Abstract:

Assistive Technology Resource Centres (ATRCs) can improve autonomy, independence, accessibility, communication, and, consequently, the quality of life for individuals with disabilities. This is because the equipment and resources typically available in this type of centres allow these people to exercise various types of activities, access various sources of information, establish contacts, exchange information, find new forms of fun and leisure, expand relationships and expand horizons in the same way as the population without disabilities [6].

Among the various resources that favor the inclusion of people with disabilities, assistive technologies and products are indispensable tools to assist these people in acquiring skills in the most varied areas, and aid to those with motor, emotional, cognitive, and sensory disabilities. They are, therefore, a key element contributing to equity in opportunities for access, learning, and integration into family and society [7]. However, many people with disabilities are unaware of the resources available or do not know how to access them. In these cases, ATRCs provide information and resources to help this population understand and access the Assistive Technology (AT) that best meets their needs.

To increase access and understanding of assistive technologies, promoting, and publicising these centres effectively is important. In this sense, well-designed effective communication campaigns can allow more people to be aware of the existence of ATRC, its functions and benefits, allowing them to engage in society fully. Thus, promoting these spaces allows the community with disabilities access to equipment and support services, providing great opportunities to improve autonomy, independence, accessibility, communication, and quality of life [2].

Based on a literature review, this exploratory study of a qualitative nature, identified strategies and good practices favourable to the creation of communication campaigns for ATRC, which allow its promotion and awareness. There is a clear gap in research regarding developing promotional campaigns for ATRC. This led the project team to expand their research to the broader health field. Out of an initial pool of 939 articles, only 25 were identified that met the inclusion criteria for this review, specifically addressing the promotion of ATRCs or other health centres or topics.

The main results show that adequately applying these practices is crucial to making these centres known and used by the community. The strategies identified relate to these campaigns' planning, development, and implementation, allowing for guidance in developing such campaigns.

The dynamization of this type of campaigns should promote the effective dissemination of services aimed at improving the access of People with Disabilities (PwD) to digital resources and support products, promoting digital inclusion and the quality of life of this population, thus contributing to the reduction of barriers in the access of PwD to AT. Thus, effective communication campaigns become essential to ensure that these services are widely disseminated and used, ensuring that people with SN and their caregivers can access the services they need.

Keywords:

Disability, assistive technology, accessibility, resource centre, communication.