ABSTRACT
Mothers and fathers with visual impairments may have difficulty introducing their children to food. In this way, an Assistive Technology (AT) was developed on this topic. The objective, therefore, was to validate the AT on infant food introduction. This is a methodological study according to the adaptation of the Pasquali’s (2010) model. The AT was previously constructed and evaluated by experts and through a pilot testing with the target population. The present study considered the empirical pole, through which the AT was assessed by a new and broad group of mothers and fathers. Everyone responded to an instrument in a Lickert scale format regarding the content, pedagogical aspects and accessibility of AT. Furthermore, the study also included an analytical pole through statistical analysis of the data. The ethical aspects of research involving human beings were respected. Eighty-nine mothers and fathers participated, mainly women (53.9%), with congenital visual impairment (55.1%), with average age of 37.91 years old, not married (52.8%), with secondary education (60.7% ) and carrying out paid work (56.2%). Among the technology topics, all presented favorable averages, with content being best evaluated (91.1±11.7), followed by online access (84.4±18.9) and pedagogical aspects (82.9±15.9). The AT is a valid means of disseminating information to mothers and fathers with visual impairments.
KEYWORDS:
Visual impairment; Parental care; Assistive technology