ORCID

Abstract

Background: While the potential of assistive technologies for improving the lives of individuals with intellectual disabilities is well documented, successful implementation of these technologies is a complex challenge. Adoption-and-use-models of assistive technology are a key method to guide such adoption technology, however no specific model for supported living of those with intellectual-disability existed prior to this research. The research aimed to investigate how bespoke digital assistive technologies can be implemented in the supported living environment for people with intellectual disabilities. Three primary outputs were produced in order to address the research question. 1. A theoretical model that explains the barriers and facilitators for adoption and use of assistive technology in intellectual disability settings. 2. An implementation process framework that provides specific strategies to address these adoption and use factors. 3. Specific bespoke pieces of technology designed for PWID within the supported living setting. Methods: This study used an overarching action research methodology, to explore specific barriers and facilitators to the adoption of technology within one setting. Three studies, consisting of a nominal group-technique focus group, an ethnographic observation study of the setting, and an ethnographic observation of technology implementation, supported by a systematic review of the relevant literature, were used to convert a well-regarded model of technology adoption to the setting. Bespoke technology was designed throughout the project and used to test the converted model in the second of the two observation studies.Findings: Three criteria were indicated to be required to be met for successful adoption of technology; (1) the technology has to be suitable in terms of its design, the environment and the use, (2) there have to be sufficient resources available to use it regularly, (3) the user (staff or person with intellectual disability) must intend to use it. The conditions were made up of 11 discrete adoption-and-use factors influenced by the settings culture. Six specific factors moderated the relationship between the factors. Real world implementation strategies were developed from these theoretical constructs and placed in an implementation process framework. Conclusions: The adoption and use of technology within the supported living intellectual disability setting is complex and multifaceted. Consideration of all users, PWID and staff alike is essential to ensure successful adoption and use

Awarding Institution(s)

University of Plymouth

Supervisor

Alison Warren, Miriam Noonan, Hannah Bradwell

Document Type

Thesis

Publication Date

2026

Embargo Period

2026-09-26

Deposit Date

September 2026

Creative Commons License

Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License

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