Search

BACKGROUND: In recent years, with ever-improving technology, considerable progress has been made in the approaches available to develop mobility assistive technology systems. OBJECTIVE: This paper aims to anticipate the future of assistive technologies of navigation and mobility for people with severe visual disabilities in the next twenty years (2021–2041). METHODS: We conducted a technology foresight exercise by identifying promising technologies and invited over 20,000 researchers worldwide to share their views on the future of assistive technologies for people with visual impairment. The technologies and respondents were identified from specialized journals indexed on Web of Science. RESULTS: Most respondents believe computer vision will be the most important assistive technology group for mobility and navigation for visually impaired people, especially with haptic feedback. They also believe that voice and vibrotactile are the most relevant feedback and that glasses and smartphones will be the most important tools for visual impairment support. CONCLUSIONS: While costs and lack of user training may hamper the development and use of these new technologies, they represent the future of assistive technology for people with visual impairments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: The design, provision, and assessment of prosthetic arm technologies and related services are all dependent on an understanding of how prosthetic arms are used in everyday life. This research examines the scientific literature on prosthetic arm technologies and approaches that have been used to evaluate upper limb prosthetic arms in daily life use. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this review paper is to give an outline of current literature, which covers the selection, design, and choices of prosthetic arm technologies. METHODS: A structural search for the available technologies on the prosthetic arm was carried out. A research database search was carried out in PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Crossref, Google Scholar, and questionnaires were evaluated based on available prosthetic arm technologies, material, methodology, comfortability. RESULTS: From the proposed review, it is concluded that not all prosthetic technologies suit the patients because of the difference in injuries. Every prosthetic arm technology has its advantages and limitations depending on end-user requirements and comfortability. Based on the available literature, it is observed that amputees have been given equal importance to comfortability along with functionality. Consequently, amputees may opt for a prosthetic arm technology that is easy to use and comfortable rather than an advanced technology-based prosthetic arm but less with comfortability. CONCLUSION: An attempt has been made for extensive reviews for the various types of prosthetic systems, materials, usability, methodologies, comfortability, etc. Comparative studies on various types of available prosthetic arm technologies have been also carried out with pros and cons. More specifically, the proposed paper provides a significant review of the upper limb prosthetic arm's current developments and their impacts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Vision impairments affect the ability to navigate environments and gain spatial perception of one's surroundings. Existing navigation aids typically provide close-range information, but not feedback on farther distances (i.e., beyond 5 m from the user). OBJECTIVE: To address this gap, the OptiBand, a custom assistive device, was previously designed with a stakeholder who is blind. The OptiBand uses Lidar sensing and haptic feedback to relay information on objects up to 15 m away. In this paper, we sought to evaluate the efficacy of the OptiBand with an in situ user study. METHODS: N = 9 participants (eight blind and one low-vision) used the OptiBand for a period of three months. Users periodically rated spatial perception workload and trust of their assistive navigation aids (at first as a baseline without the OptiBand, and then with the OptiBand). RESULTS: The OptiBand tended to yield lower workload requirements and similar trust levels compared to existing navigation aids. Interview data demonstrated the usefulness of the OptiBand in selected day-to-day tasks such as navigating outdoors and maintaining appropriate interpersonal spacing. CONCLUSIONS: This work provides evidence on benefits of and potential uses of assistive navigation aids like the OptiBand. Researchers interested in similar devices can benefit from our efforts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Though speaking skills in the mother tongue develop naturally, developing reading skills requires training. Dyslexia is a language-based learning disability that can affect the reading ability in any language. Although many literature is available to address these challenges, the need to teach sentence reading was neglected. This paper addresses problems faced while reading sentences. As computer-based multi-sensory teaching is considered as an effective way to teach children with dyslexia (CwD), the proposed system uses multisensory teaching methods to teach sentence reading in Hindi and Bangla languages. It shows sentences as word packages to teach word sequence and help with comprehension. The platform records the response time of the user to generate a performance report to monitor her performance. For evaluating the system, an expert survey was conducted with 26 special educators in two phases, pre-test and post-test. The questionnaires were prepared following previous literature under the expert's supervision. The pre-test data helped in understanding the educators' experience and opinions about assistive technology and the post-test data were used to evaluate the system. In the evaluation, all educators agreed that the system will be very useful for their students and it will give a generalised solution for all the challenges their students face. