Framing Assistive Technologies in Social Policy: Policy Paradigms, Awareness, and Attitudes
| Autoři | |
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| Rok publikování | 2026 |
| Druh | Další prezentace na konferencích |
| Fakulta / Pracoviště MU | |
| Citace | |
| Popis | Background/Introduction Supporting the development and implementation of technologies that promote social inclusion and active ageing has been a key objective of the Ambient Assisted Living (AAL) programme since 2008, established as a joint initiative of EU member states. In the Czech Republic, the National Strategy for the Development of Social Services 2016–2025 identifies the use of assistive technologies (hereafter AST) as an important opportunity for the development of social services and social work (MPSV, 2016). Later, the Strategy for the Application of Assistive Technologies in the Field of Deinstitutionalization and Transformation of Social Services (Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs, 2022) defined AST as tools that “improve or modify physical and mental abilities,” emphasizing their potential to support individuals throughout the life course—from people with long-term support needs to those who were previously considered healthy. Purpose/Objective While national policy frameworks set general directions, regional authorities play a key role in shaping the practical opportunities and barriers for the implementation of assistive technologies. This study therefore examines how AST are framed within national and regional strategic documents and evaluates their potential to support age-friendly and ethically grounded technological development. In a second step, we conduct a survey among local and regional policymakers and social service providers to assess their knowledge, current use, support, and attitudes toward AST in social policy and service provision, with particular attention to older populations. Methods The study combines desk research and qualitative content analysis of strategic policy documents with quantitative survey data. The first part analyses national and regional strategic documents related to social services, healthcare, and regional development. The second part uses an online survey instrument adapted from a tool developed and piloted in 2023 by JINAG in the South Moravian Region, enabling partial comparison over time. Results Out of a total of 140 strategic documents, only 17% (24) explicitly mention or elaborate on assistive technologies. An additional 11% (16) refer to related concepts such as emergency care, eHealth, or telemedicine. In total, 40 documents (29%) contain either direct or indirect references to AST. The content analysis identifies three main discursive frameworks: (1) AST as a social support tool; (2) AST as a healthcare solution; and (3) AST as part of digitalization, innovation agendas, and “smart region” development. Survey results further describe levels of existing knowledge, typical target groups, ethical considerations (including their absence), and perceived barriers and opportunities reported by policymakers and service providers. Conclusions The diversity and fluidity of policy frameworks surrounding assistive technologies represent both a barrier and an opportunity for their wider adoption in ageing societies. A clearer strategic integration of AST within social and regional policy may support their more effective and ethically informed implementation. The paper presents results of the project TA CR (no. TQ23000320) Assistive technology and population ageing: Ethics of assistive technologies in social services (ATPA) |
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