Evaluation of a smart home platform for adults with Down syndrome

Abstract

ABSTRACT People with Down syndrome (DS) encounter difficulties in their daily lives. In recent years, smart homes have provided some answers to the problem of residential autonomy. In fact, smart homes can provide support for complex routines and activities, while adjusting to the person’s behaviors and needs and offering maximum control of the environment. In this context, the objectives of this study were to assess (i) the usability of the smart home platform as well as (ii) the impact of the use (for 6 months) of this platform by adults with DS on many dimensions such as residential autonomy, projection into the future, the development of a life plan, self-determination, quality of life, self-esteem, anxiety, and psychological well-being. The first objective of a preliminary study was to verify that the support platform we use is suitable and can be used effectively by people with DS. For the preliminary study, the evaluations show effective, satisfactory and efficient use of all applications. Regarding the objective of our study, the evaluations show positive impacts on many dimensions such as living skills, self-determination, quality of life, self-esteem, anxiety and certain components of life psychological well-being.