Exploring the attitudes to environmental control systems of people with physical disabilities: A grounded theory approach

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Palmer, Phil^a | Seale, Jane^{b; *}

Affiliations: [a] Access to Communication and Technology, West Midlands Rehabilitation Centre, Oak Tree Lane site, Oak Tree Lane, Selly Oak, Birmingham B29 6JA, UK | [b] University of Southampton School of Education, University of Southampton, Highfield, Southampton, Hampshire SO17 1BJ, UK

Correspondence: [*] Corresponding author. Tel.: +44 (0) 2380 594784; Fax: +44 (0) 2380 592651; E-mail: [email protected].

Abstract: This paper reports the results of a study, which explored the attitudes of Environmental Control System users towards their systems. Semi-structured interviews with (n=14) system users in Birmingham were conducted. Using a grounded theory approach, initial data analysis revealed eight categories that represented distinct but related attitudes towards ECS. Exemplars of these categories are presented, using extracts from the interview transcripts. Further analysis of the data revealed a central theme of ‘utility’ and two related concepts: ‘utility transcended’ and ‘transcendence of utility denied’. Using these concepts, this paper demonstrates and discusses the emergence of a theory to explain the attitudes of system users. Hypotheses worthy of further exploration and testing are also highlighted. These hypotheses suggest a potential relationship between “utility” and upper limb impairment. Understanding such relationships will have important implications for future system provision and outcome measurement.

Keywords: Environmental control systems, physical disabilities, occupational therapy, grounded theory

DOI: 10.3233/TAD-2007-19103

Journal: Technology and Disability, vol. 19, no. 1, pp. 17-27, 2007