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Assistive technologies are playing a vital role in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. OBJECTIVE: The current paper presents the design and assessment of an "all-in-one" wearable solution incorporating location monitoring, scheduling, communication, and physiological parameters monitoring functionalities for children with autism and their families/carers. METHODS: Twenty high-functioning children and twenty-five parents participated in the research. The final application was assessed over a period of two months. A highly patient-centred design was followed by a multidisciplinary team of experts (experts in the field of special education, speech therapy, psychology, and informatics) with significant experience in children with autism. The evaluation took place in a real and open environment. All participants were administered the PYTHEIA questionnaire in order to assess the various characteristics of the platform. Pearson's Chi-squared test was used to examine the independence of the variables, with a statistical significance of 95%. RESULTS: The results support that the implemented features can effectively assist everyday life activities and facilitate the independent living of children with autism. The subjective evaluation of the solution revealed important considerations for further developments. Both groups of users (parents and children) were very satisfied with the implemented functionalities. The flexibility given by the PYTHEIA instrument was very important for the subjective assessment of the different functionalities of the solution. All examined axes were found excellent in terms of their adaptability in daily life activities. CONCLUSIONS: Real-world applications, able to run in an open and uncontrolled environment are critical for this population. PYTHEIA is a valuable instrument that supports the assessment of the device and application as a whole, as well as the evaluation of individual features and functions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: A major concern that is being increasingly addressed in modern educational environments is the ability to present equal accessibility opportunities to students with neurodevelopmental conditions and disorders as for typically developing children. OBJECTIVE: The main objective of the paper is to employ innovative technological advancements merged with evidence-based practices in order to teach, improve and generalise social skills for children with neurodevelopmental disorders, specifically children with High Functioning Autism (HFA) as well as children with Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD). METHODS: The development of a personalized solution adapted to the needs of each student is proposed. The platform will be composed of three main modules (Content Management, Emotional Analysis and Personalization). The target group is students of the Primary Years Program and Middle Years Program. EXPECTED RESULTS: Improved communicational and interactional capability of people with disabilities and facilitate social innovation; more affordable technologies and products that support interactions for people with disabilities, and new generation of services that are highly adaptable and personalisable to individual contexts. CONCLUSIONS: In order to achieve the optimum output/result of the system the procedure need to be implemented and reviewed by all involved parties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

PURPOSE: To review the AT specific assessment models and instruments that have been developed for children with multiple disabilities in order to provide an overview of the strategies to be employed in interdisciplinary rehabilitation. METHOD: A systematic review was conducted utilizing the MEDLINE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, ERIC and ISI databases covering the period January 1990-September 2011. In addition, 4 conference proceedings, 35 journals and various web resources were hand searched. Papers were reviewed in three steps by three independent investigators according to specific inclusion and exclusion criteria. RESULTS: The search resulted in the finding of 25 papers. Only one model for structuring the AT assessment process and four instruments developed to support decisions about AT solutions for children with multiple disabilities were found. The validity and reliability of the models and instruments found are not documented in the literature reviewed. CONCLUSIONS: We argue that there is a need to develop validated models and instruments to guide AT professionals in the process of AT assessment for children with multiple disabilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With a growing ageing population and the advent of interactive TV (iTV), understanding how older people use iTV services is a timely and important task. Working towards this end, this paper reports on in situ conversations of, and observations with, almost 400 older people, with different levels of educational attainment and experience with ICTs, while talking about and using online video portals and similar interactive systems in Spain, Brazil and Denmark. The results show more similarities than differences in their reasons for adopting online video portals and patterns of use. All our participants used these portals for keeping or remaining in touch with people they trusted. The results also show that privacy online was a common concern to all the participants. Differences in the acceptance of e-government services and the type of content that drove most of their interactions were also found. Implications for designing more accessible and meaningful iTV services are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: The Therapeutic Patient Education (TPE) aims to help patients to understand diseases and treatments, and collaborate in healthcare by taking an active role in the management of a chronic disease. This transition from the classical patient compliance to empowerment is a revolutionary concept in medicine. However, this consensual idea is not easy to implement because of the complexity of medical records, which are designed for health professionals only. OBJECTIVE: In order to enhance the TPE, an intuitive tool based on a visuo-dynamic interface was developed to facilitate the self-evaluation of disability situations. METHODS: The paper describes the whole implementation process to implement such a user interface, from the development of an innovative low cost markerless motion capture to the 3D modeling of everyday life activities. RESULTS: A usability test carried out on twenty disabled people shows that participants are more at ease to perform a self-assessment of their motor disabilities through an animated stickman-based interface than a classical static interface. CONCLUSIONS: Considering the promising results of this study, the next step of this project will consist of integrating the visuo-dynamic interface into an existing platform (e-ESPOIRS-Handi) dedicated to information sharing between health professional and disabled people. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Individuals lacking or having impaired vision face serious difficulties during autonomous locomotion. Sensory substitution devices can contribute to alleviate such difficulties, significantly (and measurably) reducing anxiety. OBJECTIVE: The present paper evaluates a device - the Tactile Radar (TR) - that can detect obstacles at a certain distance from the user and generate meaningful and unobtrusive tactile stimuli.METHODS: We evaluate the impact of its use on the degree of anxiety that autonomous locomotion usually trigger on people who are blind.RESULTS: Decreased anxiety as well as increased sense of safety and independence was observed on the tested subjects, through subjective (semi-structured interviews) and objective assessments (STAI inventories).CONCLUSIONS: This device seems promising. More experimentation is needed to evaluate the capacity of the TR to enhance indoor localization and body placement with respect to walls and obstacles, as well as evaluation of the device in real life situations including outdoors. Last but not least, we need to consider ways of moving from a prototyping to a real production phase - of an affordable yet reliable device that can reach as soon as possible the interested population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: This paper presents the results of an evaluation of a technology-supported leisure game for people with dementia in relation to the stimulation of social behavior. OBJECTIVE: In this study we explore the additional impact of technology-supported leisure activities on behavioral outcomes of people with dementia in a nursing home and daycare setting in comparison to a traditional leisure activity. The technology-supported game aims to stimulate social behavior and interaction among participants via its design features, including a TV, radio, telephone and treasure box. METHODS: A mixed-method research design was applied. Observations of participants (n=10, multiple rounds of observations), were conducted using the Oshkosh Social Behavior Coding scale. The bootstrapping method was used for statistical analysis, differentiating for different subgroups of participants. In addition, interviews with the activity facilitators were conducted. RESULTS: Social behavior was found to occur more often than non-social behavior during the sessions, in particular, due to commenting during the game. Participants with a low MMSE score, scored higher for non-social and non-verbal behavior. Female participants scored higher for social behavior than males. Activity facilitators stated that the technology-supported leisure activity helps them with their professional tasks. CONCLUSION: A technology-supported game can stimulate communication and social behavior among players with dementia. Moreover, it helps activity facilitators in making activities more person-centered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents findings on the role of online traveller information services in regional public transport for older people and people with functional limitations. An explanatory mixed methods design was used. A quantitative questionnaire study of the target group's need of traveller information and use of online traveller information services provided the basis for a qualitative focus group study of their attitudes towards online traveller information services in public transport and their perceptions of traveller information's role in their travel habits. The key findings suggest that the essential influence of access to traveller information through online traveller information services on the travel of older people and people with functional limitations is the reassurance that these services offer. This results in confidence that enables secure travel which in turn enables the older traveller or traveller with functional limitations to cope with possible difficulties during the journey. Thus there is a point in offering high quality traveller information to such people through online traveller information services. The point however, is not necessarily that they should undertake more journeys by public transport, but rather that when they travel they can do so confidently. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Service robots may offer an innovative assistive solution to improve the quality of life of frail elderly people, by assisting them in specific situations identified as relevant to maintain independence. Objective: This paper describes the results of a qualitative and quantitative research based on a user-centered methodology carried out within the EU-funded project "Multi-Role Shadow Robotic System for Independent Living" (SRS), aiming to generate user requirements and realistic usage scenarios maximizing the alignment with users' needs, perceptions, feelings and rights. Methods: A qualitative and quantitative research - based on focus groups (59 participants) and questionnaires (129 respondents) - was carried out in three countries: Italy, Spain and Germany. The survey involved prospective end-users (elderly people and family members who care for them), caregivers, and geriatric experts. Results: Results show that despite elderly people encounter difficulties in many activities of daily life, a semi-autonomous remotely-controlled and self-learning service robot has been judged an interesting solution only in some circumstances. Monitoring and managing emergency situations, helping with reaching, fetching and carrying objects that are too heavy or positioned in unreachable places: these are tasks for which robotic support has been widely accepted, while tasks involving direct physical contact between the person and the robot are not appreciated instead. Relatives of the elderly could act as remote operators; however, family psychological burden and time restrictions should be considered too. Conclusions: A tele-operated robotic system may be of help for frail elderly people. In certain cases this solution may be effective only in conjunction with a 24-hour professional Service Centre able to manage tele-operation when relatives are not available. This survey adds further tokens of knowledge to previous literature studies on this subject; it compares the potential users' and the professionals' views; it helps identifying potentially successful applications of tele-operated robots in the care of elderly people living at home. The results obtained by the present study, generated specific requirements and the first versions of concrete usage scenarios, enabling designers and technologists to start with a first development phase of the SRS concept. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Usability and accessibility are key design characteristics that enable consumers with disabilities to effectively and safely interact with mainstream products as they pursue independent living. This product usability study examines experiences of consumers with hand function limitations regarding the quality and value of a commercially available automatic jar opener. The product was designed for use by people with diverse hand functions and its development process included continuous consumer input. Findings from this longitudinal case study include high ratings of the jar opener on usability and other indicators of quality. Consumers' reported value of the product remained consistently high throughout the study. Product use was consistent during the trial period evidencing high consumer satisfaction and product acceptance. This study attests to the potential benefits of involving consumers with disabilities in the development of products not only as a strategy to integrate inclusive design features, but also to broaden their market value. The paper also highlights the methodology and key concepts underlying the investigation of quality and value for products designed through this approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several studies have demonstrated the potential of robots as assistive tools for play activities. Through the use of robots, children with motor impairments may be able to manipulate objects and engage in play activities as their typically developing peers, thus having the same opportunities to learn cognitive, social, motor and linguistic skills. Robot use can also provide a proxy measure of disabled children's cognitive abilities by comparing their performance with that of typically developing children. This paper reports a study with eighteen typically developing children aged three, four and five years to assess at which ages the cognitive concepts of causality, negation, binary logic, and sequencing are demonstrated during Lego robot use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Persons with severe intellectual disability (ID) may be non-verbal and unable to communicate pain or distress. Consequently, painful conditions may go undetected, and non-verbal persons with ID may not receive adequate care and treatment. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to explore how professional caregivers and parents identify pain and distress in non-verbal persons with ID, and their attitudes towards using wearable sensors to identify pain and distress in daily life situations. METHODS: Exploratory, mixed method study. Caregivers (83) answered an online questionnaire, and professional caregivers (18) and parents (7) were interviewed. RESULTS: Professional caregivers and parents recognise pain and distress from observations and behavioural signs that are often equivocal. They experience that this is inadequate to reliably detect pain and distress in non-verbal persons with ID. Professional caregivers and parents' express frustration and fear that painful conditions may remain untreated. They are positive towards using wearable sensors on condition that sensors do not infringe on user autonomy and privacy. CONCLUSIONS: There is a need for sensors and methods that can objectively identify pain and distress and ensure adequate treatment, that may improve quality of life of non-verbal persons with ID. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Technology-driven assistive devices provide numerous benefits to people with severe visual impairments, yet device take-up rates are often low. OBJECTIVE: The study sought to determine the strengths of connections between transportation self-efficacy, technophobia, personal inertia, innovation resistance, and willingness to adopt high-tech transportation assistive devices among visually impaired individuals. It also examined certain potential barriers to device acceptance; namely the perceived safety and complexity of assistive devices and the effects on a person's self-image of using a device. METHODS: A model was developed and tested via a questionnaire survey of 319 people with visual disabilities, each of whom was presented with five examples of hypothetical high-tech mobility and transportation assistive devices. RESULTS: Technophobia exerted a powerful negative impact on innovation resistance and was itself significantly determined in part by transportation self-efficacy. Personal inertia and the effects of device use on self-image failed to impact significantly on the participants' levels of innovation resistance. CONCLUSIONS: The results have implications for the promotional activities of manufacturers of mobility and transportation assistive devices and for visual disability support organisations that wish to secure acceptance of new assistive devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article reviews the socio-economic context in which documenting knowledge uptake and use by non-traditional stakeholders is becoming increasingly important. It notes on the prior work to create the level of knowledge use survey (LOKUS) instrument, a web-based tool designed to survey the level of knowledge use by stakeholders. It discusses the value and utility of LOKUS to sponsors and investigators of applied research & development (R&D) programs.

