Abstract Assistive Technology Research Articles

Design and assistive technology: a tinder match waiting to happen

Abstract Assistive technology (AT) is any artefact that enables participation in activities usually limited by disability. Frequently, AT suffers from poor design engagement and utilisation. Moreover, up to 30% of all AT is abandoned within a year, negatively impacting users. This presents an ongoing challenge for occupational therapists (OTs) who work with assistive technologies. A literature review was conducted using a Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis protocol to understand this issue and its implications for the design community. This study explores current themes of AT abandonment and the role of OT within the lens of design thinking. Studies, including design intervention in AT, were subsequently highlighted. This led to comparing this literature with more traditional health literature, exploring the potential enablers and barriers for design in engaging with AT. This evidenced the benefits of collaboration between design and OT disciplines to improve the product and reduce abandonment issues.

What works in co-producing assistive technology solutions with older people: a scoping review of the evidence

Abstract Assistive technology for older people promises much, but the research evidence suggests that it delivers little. One hypothesis to explain the lack of positive impact is that assistive technology is often implemented with little involvement of older people or other stakeholders, such as family members or care staff. The suggestion is that co-production may ensure that assistive technology solutions are better tailored to people's needs, capacities and living situations. In this article, we review existing studies to examine what works in co-production in relation to processes of design and implementation of assistive technology for older people. Our results show a growing interest in co-production as an approach in this field, with a wide range of approaches being employed. We highlight a number of key lessons from the research, including key issues around who needs to be engaged in the co-production, as well as essential elements of the process itself. Our review suggests that there is considerable potential in using co-production to improve effectiveness of technological solutions to the challenges of age-related impairments. However, we also emphasise the need for more longitudinal research in this area, to examine whether such collaborative approaches can truly deliver the promise of assistive technology for older people.

Role of Assistive Technology in the Rehabilitation of Children with Hearing Impairment

Assistive technology plays a vital role in the lives of disable children. Main objective of this paper is to identify the role of assistive technology in the rehabilitation of children with hearing impairment. A self-developed questionnaire was used as a research tool and for the purpose of data collection. Due to the COVID-19 situation the data were collected with the help of google form and through social media platform. Descriptive and inferential statistics was used to analyze the data. It is observed that cochlear implant, FM system, ASR (Automatic Speech Recognition) software, loop induction system, captioning, Telecommunication devices (TDD), TV streamer, remote microphones, notification systems devices, infrared systems and amplified telephones were the frequent assistive technologies used by the children with hearing impairment which are equally helpful for children in acquiring education as well as in daily life activities. It is recommended that the better and more positive results, professional need to be aware with the new technologies and get trained with the positive attitude towards the rehabilitations of children with hearing impairment.

Intelligent assistive technology devices for persons with dementia: A scoping review

ABSTRACT Assistive technology (AT) with context-aware computing and artificial intelligence capabilities can be applied to address cognitive and communication impairments experienced by persons with dementia (PwD). This paper aims to provide an overview of current literature regarding some characteristics of intelligent assistive technology devices (IATDs) for cognitive and communicative impairments of PwD. It also aims to identify the areas of impairment addressed by these IATDs. A multi-faceted systematic search strategy yielded records. Predefined criteria were applied for inclusion and data extraction. Thereafter data was thematically analysed and synthesised. This review demonstrates that almost all of the research involving IATDs has focused on cognitive impairments of PwD and has not yet evolved past the conceptual or prototype stages of development. Summaries of commercially available IATDs for PwD and relevant prototypes are provided at the end of this review. This research concluded that IATDs for PwD targeting cognition and communication problems primarily focus on social robots, and that they address cognitive impairments of attention, affect, and social-pragmatic communicative impairments. Future research endeavours concerning AT for PwD should explore collaboration between computer engineering and health practitioners to address the identified gaps. This may contribute to the available information for evidence-based decision making for PwD.

Childhood and Assistive Technology: Growing with opportunity, developing with technology

ABSTRACT Assistive technology is instrumental for the development and participation of children with disabilities by enabling their communication, mobility, and self-care. Technology also allows each child to explore the worlds of family relationships, friendships, education, play, and household tasks, enhancing their quality of life and that of their families. However, for the vast majority of children with disabilities, inadequate or no access to assistive technology excludes them from education, health, and social services, resulting in lifelong consequences to their participation in civic life and employment. The rights of children with disabilities, as described in the CRC and CRPD, require a systemic approach to the provision of access to assistive technology. In addition to environmental factors such as the quality of sidewalks for wheelchair users or cultural attitudes for those that require eyeglasses or prostheses, obstacles include: lack of awareness of the existence of certain technologies; absence of public policies supporting local availability and affordability; lack of products which have the adequate size, type, or quality; and insufficient personnel to provide referrals, fitting, training, and repairs. Children have additional challenges due to the fact that they are growing and require much more frequent adjustments or replacements of their assistive technology.

