Culturally Safe Assistive Technology Provision in Australia: Concept Mapping Perspectives From Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People

ABSTRACT Disparities in Assistive Technology (AT) access exist for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples despite recent policy reforms. This paper brings together First Nations and Western academic ways of being, knowing and doing to deliver an AT practice analysis based upon primary data from two research reports into the cultural safety of AT information, products and services in Australia from the perspective of older persons. Secondary analysis was conducted through concept mapping utilising the World Health Organization 5P people‐centred AT model and AT provision guidelines. Findings from this secondary analysis were returned to and checked by the six Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities that contributed to the primary data source. Secondary analysis generated barriers and facilitators related to people, products, personnel, provision and policy, and nine principles to support culturally safe assistive technology provision in Australia. There is a paucity of research to guide culturally respectful and safe AT programmes with First Nations peoples in Australia. The primary data reports, and this secondary AT practice analysis, offer new evidence of actions required if Australia is to deliver assistive products and services in culturally safe and effective ways.