Unveiling Digital Acceptability: A Pathway to Inclusion

Abstract: This study examined the Technological Environment Usability (TEU) in the context of a pilot project for deploying technologies within a residential setting for individuals with autism, with or without intellectual disabilities (ID). Unlike previous research, this work adopted a comprehensive approach by considering the interplay of factors related to the individual, the technology itself, and the organizational context. To address the lack of standardized tools capable of capturing these multifaceted influences, the research team developed a tailored instrument, the Q-TEU questionnaire, designed to evaluate key factors at three critical phases of the TEU process.Key FindingsThe study highlighted the dynamic and temporal nature of stakeholders’ perceptions during the deployment process, revealing notable shifts across the phases of acceptability, acceptance, and appropriation. These findings emphasize that stakeholders' views are not static but evolve as they engage with the technology, requiring continuous assessment and adjustment to align with their needs and experiences.At Time 0, early evaluations of stakeholder perceptions allowed for the identification of actionable insights, which informed strategies for deployment. These included tailored training materials developed by the research team and implemented by managers to address specific needs. These initial efforts aimed to equip stakeholders with the skills and knowledge necessary for successful technology integration. However, the results indicated only marginal improvements in these areas, likely due to the limited scope of the training, which was offered as a one-time intervention rather than a sustained, iterative process. This limitation underscores the importance of long-term, phased training programs to ensure stakeholders can adapt to and fully benefit from technological changes.At Time 1, following the introduction of the technologies, the Q-TEU scores revealed a dip in stakeholder satisfaction and engagement. This decline is consistent with Gartner’s Hype Cycle, which describes how inflated expectations during the initial stages of adoption can lead to disappointment when the realities of implementation fall short of the anticipated outcomes. In this case, stakeholders likely encountered challenges in integrating the technologies into their daily routines, necessitating additional efforts to recalibrate expectations and adapt the tools to the practical demands of the environment. Despite these initial setbacks, the subsequent assessment at Time 2 demonstrated a rebound, with all Q-TEU scores showing an upward trend, suggesting that stakeholders gradually adapted to the changes as their familiarity and confidence with the technologies grew.One of the notable findings was the recognition of the benefits that the technologies provided to the residents. Stakeholders observed improvements in areas such as task completion, communication, emotional regulation, and autonomy. These outcomes align with prior research on the positive impacts of technology for individuals with autism or ID. However, unlike some studies that suggest technology can reduce the need for human assistance, stakeholders in this project reported that residents continued to require significant support from caregivers. This discrepancy may be attributed to individual differences among residents, as well as contextual factors such as the frequency and duration of technology use, which can influence outcomes.Limitations and Future DirectionsThis study has several limitations that warrant consideration. First, the absence of standardized instruments to evaluate the interplay of individual, technological, and contextual factors necessitated the development of the Q-TEU. While this tool proved useful, its limitations at Time 0 prevented direct comparisons with subsequent phases, restricting the ability to assess the significance of observed changes over time.ConclusionDespite these challenges, the study highlights the potential of technologies to support individuals with autism or ID in residential settings. However, their successful implementation requires a comprehensive approach that considers the evolving needs and perceptions of all stakeholders. By adopting strategies that integrate sustained training, continuous feedback, and tailored interventions, organizations can foster an environment that promotes meaningful change and maximizes the benefits of technological solutions. This research underscores the importance of multi-level engagement and iterative adaptation in ensuring that technology serves as an effective tool for inclusion and empowerment.

Keywords: Inclusion, Acceptability, Technology Deployment, Residential Settings

DOI: 10.54941/ahfe1006870

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