Challenges in Acceptance of Smartphone-Based Assistive Technologies: Extending the UTAUT Model for People With Visual Impairments.

This article focuses on extending the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) model by incorporating training as a distinct factor to better understand the acceptance of smartphone-based assistive technologies by people who are blind or have low vision. Through a study involving 231 visually impaired participants using an outdoor navigation application, the research found that behavioral intention to use the technology is significantly predicted only by performance expectancy and training, with training showing the strongest effect. The study also revealed that proper training in real-life scenarios enhances users’ acceptance and continued use of assistive technologies, while factors like social influence and facilitating conditions were not significant predictors. These findings suggest that tailored training programs are crucial for improving technology adoption among people with visual impairments and should be considered independently in acceptance models.