutional guarantee for users to be able to have their voices heard; the extent to which their opinions and preferences prevail depends on the attitude, knowledge, and goodwill of the professionals involved in the process. The realization of a person-centered approach will be hindered as long as the users’ needs are viewed from a medical point of view.