Participatory design of DIY digital assistive technology in Western Kenya

Abstract

The participatory design, fabrication and customization of assistive technology can be an empowering experience for users with disabilities and their caregivers and teachers. These inherently creative activities can bring together multiple stakeholders and facilitate ongoing dialogues among them. We utilized a Do-It-Yourself assistive technology (DIY-AT) prototyping platform in a series of community-building activities to investigate the possibilities and challenges of maker approaches to the design and development of assistive technology in Western Kenya. We engaged a diverse group of stakeholders, including teachers, university students and representatives from governmental and non-governmental organizations working with people with disabilities. The results underline the importance of creating supportive local infrastructures, incorporating affordances for end-user technology appropriation, and identifying and engaging multiple stakeholders.