A checklist to guide public digital platforms for the provision of AT services and products using people-centered assistive technology references

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To develop a checklist that guides the requirements necessary for public digital platforms in providing AT, based on the WHO-proposed “The WHO-GATE 5P framework” and the Global Report on Assistive Technology. METHODS: A qualitative descriptive research approach was employed consisting of 4 stages: 1) Construction of the checking tool, 2) Discussion of the checklist by a group of three researchers until a final proposal was reached, 3) Analysis of the checklist by two external researchers with experience in AT research and services, 4) Analysis of the suggestions and formatting of the final version of the checklist. Three of the authors/researchers conducted a documental analysis of the “WHO-GATE 5P framework” and Global Report on Assistive Technology, and two experts in research and AT services, performed the checklist analysis independently. RESULTS: The final version of the checklist with 25 items was created and made available in English and Portuguese version. Conclusion: This checklist based on the fundamentals of the assistive technology model centred on people, the “WHO-GATE 5P framework” and the Global Report on Assistive Technology provides direction for digital AT service delivery, delivery practices and data science in digital services aimed at addressing the needs of AT consumers, while supporting advancements in the provision of digital AT services.