Introduction: A wide range of products are available to assist mobility, and it is, therefore, of great importance to obtain empirical information regarding the expected impact of the use of these products based on outcome measures. People affected by neurological disorders often use products to assist mobility such as wheelchairs (both manual self-propelled wheelchairs and externally propelled chairs such as electric wheelchairs), walkers, walking sticks, etc. It is important to conduct an assessment of the psychosocial impact of these products on the lives of affected people. Methods: We performed this assessment using the Psychosocial Impact of Assistive Devices Scale (PIADS) and a socio-demographic questionnaire. Results: The results showed greater psychosocial benefits relating to the use of electric wheelchairs in comparison with walking sticks or manual, non-self-propelled chairs. Moreover, significant differences are present in the three subscales of the PIADS in relation to variables such as age, training in the use of assistive technology (AT) and funding. Conclusion: Therefore, we conclude that the use of AT should be promoted among this group as a way to improve their adaptability, competency and self-esteem, and to reduce limits on participation deriving from the physical and contextual barriers faced by this collective.

Background: Universal accessibility is one of the most active lines of intervention for people with disabilities and older adults. This accessibility has become a topic of growing interest regarding home access and use. Therefore, the main objective of this study was to create and validate a home assessment tool: the HESA II. Methods: The study was conducted in four phases: (1) agreement on variables by an expert panel; (2) development of 90 items according to the AOTA framework; (3) pilot test with n = 20; and (4) final study with 156 subjects where confirmatory factor analysis was performed. Results: The tool consisted of 85 items divided into five subscales related to each of the main spaces of Spanish homes: living room; kitchen; bedroom; and bathroom. Conclusions: The tool demonstrates good psychometric properties of reliability. The HESA II assesses home accessibility based on limitations in activity and participation restriction of the evaluated person as per the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health rather than on a diagnosis, making it applicable to a wide range of groups.

People with acquired brain injury (ABI) face limitations when performing activities of daily living, including sexuality. Despite the common use among this group of assistive technology to compensate for or neutralize the limitations deriving from their condition, there is very little literature on outcome measures in assistive technology for sexual functioning. The aim of this study was to explore the psychosocial impact of the use of low-cost assistive technology in people with ABI. The sample was made up of 18 users: 15 men and 3 women diagnosed with ABI. The PLISSIT model was used, as well as the Psychosocial Impact of Assistive Device Scale—PIADS as an assessment tool. Three types of low-cost assistive technology were developed: seat cushions, bed equipment, and back supports. All three types of AT obtained positive scores on the PIADS total scale and its three subscales: competence, adaptability, and self-esteem. Although the results of this study are positive, more research into outcome measures for products to improve sexual functioning in people with ABI is required.

This study analyzes the effectiveness of different information criteria for the selection of covariance structures, extending it to different missing data mechanisms, the maintenance and adjustment of the mean structures, and matrices. The Monte Carlo method was used with 1,000 simulations, SAS 9.4 statistical software and a partially repeated measures design (p=2; q=5). The following variables were manipulated: a) the complexity of the model; b) sample size; c) matching of covariance matrices and sample size; d) dispersion matrices; e) the type of distribution of the variable; f) the non-response mechanism. The results show that all information criteria worked well in Scenario 1 for normal and non-normal distributions with heterogeneity of variance. However, in Scenarios 2 and 3, all were accurate with the ARH matrix, whereas AIC, AICCR and HQICR worked better with TOEP and UN. When the distribution was not normal, AIC and AICCR were only accurate in Scenario 3, more heterogeneous and unstructured matrices, with complete cases, MAR and MCAR. In order to correctly select the matrix it is advisible to analyze the heterogeneity, sample size and distribution of the data.

La co-enseñanza se presenta como un modelo organizativo de apoyo entre docentes con el fin de facilitar la presencia, la participación y el progreso del alumnado y su desarrollo integral en una sociedad cada vez más diversa. Es un modelo de corte inclusivo que promueve la teoría, la práctica y la reflexión con el propósito de realizar una transformación pedagógica a través de la colaboración conjunta entre profesionales. El objetivo de este estudio es identificar cómo se llevan a cabo las sesiones de co-enseñanza en los centros asturianos de educación infantil y primaria y qué fortalezas o debilidades percibe el profesorado ante esta modalidad organizativa. Se realizó un muestreo no probabilístico de conveniencia (ex post facto) y se llevó a cabo un diseño cuantitativo no experimental descriptivo-comparativo. La enseñanza individualizada y personalizada del alumnado y el enriquecimiento profesional destacan como puntos fuertes frente a la falta de tiempo para la planificación y la falta de compromiso del profesorado que se analizan como debilidades. Este trabajo revela una tendencia en alza hacia la utilización de esta modalidad organizativa como facilitadora del proceso inclusivo.