An empirical study on assistive technology supported travel and tourism for the people with dementia

Purpose: Research shows that people with disabilities have same desire for travel and tourism as others, but many constraints prevent them from independent travelling. Although the disabled tourism market is expanding, still there is lack of empirical research on impact analysis of assistive technology (AT) assisted travel and tourism with focus on the people with dementia (PWD). This study investigates the impacts of AT assisted travel and tourism for the PWD.Methods: The questionnaire-based survey gathered data from 327 PWD. SPSS is used to perform exploratory factor analysis and canonical coefficient analysis for investigating the usability of AT assistance in travel and tourism.Results: Results reveal four motivational (facilitated travel and tourism, cost effectiveness, easier communication and needs compatibility) and three achievements dimensions (improved achievements, improved independence and improved safety). Independent travel is desired by the PWD without any external help and ATs can help them in doing so. The use of AT can further accommodate in choosing the tourism activities, attractions and leisure management. The PWD feel improvements in their achievements through the use of ATs in travel and tourism.Conclusions: AT support, resultantly improves the confidence and self-esteem of the PWD and motivate them towards rehabilitation and independent living.Implications for rehabilitationThis study provides finer empirical understanding of the needs, motivations and achievements of the people with dementia (PWD) who use assistive technologies (ATs) for travel and tourism.Usually PWD have different motivations and accessibility needs, their travel and tourism related behaviours might also differ from the people not identified as having dementia.The ATs (facilitated travel and tourism, cost effectiveness, easier communication and needs compatibility) are the motivational factors for the PWD and should be focused during the development of ATs. These factors will allow PWD to better plan their travel and tourism activities without the help of their caregivers. The AT assisted communication opportunities will help PWD to eliminate their feeling of social isolation from rest of the community.AT supported travel and tourism results into sense of improved achievements, improved independence and improved safety on the part of the PWD. Resultantly, they feel more motivated to do activities, which otherwise they might be reluctant to perform. The sense of safety, independence and achievement does impact PWD psychologically and would help them towards rehabilitation.This study provides pointers for the dementia policy makers related to AT supported travel and tourism based on the real needs of the PWD.