BACKGROUND: Over-ground robotic lower limb exoskeletons are safe and feasible in rehabilitation with individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) and stroke. Information about effects on stroke rehabilitees is scarce and descriptions of learning process and user experience is lacking. OBJECTIVE: The objectives of this study were to describe how rehabilitees learn exoskeleton use, to study effects of exoskeleton assisted walking (EAW) training, and to study rehabilitees' user experiences. METHODS: One-group pre-test post-test pre-experimental study involved five rehabilitees with stroke or traumatic brain injury (TBI). Participants in chronic phase underwent twice a week an 8-week training intervention with Indego exoskeleton. Process of learning to walk and the level of assistance were documented. Outcome measurements were conducted with 6-minute and 10-meter walk tests (6 MWT, 10 mWT). User experience was assessed with a satisfaction questionnaire. RESULTS: Rehabilitees learnt to walk using the exoskeleton with the assistance from 2–3 therapists within two sessions and progressed individually. Three participants improved their results in 10 mWT, four in 6 MWT. The rehabilitees felt comfortable and safe when using and exercising with the device. CONCLUSION: Indego exoskeleton may be beneficial to gait rehabilitation with chronic stroke or TBI rehabilitees. The rehabilitees were satisfied with the exoskeleton as a rehabilitation device. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: In Bangladesh, 9.1% of people are disabled, but production and distribution of assistive products (AP) have not been sufficient up to now. Ensuring APs are in the market, and suggesting appropriate APs to the users, are two crucial points in Bangladesh, but there are no data about available APs and the awareness of rehabilitation professionals (RP). To improve this situation, this research was carried out to reveal the number of available APs and the awareness of RPs about APs. METHOD: Data from two important disability-oriented organizations in Bangladesh were collected, including RPs from those organizations. RESULTS: The result revealed that 23 out of 50 kinds of APs from the assistive products list (APL) of WHO were available in Bangladesh. In terms of awareness, an average of 24 APs from the APL were known by the RPs. Only 6% of RPs knew all the 23 APs available in Bangladesh. A total of 47% of RPs got information on APs from the internet, but 92% of them didn't know any database of APs. CONCLUSION: The study indicated that APs are insufficient, and the awareness of RPs about APs is inadequate in Bangladesh. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Working family carers are an important resource for the care of older people but can experience negative pressures without support. OBJECTIVE: This study examined the perceived value of forms of support and the level of receipt of valued forms of support among Swedish working carers, with a focus on information and communication technology (ICT)-mediated support. METHODS: A convenience sample (N = 129) of working carers caring for an older (⩾ 65 years) relative completed a web-based questionnaire that addressed: caring characteristics; work-care conflict; and valued and received forms of support. RESULTS: Overall non-ICT forms of support were the most highly valued, while receipt of valued support was low: on average only 16.9% of participants who valued ICT-mediated forms of support received such support, while the figure was only slightly higher (23.4%) for non-ICT forms of support. Higher levels of work-care conflict were associated with higher perceived value of support for 13 out of fourteen forms of support. CONCLUSIONS: The findings suggest that ICT-mediated and non-ICT forms of support should be regarded as complementary, while the low level of receipt of valued forms of support could indicate high levels of unmet need in working carers. Implications for further research and policy on working carers are considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Mobility devices such as walkers and wheelchairs are often associated with certain stigma. Such devices must be designed with the goal of reducing stigma to decrease the abandonment-rate. Yet there is little empirical evidence on how mobility devices are perceived. OBJECTIVE: This study set out to explore how (N = 40) non-disabled individuals perceived four common mobility devices including a traditional walker, rollator, manual wheelchair and a powered wheelchair. METHODS: A questionnaire based on semantic differential scales was designed. RESULTS: The results show that the more elaborate devices are perceived as more aesthetical and lighter, yet more unsafe and impractical. Moreover, respondents familiar with mobility devices through family and friends gave more biased negative responses in terms of device characteristics compared to non-experienced respondents. Next, non-experienced respondents perceived the manual wheelchair to be more stigmatizing compared to experienced respondents. CONCLUSIONS: The findings evidence that different designs of products in the same category can evoke different perceptions of non-users regarding practical, aesthetical and symbolic aspects. Insight into how different design characteristics are associated with perceptions of non-users may contribute to the comprehension of assistive technology stigma and may support design decisions that minimize negative judgments and emphasize positive perceptions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Older adults with dementia have been targeted toward the development of assistive technologies intended to facilitate aging in place. Researchers have documented financial and occupation strain for the caregiver and the financial limitations experienced by persons with dementia. These factors constitute a potential hindrance to the use and applicability of assistive technologies; technologies that may reduce caregiver burden, allow more time for paid work, and, in consequence, reduce occupational strain. OBJECTIVE: To unpack how financial burden, operationalized as direct (e.g., income) and indirect (e.g., caregiver education, employment status) measures of wealth and assets, affect the perceived independence of people with dementia. METHODS: We draw on data collected through a cross-Canada survey of caregivers to develop a set of predictive models of care-recipient task independence. RESULTS: Our findings suggest that said measures of wealth can predict task independence, and more complicated or instrumental daily tasks (e.g., shopping, driving) are perceived as being those with which care recipients need most assistance. CONCLUSIONS: Considering the economical and emotional obstacles that affect both the caregiver and the care recipient, the development of assistive technologies that would be both financially realistic and assistive for this population in these instrumental