Exploring unique and shared barriers and facilitators to assistive technology access and use among Chinese-speaking immigrants and English-speaking Canadians in Metro Vancouver

Assistive technology (AT) helps people with disabilities participate in daily activities, yet equitable access for immigrants remains a concern. Few studies have explored the lived experiences of people with disabilities accessing AT across immigrant and local groups.

We conducted 37 semi-structured interviews with first-generation Chinese-speaking immigrants (n = 14), second and subsequent generation Chinese-speaking immigrants (n = 5), and native-born English-speaking Canadians (n = 18) in Metro Vancouver, Canada. Participants shared their experiences of accessing and using AT, and how their social identities shaped these experiences.

Three themes were identified: "Adjusting to a new functional need" explores the bidirectional relationship of AT use and identity; "A tug of war" describes challenges participants experienced navigating social expectations and relationships; and "Encountering roadblocks" examines systemic barriers to AT access and use. The first-generation Chinese-speaking immigrant group often reported negative reactions from family regarding AT use, whereas English-speaking participants experienced support. Chinese-speaking participants described how cultural norms may influence their access to family caregivers, impacting their family's perception of the usefulness of AT. All groups highlighted financial barriers to access and coverage gaps in existing funding systems.

Our results highlight a need to reduce barriers of AT use, especially among non-English speaking people in Canada.