Assistive technologies supporting the independence of elderly adults with intellectual disability: Literature review and research agenda

Abstract

Assistive technologies (AT) can serve as an important enabler of greater independence for people with disabilities. It increases the possibility of employment, access to the community, participation in social activities, and success in different environments. Controlling the environment allows for equal participation in society as it helps with making choices, and access to information. Additionally, it can also affect functional abilities, improve relationships, sensory abilities, cognitive, communicational, and motor skills, productivity, leisure, self-maintenance, improve health, etc. Adults with intellectual disabilities (ID) often show signs of premature aging, have problems with performing basic daily activities or doing tasks correctly without an external reminder, they may forget some steps or fail at the time management of tasks. This is why attention needs to be put on the specific needs of people with ID, where AT can improve and maintain their level of functioning and independence. This study aims to review the existing literature in this field and identify missing gaps.