Purpose: The aim of this study was to describe the everyday life experience of being an experienced active wheelchair user in Sweden. Method: A qualitative approach, based on interviews, was chosen. Eleven active wheelchair users were interviewed; the results analysed by means of a thematic content analysis. Results: Two main categories, each with two sub-categories emerged: (1) Challenges and changes (life-course perspective); and (2) the ambassador of differentness (activities and situations). The first sub-categories: (1a) the changing self (attitudes and values); and (1b) getting older (the meaning of experiences for future expectations). The second sub-categories: (2a) the responsible representative (having to represent a general image of disability); and (2b) other's attitudes (interactants' expressions of attitudes). Conclusions: An active wheelchair user can be seen as an open person, a representative of other wheelchair users. Interactants can actively engage in solving non-existing problems, or over-estimate actual problems, i.e. over-attentiveness. The personal experience can change over time, e.g. to care less about over-attentiveness, or to engage less in situations where over-attentiveness is likely to occur, i.e. impression management. Also, regular interactants can learn to see the wheelchair as something normal, sometimes even forgetting it.Implications for Rehabilitation To use an active wheelchair affects interaction in everyday life, rendering the user an open person, possible to address at will as a representative of other users as well. The experienced user of an active wheelchair is the expert concerning her/his present capacity in activities in everyday life; possible obstacles remain inert until defined otherwise by the user.

Background: The aim of this paper is to discuss matters pertaining to utilisation of aesthetic hand prostheses from a theoretical perspective of activities in everyday life. Method: Building on preliminary data from an ongoing research review focusing aesthetic hand prostheses, results are preliminary. Data has been gathered by means of searching research databases for publications relating to aesthetic/cosmetic hand prostheses. Results: Research makes a clear division between function (e.g. myoelectric prostheses) and appearance (e.g. aesthetic prostheses). The functioning hand prosthesis is defined as an active device providing a person (with one hand) means to perform activities in a two-handed manner. However, these devices are rather crude in comparison with a biological hand, providing limited function (e.g. the possibility to grip an object). The other type of hand prosthesis, the appearance-based aesthetic hand prosthesis, is a rigid device constructed to give the static impression that a person (with one hand) has two hands, i.e. a device without a functioning grip. The divide between active and passive prosthetic hands is built on the notion of ‘activity’ being defined by the ability to grip something. Conclusions: The aesthetic hand prosthesis is regarded as non-functioning based on the notion of ‘activity’ being the explicit application of a grip. This view on ‘activity’ ignores other types of function, for instance the personal and social function and meaning of the aesthetic prosthesis. From this follows that the matter of ‘function’ in relation to an aesthetic hand prosthesis pertains to a width of factors relating to the person, the device, and the environment in which the person exists. These factors are all but static due to the constant interaction between the person and the social and physical environment, where the prosthesis is ascribed different meaning in different situations/activities.

In Sweden, the tradition of working-class literature is stronger than in many other countries. However, the history this literature has been very masculine. Maria Sandel is sometimes called our first female working-class author. And, for a long time, she was also considered to be our only female working-class writer. Even during the Golden Age of working-class literature in the 1930s, women were few. The most famous one from this period is Moa Martinsson. Today the situation is different. The latest breakthrough for working-class literature is led by women, who, in several ways, have renewed the tradition. Daria Bogdanska, for example, has contributed to the rise of working-class comics, which is often more humoristic and explicitly political than traditional forms of working-class literature. In the exhibition, female working-class writers in Sweden are presented in a timeline, movies and dioramas. The exhibition includes the authors' works and a selection of relevant literature on the topic. A summary of research and education in the subject area at Malmö University is also included.

Background: In Sweden, supply of assistive devices is a municipal/county council responsibility. Earlier research has mainly focused the matching of person and device. In contrast, this study concerns the process before the actual supply is initiated. Aim: Discuss the experience among persons who, for the first time, seek municipal information on assistive devices and the provision thereof through internet pages and contacts with prescribers. Methods: A combined analysis of data from two earlier studies was performed, focusing overall process perspectives: Study 1 described the experience of seeking information from municipal internet pages, and study 2 described the experience of personal contacts with municipal prescribers. Results: Internet pages and prescribers were, in general, perceived as lacking information on assistive devices, whereas information on provision was clearer. Internet sites were difficult to navigate, prescribers difficult to contact. Conclusions: The experience of seeking information on assistive devices through municipal internet pages and contacts with municipal prescribers was less empowering. From a process perspective, for a person to become an active partner in the actual provision of assistive devices, a person-centered process with improved accessibility to adequate information on assistive devices and provisioning may be a viable step.