A Literature Review on the Facilitators and Barriers to the Uptake of Interprofessional Collaboration in the Field of Assistive Technology within Rehabilitation Medicine

Assistive technology (AT) enables an optimized life for persons with disability through the scaffolding of functional capabilities. However, AT provision faces challenges such as long approval processes, funding inadequacies, and difficulties integrating evidence into practice. A means to address these issues is through interprofessional collaboration (IPC), the process by which health professionals efficiently coordinate and work with each other towards a common goal to maximize limited resources. To promote its effective implementation, there is a need to know the facilitators and barriers that affect its implementation. Thus, this paper aims to review the facilitators and barriers to the uptake of IPC in the field of AT within rehabilitation medicine identified by existing literature. This literature review followed the steps outlined by The Model Systems Knowledge Translation Center. Articles published between January 2000 until September 2019 were retrieved from four electronic databases (Cochrane Library, PubMed, Scopus, Science Direct). Three studies were included in the study. Facilitators identified were: (1) optimal work culture, (2) professional competence, and (3) associating with team members. Barriers to effective IPC in the field of AT were identified as: (1) presence of professional silos, (2) lack of unified language, and (3) gaps in bureaucratic support. The mechanisms and factors in implementing interprofessional collaboration identified by the World Health Organization are vital in the field of AT. However, the barriers identified above need to be addressed to promote the uptake of IPC within this specialized field.

Teachers’ perspectives of what works: Implementation of AT for students with disabilities

ABSTRACT Assistive technology (AT) can be used to support the academic and social development of students with disabilities in the classroom. This research asked teachers of students with disabilities to share the elements that they report as being necessary for the successful implementation of assistive technology they have available in their classrooms. The teachers reported on their successful experiences. There has been a great deal of research in the appropriate selection of devices to suit the needs of the individual student and their environment. While the successful implementation and incorporation of the AT into the classroom have been researched, it has emerged from this research that teachers are not utilizing commonly identified implementation checklists/processes. A number of key successful elements were identified, such as training, time to plan and respond, using AT effectively, the effort/experience of the teacher, and external support available. Each of these elements is discussed along with suggestions for a simplified implementation process. It should be noted that specific disabilities and assistive technologies were not a focus of the study. Future directions for research in the area of AT implementation are indicated.

Assistive Technology for People with Special Needs and Its Role in Enriching Arabic Grammar and Quranic Studies-Abd Allah Ibn Al-Husayn Ukbari as a Model

Assistive technology has an important role in helping people with disabilities, so what this technology can offer goes beyond simple help limits, is that it opens up broad prospects for a new lifestyle. Those with special needs have high concerns, strong wills, solid intentions and creative minds, which Allah Almighty blessed them to encourage and satisfy their hearts. In the context of preface of the book “Nakt al-Humyān fī Nukat al-Umyān, (biographies of notable blind people, with a section on the causes of blindness).” Its writer Khalīl ibn Aybak al-afadī (1296–1363) pointed out a saying, which has high value, deep impact, and significance tribute to people with special needs, where he said: “it's rare to see a blind man being a dull, inefficient, inactive but blind person only can be found as an intelligent, smart and genius. “This research's title is “Assistive Technology for People with Special Needs and its Role in enriching Arabic Grammar and Qur'anic Studies (Abd All āh ibn al-usayn ‘Ukbarī as a model).” We will address issues of people with special needs specially Abd Allāh ibn al-Husayn ‘Ukbarī as a model as he was blinded in his youth as he was hit by chickenpox. The research seeks to discuss the saying: “Although Al-‘Ukbarī was a handicapped person, but he had outstanding efforts and contributions in enriching Arabic grammar and Quranic studies.” It (research) aims to explain the concept of assistive technology and people with special needs, also to know our duty towards them and to mention the most important and preferred effects of Al-‘Ukbarī. As well as clarifying the most prominent features of Al-‘Ukbarī's curriculum in his grammatical works and highlighting his efforts in enriching Arabic grammar and Quranic studies.

