Exploring effective ICT use for communication support in students with severe physical disabilities: a descriptive qualitative study.

Purpose: This study aims to identify the key conditions necessary for the effective use of information and communication technology (ICT) in educational settings, considering the perspectives of students with physical disabilities, their families, teachers and rehabilitation professionals. Materials...

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Publicado en:Disability & Rehabilitation: Assistive Technology Vol. 21; no. 1; pp. 297 - 309
Autores principales: Sugino, Iroha, Takashima, Risa
Formato: research tables/charts Journal Article
Publicado: Taylor & Francis Ltd Jan2026
Acceso en línea:Ver este registro en EBSCOhost
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      dt: Jan2026
      vid: 21
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      pub: Taylor & Francis Ltd
      place: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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        10.1080/17483107.2025.2546021
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        atl: Exploring effective ICT use for communication support in students with severe physical disabilities: a descriptive qualitative study.
      aug:
        au:
          Sugino, Iroha
          Takashima, Risa
        affil: Department of Health Sciences, School of Medicine, Hokkaido University, Hokkaido, Japan
      sug:
        subj:
          Information Technology Utilization
          Telecommunications Utilization
          Educational Technology Utilization
          Communication Skills Training
          Students with Disabilities
          Student Attitudes Evaluation
          Family Attitudes Evaluation
          Faculty Attitudes Evaluation
          Occupational Therapist Attitudes Evaluation
          Schools, Special Japan
          Japan
          Human
          Descriptive Research
          Qualitative Studies
          Semi-Structured Interview
          Participant Observation
          Thematic Analysis
          Safety
          Purposive Sample
          Convenience Sample
          Rehabilitation Personnel
          Field Notes
          Audiorecording
          Interview Guides
          Adult
          Middle Age
          Male
          Female
          Goal-Setting
          Adult: 19-44 years
          Middle Aged: 45-64 years
          Male
          Female
      ab: Purpose: This study aims to identify the key conditions necessary for the effective use of information and communication technology (ICT) in educational settings, considering the perspectives of students with physical disabilities, their families, teachers and rehabilitation professionals. Materials and methods: The study employed a descriptive qualitative approach, combining semi-structured individual interviews and participant observations at two special-needs schools in northern Japan. Participants included two students with physical disabilities, two family members, three teachers and three rehabilitation professionals. Data were analysed using Braun and Clarke's thematic analysis framework. Triangulation of data sources and the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research (COREQ) checklist were utilised to enhance credibility and transparency. Results: Ten participants contributed to the study. Four key themes were identified: (1) supportive environmental factors; (2) safety considerations in ICT use; (3) purposeful and goal-oriented use and (4) balanced functional demands. The findings highlight that meaningful ICT implementation requires not only the provision of appropriate technology but also comprehensive environmental support, consideration of physical and cognitive burdens, goal-directed application and gradual developmental preparation. Conclusions: ICT is not a panacea. To achieve its maximum potential, it must be introduced in specific contexts, tailored to the developmental stage of the child's communication abilities. Additionally, ICT must be applied in a safe environment with a supportive and collaborative network to ensure its effectiveness in enhancing communication skills. IMPLICATION FOR REHABILITATION: Assistive technologies should not only be usable but should actively support children's participation in activities and social interactions. The evaluation and introduction of ICT must prioritise alignment with the child's actual needs and abilities, beyond mere technological capabilities. Rehabilitation professionals play a central role in facilitating collaborative and individualised support systems through ICT.
      pubtype: Academic Journal
      doctype:
        research
        tables/charts
        Journal Article
      ougenre: Article
    language: English
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