A person in need of an active wheelchair, whether an emerging need or as a replacement, stands before a number of decisions, not only concerning how to gain a wheelchair with adequate properties, but also con-cerning these properties per se. In order to make informed decisions, one prerequisite is knowledge on the matters being decided, and another is cooperation with health care professionals in the field of assistive devices provision. Earlier research on provision has revealed that user experiences of having sufficient in-formation is closely related to user satisfaction. Lack of user involvement may result in discontinuance, or the continued use of a sub-optimal wheelchair due to not having any other choice, resulting in reduced health. Therefore, involvement of users in this process is warranted. In this chapter, provision of active wheelchairs is discussed in relation to HL (Health literacy) and PCC (Person-centered care) as means of increasing the quality of the supply process from a user-centered perspective. Concluding, it is proposed that a SDS (Service Delivery System) incorporating elements of PCC and providing means of increased HL can lead to users experiencing increased wheelchair usability and useworthiness, providing means of em-powerment and increased quality of life.

Aims: Research concerning assistive devices supply in Sweden has focused the matching of person and device from the time of the first meeting between a client and a prescriber and onwards. Howev-er, research concerning the time period before the actual prescription process, seems scarce. The aim of this paper is to describe initial parts of an ongoing analysis concerning the experience among per-sons, who, for the first time, are seeking information on assistive devices and provision from munic-ipal web-pages and prescribers. Methods: Due to obvious methodological problems locating persons who have not yet began seeking information; an alternative approach had to be taken. The focus being how information is perceived, subjects were not limited by reasons for seeking this information, e.g. personal needs. Instead, 36 students contacted two municipalities each, and took notes on the experience thereof. These were analysed by means of a thematic content analysis. Results: Web-pages and prescribers were both perceived as focusing information of the process of assistive devices provision, rather than assistive devices per se. In occasions, a county council sub-page of a national web-page (“1177 Vårdguiden”) was recommended concerning information on specific devices. Furthermore, municipal web-pages varied in labelling information. Language and layout were perceived as less than accessible. Some pages lacked accessible information. Contacting municipal prescribers, short telephone hours caused problems. Conclusions: In sum, information was perceived as less than sufficient concerning assistive devices, despite: (1) The Swedish parliament have established information as a key factor in increasing socie-tal participation (explicitly concerning health care and assistive devices); and (2) a significant rela-tionship exists between access to sufficient information and satisfaction with an assistive device. A theoretical analysis concerning the perceived divergence between function and intention of the sys-tem can include the perspective of Max Weber and civil servant decision-making, and Michael Lipsky’s Street-level Bureaucrat. However, as this paper concerns an ongoing analysis, theoretical perspectives remains to be developed.

Aim: Describe the experience among first-time information-seekers concerning municipal internet information on assistive devices provision. Methods: Thirty-six students each visited two of the 33 municipal internet sites in the Skåne region, reporting experiences thereof. These were analysed utilising a thematic content analysis. Results: Internet sites were considered difficult to navigate. Language accessibility varied: terminology and translation tools caused misunderstandings. Matters pertaining to assistive devices were labelled as medical issues, accessible housing, or aging; all but related to disability. Available information was considered sufficient concerning prescription per se, but lacking information on specific assistive devices. Conclusions: Municipalities can, with minor efforts, improve web-based information on assistive devices. Better information may improve individual’s possibilities of leading an active life.

Syfte: Beskriva upplevelser hos personer som för första gången får kontakt med en kommunal hjälpmedelsförskrivare för att få information om förskrivning av hjälpmedel. Metod: Trettiosex studenter kontaktade hjälpmedelsförskrivare i de 33 skånska kommunerna och rapporterade sina upplevelser. Dessa bearbetades och analyserades genom en tematisk innehållsanalys. Resultat: Det var svårt att nå förskrivare per telefon, både direktnummer och via växel. Bemötandet varierade från stressat och korthugget till välkomnande och hjälpsamt. Förskrivare använde termen ”patient” om hjälpmedelsanvändare, och underströk individens skyldigheter. Informationsinnehållet var magert. Förskrivare hänvisade till ospecificerade internetsökningar. Slutsatser: Kontaktmöjligheter och informationsinnehåll behöver ses över. Personcentrerad hjälpmedelsförskrivning kan öka personens empowerment genom ökat inflytande över innehåll och genomförande. Därigenom kan självbestämmande och delaktighet öka.