GAMIFICAÇÃO DE TESTES PSICOLÓGICOS PARA ALFABETIZAÇÃO E COMPETÊNCIAS ESPACIAIS DE CRIANÇAS PORTADORAS DE AUTISMO E SÍNDROME DE DOWN


 
 
 As tecnologias assistivas auxiliam em diversos casos. Considerando as síndromes cognitivas, ainda há uma carência de produtos voltados para estas deficiências que ajudem os profissionais da área de neuropsicopedagogia. Será apresentado neste trabalho um produto voltado para auxílio educacional que utiliza ferramentas psicológicas, a fim de recolher novas informações do paciente, promover o aumento das capacidades de leitura, escrita e autoconhecimento das crianças e estimular o melhor rendimento do tempo de consulta. O método de desenvolvimento utilizado consistiu na Intervenção Ergonomizadora a partir do acompanhamento do tratamento de cinco crianças com síndromes distintas: Transtorno do Espectro Autista (TEA) e Síndrome de Down. Espera-se com este trabalho estimular o uso do design colaborativo e incentivar a busca e elaboração de novas formas de tratamento.
 
 

A WEB-BASED MOBILE APPLICATION TO SUPPORT SOCIAL ENGAGEMENT IN PERSONS WITH DEMENTIA

Assistive technology has been recognized as a promising tool to improve the lives of persons living with dementia and their caregivers. The use of assistive technology in dementia care is expanding, although it is most often applied to manage care and promote safety. There is a lack of assistive technology designed to aid persons with dementia to participate in meaningful activities. The present study utilizes a pilot randomized controlled trial (RCT) design to evaluate the feasibility, acceptability, and effects of an assistive technology device, the Social Support Aid (SSA), designed to assist persons with dementia engage in social interaction. Quantitative data were collected initially and three and six months later, and participants in the technology group participated in qualitative interviews. Feasibility and utility scores indicated that participants felt neutral about the technology. Use of the SSA was not significantly associated with changes in quality of social interactions or quality of life measures over the six months of follow-up (P > .05). The qualitative analysis revealed three themes that described how and why the SSA worked or did not: (1) outcomes (2) reasons why (not) useful and (3) recommendations. There is a need to develop effective assistive technology that improves the quality of life of persons with dementia. Assistive technology that allows persons living with dementia to maintain some level of autonomy should be a priority for future research. Results provide recommendations for future assistive technology development and evaluation.

Facial Muscular Human–Computer Interface at a Motor Unit Level

Assistive technology allows motor-impaired people to overcome limitations. Several myoelectric interfaces have been developed, however, there is no reported study employing information at a motor unit (MU) level for controlling purposes. Thus, we developed a facial myoelectric interface operating at the level of MU for controlling a computer screen cursor. Data were collected from 11 able-bodied and 1 tetraplegic subjects. Different from traditional approaches, there was no significant difference ([Formula: see text]) in learning with respect to the level of difficulty, occurring evenly and faster. Information at MU level opens new possibilities for the development of fine control myoelectric interfaces.

High-speed gesture modelling through boundary analysis of active signals from wearable data glove

Assistive technology utilises communication by means of gestures with high appreciation in the fields of rehabilitation engineering and security. The necessity for such technique is to extract the communications in terms of intentions from the disabled community. Such systems play a very crucial role during emergency as well as to perform regular communication during normal course of life. To interpret and communicate most distinctive requirements of the person with disability, the caregivers and medical support agents need a well- defined and distinguishable gesture paradigm with its recognition system. Conversion of such communicative gestures is to be made precise and easy. In this proposed work, the feature construction is made with a simple modelling of the gesture signals along the time zone considerations created during the gesture activity. The identification of most active channels for every subject involved in this experiment for different gestures contributes to reduction of complexity in processing and hardware cost.

Smart Home Assisted Living for Elderly: The Needs for Regulations

Assistive technology devices for elderly in smart home aims at providing support and healthcare services in a domestic home to ensure their health condition, safety and security . However, neither definition nor specific legal and administrative policy is in place to govern its establishment. Hence, a comprehensive smart home assisted living legal framework for elderly is required and this paper is intended to discuss the needs for amendments of law in housing development. This paper is a legal doctrinal research whereby analysis is conducted based on the statutory provisions of Malaysia housing statutes, codes, and guideline. The finding shows that, the absence of smart home for elderly components and infrastructure in the Housing Sales and Purchase Agreement will deny residents’ right from protection by the housing developer. Therefore, amendment and improvement in law and regulations to include terms of smart home for elderly is needed to ensure its development is in accordance to the law.

Assistive Technology: What Physical Educators Need to Know

Assistive technology supplements and supports the learning of students with disabilities in school and at home. Thanks to federal mandates, students with disabilities receive consideration for assistive technology devices and services — the tools and supports needed to achieve determined learning outcomes. Assistive technology devices and services operate as a process, ensuring students with disabilities receive optimal access to learning across all educational settings and subject areas. This article provides physical educators with a working knowledge of the assistive technology process along with recommendations for supporting their students with disabilities.

