Development of an online system navigation database to support equitable access to assistive technology in Canada: A usability evaluation study (Preprint)

Assistive technology (AT) can contribute to how individuals participate and engage in their everyday activities, such as in communication and mobility, and facilitates access to services they require. In Canada, there are over 220 government and charitable-organization programs that provide funding and services to AT across Canada; however, navigating the system that has been described as fragmented and complex results in inequitable access for those who need AT. The AccessATCanada website was developed as a centralized online resource to address challenges with access to AT, by providing information about existing jurisdictional AT funding programs and services across Canada.

The study’s objectives were to evaluate and enhance usability of the AccessATCanada website by gathering feedback about its features and functionality from potential users, and present key usability themes.

A mixed-methods usability testing study was conducted with a purposive sample of participants to measure effectiveness, efficiency, and user satisfaction, and to identify issues with the interface during user interaction. A qualitative thematic analysis of the usability testing sessions and semi-structured interviews were used to generate qualitative insights and core themes. User feedback was used to inform subsequent updates of the database with the goal of enhancing website friendliness and functionality prior to its official launch.

A total of 10 participants were included in the study with two rounds of usability testing. Overall, the majority of the tasks were able to be completed successfully by participants and demonstrated few issues with website effectiveness or user efficiency. The website received an overall System Usability Score 62.22, ranked as ‘OK/fair to good’. Common themes regarding strengths and areas for improvement were revealed during qualitative analysis. The strengths of the website were noted as ease of navigation and value for users such as health care professionals new to the field of AT. Core themes related to usability challenges were related to presentation, functionality, and language. The majority of identified challenges were reported as minor and included issues such as colour and size of text, the functionality of the filters, and terms that were not in lay language.

This study highlights the value of usability testing, and elements that are key in the creation of user-centered resources. The creation and development of a centralized, user-friendly resource, AccessATCanada, fills a gap that expands the reach of AT programs and services across Canada, assists with navigating the current complex funding systems, and helps to improve equity of funding access.