Har kommunerna verkligen de redskap som behövs för att bekämpa barnfattigdomen? Detta kapitel visar att det finns åtta olika former av politisk ansvarsfördelning i bekämpandet av barnfattigdom i Sverige idag, och drar slutsatsen att det finns grundläggande politisk-institutionella problem rörande ansvarsfördelningen.

Syftet med denna artikel är att diskutera och problematisera hur tekniska hjälpmedel på samma gång kan förhindra och möjliggöra en individs överskridande av de gränser i vardagslivet som sätts av en otillgänglig miljö i kombination med en funktionsnedsättning. Fysiskt kan hjälpmedel vara ett sätt att nå en högre grad av agens eftersom hjälpmedlet motverkar den fysiska miljöns funktionshindrande effekter. Ett hjälpmedel kan vara mer eller mindre existenskritiskt, t ex beroende på funktionsnedsättning, miljö, och aktivitet, om det utifrån användarens behov är oundgängligt. Utifrån den finländske filosofen Georg Henrik von Wright kan behov ses som det vi far illa av att vara utan. Det krävs att hjälpmedlet är användbart (kan fungera i avsett syfte) för att kunna vara användvärt (värt att använda). Aktiviteten blir därmed fysiskt görbar (möjlig att genomföra), och om aktiviteten motsvarar individens behov även görvärd (motiverad att genomföra). Ett hjälpmedel är således ett sätt att kunna få tillträde till, och kunna använda, en miljö som annars varit fysiskt otillgänglig. Men, samtidigt som ett användbart hjälpmedel gör en aktivitet görbar, kan funktionsnedsättningen och hjälpmedlet också skapa social otillgänglighet. Personen som tack vare hjälpmedlet fått fysiskt tillträde till en miljö, kan stigmatiseras och exkluderas eftersom vederbörande avviker från normaten (situationens bild av normalitet). Ett hjälpmedel kan alltså samtidigt fungera som både hinder och möjlighet för social inklusion, och därmed vara po-tentiellt gränssättande i interaktion. Ett hjälpmedel som gör att individen kan utföra en aktivitet möjliggör alltså samtidigt att individen diskrimineras i denna aktivitet. Sammanfattningsvis kan en persons hjälpmedelsanvändande relatera till en kombination av fysiska och sociala krav, å ena sidan miljömässiga och funktionsmässiga, och å andra sidan hjälpmedlets korrelation med användarens habitus. Därmed blir hjälpmedels användbarhet och användvärdhet en fråga om individuell agens, och om möjligheten för individen att leva sitt liv på sina villkor.

Syfte: Syftet med föreliggande studie är att beskriva forskningsläget angående hur högskolestudier kan tillgängliggöras för personer med funktionsnedsättningar, samt i förlängningen att illustrera det praktiska tillgängliggörandet, vilket utmynnar i förslag på fortsatt forskning. Metod: Studien genomförs som en litteraturöversikt/kunskapsöversikt/review, en s.k. scoping study, av 92 artiklar. Därigenom kartläggs forskning om, och utformning av existerande, stödformer, såväl nationellt, som, inte minst, internationellt. Resultat: Resultat avseende tillgänglighet i högre utbildning presenteras under tre teman: (1) Situationen idag; (2) generella aspekter; och (3) funktionsnedsättningsspecifika aspekter. Generellt sett finns idag olika former av stöd för studenter med funktionsnedsättningar, men användningen av stödet, liksom högskolans tillhandahållande, skiftar. För specifika grupper varierar stödet och det finns idag former för att tillhandahålla stöd för olika grupper, men det synes svårare att göra den konkreta undervisningssituationen tillgänglig för alla än att t ex ha lokaler som är tillgängliga. Slutsatser: De slutsatser som presenteras görs i form av förslag till fortsatt forskning, och fyra sådana förslag har definierats: (1) Att vara student och ha en funktionsnedsättning (dvs ett individuellt perspektiv); (2) hur fungerar olika typer av stöd idag (utifrån både ett mottagar- och ett tillhandahållandeperspektiv); (3) varför är personer med funktionsnedsättningar underrepresenterade vid högskolan och vad kan göras för att förändra detta (dvs att förbereda, och eventuellt genomföra, implementering utifrån lärdomar från förslagen 1 och 2); och (4) gränsen mellan rättmätigt och otillbörligt stöd i studiesituationen, och eventuellt fusk i syfte att erhålla stöd (kartläggning av dagens situation).