Tecnologia assistiva e tecnologia de informação e comunicação: novas perspectivas para a baixa visão

Assistive technology (AT), with its various resources, when paired with information and communication technology (ICT), plays a fundamental role in the social inclusivity of the visually impaired. Aim: This article aims to emphasize the importance of AT and ICT in the social inclusivity of individuals with low vision, highlight the already available resources, and present new proposals, such as the expanding creation of new accessibility features for mobile devices (iOS and Android). Method: We performed literature reviews on research regarding existing resources and recent updates in the research field. Results: This paper presents AT and ICT resources for social inclusivity of people with low vision.

DESIGN E TECNOLOGIA ASSISTIVA:

tecnologia assistiva, cadeira de rodas, Arduino.
 A acessibilidade é um direito, mas ainda são necessárias pesquisas e desenvolvimento de objetos que propiciem aos deficientes físicos a realização de atividades sem dificuldade. O objetivo é mostrar como a Inteligência Artificial e as Cadeiras de Rodas Inteligentes têm beneficiado aqueles que possuem mobilidades reduzidas, enfatizando o sistema Arduino, que possibilita o aprimoramento de tecnologias assistivas, com o desenvolvimento de objetos interativos e recursos que capazes de trazer mais qualidade de vida ao portador de lesão medular, com independência e segurança em seu cotidiano, além de contribuir para um design acessível, sem restrição de uso.

Interactive Assistive Technology for Blind People

Assistive technology refers to any device that enables people with disabilities to live, work, study or play independently and improves their functional capabilities. People with severe physical disabilities can only make small movements that can be used as unconventional approaches to control assistive technologies. These movements can be converted into electrical signals and translated by a control unit into control commands. The aim of this paper helps blind people to move from place to another using combination of devices, these devices contain small microcontroller that is working on management of other devices and contain sensor works as eye which provide information to microcontroller if there is object ahead as well as device for alarm.

Usability of a Low-Cost Head Tracking Computer Access Method following Stroke

Assistive technology devices for computer access can facilitate social reintegration and promote independence for people who have had a stroke. This work describes the exploration of the usefulness and acceptability of a new computer access device called the Nouse™ (Nose-as-mouse). The device uses standard webcam and video recognition algorithms to map the movement of the user’s nose to a computer cursor, thereby allowing hands-free computer operation. Ten participants receiving in- or outpatient stroke rehabilitation completed a series of standardized and everyday computer tasks using the Nouse™ and then completed a device usability questionnaire. Task completion rates were high (90%) for computer activities only in the absence of time constraints. Most of the participants were satisfied with ease of use (70%) and liked using the Nouse™ (60%), indicating they could resume most of their usual computer activities apart from word-processing using the device. The findings suggest that hands-free computer access devices like the Nouse™ may be an option for people who experience upper motor impairment caused by stroke and are highly motivated to resume personal computing. More research is necessary to further evaluate the effectiveness of this technology, especially in relation to other computer access assistive technology devices.

An Overview on Assistive Technology Training Courses for Salespersons

Assistive technology is any device or system that increases, maintains or improves the functional capabilities of people with disabilities. There are a lot of national and international Assistive technology training programs aiming to expand the knowledge base of professionals, and introduce newcomers to the disability field. These training programs help participants in understanding the utility and the effects of assistive technology and the possible areas of application. The paper presents the training courses of an educational European project called "Launching of Sector Skills Alliance for Training & Apprenticeship of Health Care and Food Supplements Salespersons" (H-CARE). The H-CARE project uses e-learning technologies to provide training courses and apprenticeship in the area of Health care (Assistive Technology) and food supplements. (H-CARE) was developed by a consortium of partners made of governmental organizations, universities, associations and small enterprises that complement each other in their respective contributions to the project. The graduates will be able to explain the Assistive Technology solutions to meet the needs of disabled people, to identify and select appropriate devices and to evaluate the implementation of Assistive Technology solutions through marketing principles.

Low assistive technologies for persons with spinal cord injury (SCI) in Bangladesh

Assistive technology can play an important role in allowing a person with spinal cord injury (SCI) to live as independently as possible. The Centre for the Rehabilitation of the Paralysed (CRP) is the only specialized hospital and rehabilitation center in Bangladesh providing rehabilitation for people with SCI. Occupational therapists working in the multidisciplinary team in the Inpatient Unit at CRP play an important role in recommending appropriate assistive technologies for people with SCI. As most of the people with SCI in Bangladesh come from a low socioeconomic background, occupational therapists need to consider low cost assistive technologies. Occupational therapists design and provide a wide range of assistive devices to maximize performance in self-care, productivity, and leisure for people with different levels of SCI. Case examples demonstrate clients’ use of assistive technologies in their local communities. Currently, there is a very limited amount of research on low cost assistive devices in Bangladesh. Thus, ongoing research is required in this area.