A Review of Conceptual Models for Assistive Technology Outcomes Research and Practice

Article reviews and discusses six conceptual models, which were designed to provide a theoretical basis for advancing knowledge and improving professional practice in the field of assistive technology (AT): (1) Cook and Hussey’s Human-Activity-AT Model, (2) the World Health Organization’s International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health, (3) Scherer’s Matching Person and Technology Model, (4) Gitlin’s Model of an AT User’s “Career,” (5) Social Cognition Decision-Making Theories, and (6) Roger’s Perceived Attributes Theory. Applied fields of practice can benefit from conceptual models that provide a common theoretical background for researchers and practitioners. The authors contend that a