Smartphone Accessibility for Individuals with Cervical Spinal Cord Injury: A Mixed Method Study

Abstract

Background: Smartphones play a vital role in enhancing independence and connectivity for individuals with cervical spinal cord injuries (SCI). However, significant accessibility challenges persist, limiting their potential as assistive tools. Objective: The purpose of the study is to understand smartphone accessibility experience among individuals with cervical spinal cord injury. Methods: A parallel convergent mixed-methods approach was used, involving quantitative surveys with 54 participants from clinical and community settings and face-to-face qualitative interviews with seven participants. Quantitative data analyzed smartphone importance, usage, and challenges, while qualitative data provided deeper insights into user experiences and adaptive strategies. Results: Smartphones were rated as essential for daily activities, connectivity, and entertainment, with 62.5% of participants considering them important for staying connected. However, 30.6% reported significant difficulty with charging, 23.6% with physical buttons, and 19.4% with camera use. Qualitative findings revealed challenges related to limited hand strength and dexterity, as well as reliance on family members for certain tasks. It also highlighted how smartphones impacted different areas of users' life. Despite many barriers, participants demonstrated creative adaptive strategies, showing resilience and the potential for improved accessibility features. Conclusion: While smartphones are indispensable for individuals with cervical SCI, physical and usability barriers limit their effectiveness. Addressing these challenges through user-centred designs, improved assistive technologies, and increased awareness of accessibility features can enhance their utility. Future research should focus on developing solutions to further improve smartphone accessibility and its role in healthcare and daily life. Keywords: Accessibility features, Assistive technologies, SCI, Smartphone, User-centred designs.