This theoretical study proposes a framework of understanding a user perspective of assistive devices utilisation in everyday life. Utilising the MPT model (Matching Person and Technology) and the ValMO model (Values and Meaning in Human Occupations), a framework of understanding is proposed. Main components in the proposed framework are person, assistive device, and activity, connected by the person’s expectations and experiences concerning the doability/doworthiness (possible to do/worth doing) of an activity, and the usability/useworthiness (possible to use/worth using) of an assistive device. Expectations may differ based on not only earlier experiences (habitus), but also situational and environmental variations, and result in differing experiences. In general, the purpose of an assistive device is to increase a person’s repertoire of doable activities. For a person, this can be a function of the evaluation of possible gains, in terms of correlation between investments (in terms of time and energy), and the (expected) result of the activity. Concluding, the only person able to estimate the useworthiness/usability of a device and the doworthiness/doability of an activity is the user her/himself, assessing the degree at which a specific assistive device enhances the value of an activity, in turn affecting the habitus of the (presumptive) user.

Purpose: This theoretical article proposes a framework of understanding a user perspective of assistive devices utilisation in everyday life. Method: Utilising the MPT model (Matching Person and Technology) and the ValMO model (Values and Meaning in Human Occupations), a framework of understanding is proposed. Results: Main components are person, assistive device, and activity, connected by the person’s expectations and experiences concerning the doability/doworthiness (possible to do/worth doing) of an activity, and the usability/useworthiness (possible to use/worth using) of an assistive device. Expectations may differ based on not only earlier experiences (habitus), but also situational and environmental variations, and result in differing experiences. In general, the purpose of an assistive device is to increase a person’s repertoire of doable activities. For a person, this can be a function of the evaluation of possible gains, in terms of correlation between investments (in terms of time and energy), and the (expected) result of the activity. Conclusions: The only person able to estimate the useworthiness/usability of a device and the doworthiness/doability of an activity is the user her/himself, assessing the degree at which a specific assistive device enhances the value of an activity, in turn affecting the habitus of the (presumptive) user.

The experience of prescription of active rigid-frame ultra light-weight wheelchairs was reported, using data on 278 prescribers in Sweden. Data was interpreted within the theoretical framework of MPT: Matching Person and Technology. This framework contains three reciprocal components: (1) user/consumer preferences; (2) critical features of the technology; and (3) environment and psychosocial setting. A purpose of the MPT model is to identify barriers to assistive technology use. The chi2-test was used to analyse the importance of prescriber characteristics for prescribing behaviour. Prescribers with longer experience emphasised both their influence on user’s life-style and cost-related issues over wheelchair trends. Longer experience and responsibility for more users were also associated with perceived easiness of obtaining information on new products. In general, prescribers emphasised self-image, design, appearance and aesthetics. However, prescribers perceived local regulations that limit the options as one barrier. Another barrier was lack of practice due to few annual prescriptions. The major source of information was manufacturer marketing. Thus, even though prescribers may have wanted to prescribe a user-matched wheelchair, they may have lacked the possibility to do so due to: (1) lack of practice and/or specialized knowledge; and (2) narrow regulations; both pertaining to the political decisions of municipality governments.

This qualitative study describes the experience of active ultra lightweight rigid frame wheelchairs (active wheelchairs) provision. Eleven interviews with experienced users showed that the wheelchair should support physical as well as social functioning, but that users experienced injustice and unfairness when negotiating their wheelchair needs and felt insecure within the system. Changes of attitudes and organization are suggested.

För många unga är det självklart att kunna gå på bio, sitta och hänga hemma hos kompisen eller traska runt i staden och shoppa kläder. För ungdomar som använder rullstol är aktiviteterna förknippade med hinder som de måste överkomma om de ska kunna ta plats. Hindren klaras ofta av med hjälp av olika stategier.

This grounded theory study shows an adaptation of stigma-handling strategies to situations in everyday life by women aged 20 to 30 with dysmelia, i.e. transversal upper limb reduction deficiency (TULRD). Strategies are comprehensive patterns of action aimed at controlling information about one’s status as deviating from an ad hoc normality. Strategies consist of: (1) Attitude (proofing/being); (2) Tactic (concealing/revealing); (3) Exposure (volun-tary/imposed); and (4) Boost (amplifying/altering). A proofing or being attitude constitutes a contextual adaptation understood in terms of a concealing or revealing tactic, aiming at delay-ing or promoting exposure to contextual attitudes and possible prejudices. If exposure is de-layed, a person with dysmelia blends in. Exposure may be voluntary or imposed. After expo-sure, the relative importance of TULRD in the specific context may decrease, thus a boost of an amplification or altering of the attitude, i.e. boost is the interactional outcome enforcing the choice of strategy in another context.