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

Palmer, Phil and Seale, Jane (2007) Exploring the attitudes to environmental control systems of people with physical disabilities: A grounded theory approach. Technology and Disability, 19 (1), 17-27.

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.

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