daily tasks is warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Embodied conversational agents (ECA) are possible enablers of assistive technologies, in particular for older adults with cognitive impairment. Yet, dedicated interaction management techniques addressing the specificities of this public are needed. OBJECTIVES: We assess whether the interaction management framework of the LOUISE (Lovely User Interface for Servicing Elders) ECA has the potential to overcome the user interface constraints linked to cognitive impairment. METHODS: LOUISE supports key target-specific features: personalization; attention management; context reminders; image and video displays; a conversation manager for task-oriented interactions; and the foundations for a domain-specific XML-based language for task-oriented assistive scenarios. LOUISE's usability and acceptance were evaluated at the Broca geriatric hospital in Paris. with a group of 14 older adults with either mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or Alzheimer's disease (AD) through four simple but realistic assistive scenarios: drinking, taking medicine, measuring blood pressure and choosing the lunch menu. RESULTS: Most of our participants were able to interact with the ECA, succeeded in completing the proposed tasks and enjoyed our design. CONCLUSION: The field usability evaluation of LOUISE's interaction management framework suggests that this suite of interaction techniques can be effective in enabling interfaces for users with MCI or AD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: As the older adult population in the U.S. continues to grow, it has become a priority to ensure the health, safety, and well-being of these individuals while maintaining their dignity and autonomy. OBJECTIVE: Memory loss and physical impairments have been identified as factors that restrict older adults from living independently. The objectives were (1) to develop a hybrid space within the participants' living environments using an Augmented Reality object location and information system based on visual and spatial organization and (2) to assess the users' perceptions of using such technology. METHOD: Three older adults who had a physical impairment and also suffered mild memory loss participated in the study. These three individuals were provided with the mobile system, and their subjective responses were documented through interviews and a questionnaire. RESULTS: The results of the study suggest that participants found the system very useful and easy to use. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the study suggest that the older adults who took part in the study were very open to the idea of using such an AR object location and information system based on visual and spatial organization hosted on electronic mobile devices to enhance their living environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Play is essential for children's development. Children with severe physical disabilities often experience problems engaging in play. In rehabilitation and special education for children with physical disabilities play-like activities and play for play's sake are important. OBJECTIVE: The current study aimed at examining the possibilities of using the IROMEC robot in rehabilitation and special education for children with severe physical disabilities. METHODS: A mixed methods approach, using individual interviews, two rounds of focus group interviews, a questionnaire and a final session to reach consensus, was used to examine the match between the goals in therapy and special education and the IROMEC robot. RESULTS: The existing play scenarios of IROMEC have the potential to support play for children with severe physical disabilities, especially in the domains of movement functions, learning and applying knowledge, communication/interpersonal interactions and relationships, and play. CONCLUSIONS: The current study helped to build a body of evidence to the possibilities of the IROMEC robot. The results of this study can be used to further develop meaningful robotic play interventions for children with severe physical disabilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on an educational program in Finland which aims to introduce methods to develop user-centered work for service personnel at Finnish assistive technology (AT) centers. The program was funded by the Finnish Ministry of Education and Culture. The program was planned as a closely knit cooperation between educators and all relevant stakeholders.

The article analyzes the perceived burden of informal caregivers and how they currently cope with caregiver burden. It explores the ideas of caregivers about potential solutions to diminish their burden. The main sources of burden are cited, including time-consuming and exhaustive nature of caring, becoming totally absorbed by the caregiving situation, and a perceived lack of support.

The article presents a study which discusses how to prepare for product design specifications (PDS) products used by people with paraplegia (impaired lower-limb functions) such as the wheelchair. The study uses questionnaire/interview and observation methods, functional analysis, and Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 20 to determine the relationship between the information from the users and from the products. Results show that PDS will be based on users and products.

We examined the usage of computers in 171 adolescents with visual impairment and 515 sighted peers. Participants reported computer ownership and hours per week using the computer for school, video games, music, movies, photographs, searching for information, communication and shopping. Adolescents with visual impairment reported higher rates of overall computer usage than sighted peers, due to higher usage for school work and searching for information. In addition, adolescents who are blind used their computers more often for communication and less often for dealing with photographs than adolescents with low vision. Furthermore, higher usage of computer was associated with higher age, male gender, lower vision status and worse marks in school. Finally, positive associations between computer use and having a romantic partner as well as belonging to a peer-group were stronger in adolescents with visual impairment than in sighted adolescents. Conclusions for further research are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study evaluated the impact of iPads on students with disabilities in a Higher Education (HE) setting with a focus on: an assessment of their physical characteristics and functionality; their utility as communication devices; and the use of iPads to engage with university services. The participants, who had a range of disabilities, were provided with iPads for a period of three weeks, given basic training in their operation, and were instructed to use them freely. The participants completed an online survey and then took part in semi-structured interviews at the end of the loan period. The participants also undertook a series of short information-seeking tasks that were designed to compare the performance of laptops and tablet computers. This study should be of use to education practitioners as well as acting as a pilot for future studies aimed at investigating the provision of tablet computers to students with disabilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The number of lonely elderly is expected to increase due to demographic changes. CareTV is a technological solution, which allows users to interact with carers, family and friends from their home. In prior research users mentioned that CareTV expanded their social contacts, but it had not been measured if feelings of loneliness as a consequence have decreased. Objective: Investigate whether CareTV is a valid instrument for elderly to engage in meaningful social contacts by a video connection to avoid loneliness. Evaluate the implementation process and identify the remaining future challenges. Methods: From March 2008, elderly people receiving homecare from Proteion Thuis were informed about CareTV and asked to participate in the study. The CareTV duplex video/voice network allowed clients to communicate 24 hours, 7 days a week with a nurse practitioner. Applications of CareTV are (1) Alarm Service (2) Care Service (3) Good morning/good evening service (4) Welfare and housing and (5) Family Contact. During the one year trial period, feelings of loneliness and safety were measured using a questionnaire. In addition, clients' experiences were evaluated in open questions in the survey. The implementation was evaluated retrospectively with a framework developed by Broens. Results: 180 clients of homecare organization Proteion Thuis were connected to CareTV. 130 clients with the average age of 73.2 years were included in the study. The results show that the average feeling of loneliness at group level significantly (p< 0.001) decreased from 5.97 (sd 2.77) to 4.02 (sd 3.91) between the start and end of the study on a scale from 0 till 11. Social loneliness (5-items) as well as emotional loneliness (6-items) showed significant decreases. To evaluate safety, no sum score could be calculated, but on item level: for 5 out of 9 items, most clients felt less safe after one year. For one item most clients had improved feelings of safety and for three items, most clients had an equal score. Evaluation of implementation shows what has been done and what needs to be done in future for the specific determinants. Conclusion: Feelings of loneliness significantly decreased within one year. As loneliness is a problem in an estimated 30-40% of the elderly, CareTV seems to be a suitable instrument for elderly, to live longer at home with less feelings of loneliness. Feelings of safety on item level did not seem to improve, this might be due to the fact that no validated scale was used. On the other hand, individual clients indicated that they felt safe with careTV. In future, a study with a validated safety scale should be performed in order to clarify the effect of CareTV on feelings of safety. The analysis of the development and implementation process indicates that the business development approach may be strengthened and that the homecare organization itself may take the lead in that process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Clinical evaluation of novel assistive technologies is of utmost importance, as this would help in making such technologies practical and ensuring that they suit the user's requirements. Objective: The purpose of this study is to develop a new methodology for the addition of user and user's life centered clinical evaluation of assistive technologies (ULCEAT) to conventional evaluation methods. The proposed ULCEAT methodology consists of two steps: evaluation by rehabilitation professionals and evaluation by potential users. These evaluations were performed to identify target users and to ensure the effective use of new assistive technologies (ATs); the evaluations were based primarily on qualitative research involving the rehabilitation professionals and the potential users. Methods: The methodology was demonstrated by using it for the clinical evaluation of Roboticbed®, which was developed by the Panasonic Corporation. Results: The effective use of Roboticbed® was confirmed on the basis of the results, and three target user types were identified. The validity of this methodology was further confirmed by a user evaluation of Roboticbed® in an experimental environment. Conclusions: The findings of this study will be used to help conduct conventional clinical evaluations for novel and prototype ATs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the awareness and use of assistive technology for people with dementia. The aim of the study was to explore barriers to the uptake of, and the unmet needs for, assistive technology for dementia (ATD). The work was carried out with family carers of people with dementia because carers are often the purchasers, end users and main beneficiaries of this type of technology. Focus groups were used to explore carers' views on ATD use, and the problems that might be addressed by ATD, in order to develop a questionnaire for dementia carers. The questionnaire was administered at Alzheimer's Society carer support groups in South Bucks and in Hillingdon Borough (UK). None of the 16 focus group participants or the 42 respondents to the questionnaire had any personal experience of ATD. The dementia carers reported a number of concerns, problems and unmet needs that could be addressed by existing, commercially available ATD products. Some needs for new technology development were identified in the study, but the lack of awareness of ATD appears to be the most important barrier to technology adoption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to develop an alternative computer mouse for disabled persons. The mouse developed is a flexible input device with a multi-click function, which can be attached to a selectable body part (eg head, arm, foot). The mouse has a MEMS-gyroscope as the motion sensor, which is both small and sensitive. A USB-interface with a HID-profile is used to make the installation easy, "plug & play", and to make it compatible for use on any modern computer, independent of the operating system (Windows, Linux, Mac etc.). The structure is modular to achieve a flexible functionality. The mouse has individually adapted click-functions with selectable click devices, in addition to which, it is possible to define individual settings of the mouse parameters. The functionality can be extended by adding further personal settings, thereby programming the mouse for individual optimal performance. The result is a reliable and useful computer mouse for people with disabilities. In the development process, 23 users have been interviewed, three of whom participated in a 6 month long-term test. The study shows that a computer mouse incorporating a MEMS-gyroscope is a good, flexible solution, providing a high performance technical aid with extremely good sensitivity at a modest cost. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In decision making on the adoption of health care programmes, assistive technologies (ATs), and AT services for people with disabilities, cost-effectiveness analysis is increasingly important. The quality-adjusted life-year (QALY), which incorporates quality of life as well as survival, has become a standard unit of comparative efficacy, although there are methodological challenges in its use. The applicability of the concept of cost per QALY gained through intervention was investigated in one study of rollators and one of hearing aids. It was shown that two widely used instruments for deriving QALYs, HUI3 and EQ-5D, yield differing results, which may also differ depending on the type of disability. Because the magnitude of these differences could affect decision makers' willingness to provide reimbursement, the variability of cost-effectiveness results due to methodology should be considered in the policy-making process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is growing interest in computer-based assistive technology for people who experience difficulties related to impaired cognition. More knowledge is, however, needed regarding how this technology can provide support in the everyday activities in which people with cognitive impairment experience difficulties. The aim of this study was to identify in which everyday activities a specific type of computer-based and modifiable assistive technology could provide adequate support to persons who experienced difficulties related to cognition after a stroke. Interviews were conducted with six participants who had experienced a stroke, to identify difficulties related to impaired cognition in everyday activities. The difficulties identified were matched with the assistive technology, using a new tool developed for this study; The Assistive Technology support process. The assistive technology used in the study was judged to be able to initiate the performance of a specific task and to inform about upcoming events. With the use of sensors placed in the home, the support provided related to the completion of an already initiated task or to reminders required in a specific location or after specific actions. This type of support could be used more frequently in the near future and consequently it is necessary to establish what the assistive technology available can and cannot provide as well as what decisions to make before implementation. The Assistive Technology support process could be useful in retrieving this type of information. More research into the implementation of computer-based assistive technology is required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed at describing environmental barriers in housing and functional limitations among older community-living people in Sweden, to provide knowledge of housing accessibility problems from a longitudinal perspective, and to shed some light on older people's subjective reflections on housing. Along with a study-specific questionnaire on subjective reflections on housing, the Housing Enabler was used for data collection at home-visits (N=72), at baseline and six years later. At follow-up nearly all interviewees were content with their present home, and few answered that they planned to relocate. The prevalence of barriers was rather stable, and most of the changes over time indicated less environmental barriers, particularly indoors. Still, because of increased prevalence of functional limitations over time the magnitude of housing accessibility problems increased. In order to reduce needs for relocation, detailed information about the nature of the environmental barriers causing accessibility problems over time is useful. The results should be interpreted keeping in mind that they are country-specific for Sweden, while results of this kind should be valuable for development of strategies for removing environmental barriers in older peoples' homes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Outcome evaluation is important, but only few assessment instruments are available in the field of assistive technology. It was decided to translate and adapt the QUEST 1.0 (the Quebec User Evaluation of Satisfaction with assistive Technology 1.0) into Danish language and culture instead of constructing a new instrument. A number of methods were applied including forward- and backward translation, multidisciplinary discussions, pre-testing and a larger test focusing on cross-cultural equivalence and content validity. The study showed that a systematic and comprehensive translation and cross-cultural adaptation process is necessary and valuable, and that the methods used were useful for revealing equivalence and validity problems, even though backward translation turned out to be less efficient. Besides, the substantial need for adaptation attracted attention to the question of how close a translated version should be to the original version. The study uncovered more equivalence problems than reported in similar studies, probably due to the target group of this study being mainly older people requiring rather colloquial language. In the study the instrument was adapted, aspects of content validity of the Danish QUEST 1.0 were investigated, and further studies were suggested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new basketball wheelchair has been designed, which permits a wide variety of adjustments, reducing the need for expensive customization. In the present study this new prototype basketball wheelchair was evaluated. Seventeen participants were administered in a test battery using their personal and the prototype wheelchair. Maximal aerobic power, metabolic economy, stability, maneuverability, and scores on field performance tests were assessed. Following all tests, a questionnaire was administered to all participants. No significant differences were found between the personal and prototype wheelchair on any of the tests. Questionnaire results revealed that the prototype chair was rated significantly superior concerning weight, maneuverability, rolling resistance and footrest stability but significantly inferior concerning height of the chair and backrest. It can be concluded that the new basketball wheelchair is a highly adaptable, and maneuverable wheelchair. It is remarkable that, given the focus on wheelchair design and perceived need for special fitting, the new wheelchair was so adaptable across a variety of users and that performance did not differ between the personal and prototype chair. This is particularly important for countries or beginning wheelchair basketball players who can not afford customized wheelchairs [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]