Accessible Assistive Technology Research Articles

The impact of a crisis on the provision of assistive technology in Sweden: the case of COVID-19.

The entitlement to access assistive technology (AT) is fundamental for all individuals. However, challenges encountered during societal crises can significantly impact opportunities for participation and engagement among AT users. Understanding the implications of crises and disasters on AT provision along with their repercussions for end users is crucial. This research endeavors to investigate the experiences of managers overseeing AT provision during crises, using the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic as a case study. An open-ended questionnaire was distributed to health care managers (n = 18) within AT organizations in Sweden. The responses were analyzed using qualitative content analysis, and four categories derived: Embracing change and navigating new realities, Optimizing strategies due to decreased and limiting prescriptions, Unlocking access and addressing challenges in AT provision, The impact on the staff and their well-being vs effectiveness in the AT organization. The findings indicate that AT organizations have demonstrated remarkable resilience and adaptability in the face of reduced consultations and growing care burden. Despite these challenges, managers have gained valuable insights into developing AT provision more efficiently and sustainably, particularly in digitization. The lessons learned will be critical in ensuring AT provision remains responsive to the needs of patients and society in the future.

Human-Robot Haptic Communication and Accessible Assistive Technology

This research aims to empower disabled makers and engineers to participate in collaborative engineering activities. First, this research identifies barriers to and benefits of applying makerspace culture precepts to the creation of DIY Assistive Technologies (DIY-AT). From this data, we will be developing a hybrid online and in-person community for supporting DIY-AT makers. Simultaneously, this research aims to identify the basic structure and vocabulary of human haptic communication. From that data, we will design an anthropomorphic human-robot interaction for assistive technologies, using the haptic channel to facilitate fluid assistive interactions. Together, these become a program of research that will support disabled makers and engineering students in collaborating with diverse teams of other creators with improved situational awareness and collaboration.

User-driven product development: Designed by, not designed for

The current state of function and design of accessible assistive technology is lacking, evidenced by low usability and high abandonment rates by people with disabilities (PwD). A significant contributing factor to these negative outcomes is a lack of user-centered design or user-opinion in the product development. The Human Performance and Mobility Maker Lab (HPML) at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is a new facility dedicated to developing assistive technology by PwDs. Rather than being excluded from the design and innovation process, PwDs are the primary drivers of innovation at the HPML. The HPML’s the central tenet is ‘Designed by, not designed for’. The purpose of this paper is to explore various assistive technologies developed in the HPML while providing an empathic framework for other research groups to follow in integrating PwDs into the development and design of assistive technology.

The IDEAL PROCESS for developing Assistive Technology policy

ABSTRACT Policy development and implementation are key to improving access to Assistive Technology (AT). In this paper, we describe a strength-based framework for doing this at national level. We used an action research approach, with the United Nations Conventions on the Rights of Persons with Disability (UNCRPD) as the primary frame of reference. Primary data were collected using the World Health Organisation’s rapid Assistive Technology Assessment (rATA). We describe the process of applying our emergent framework and how our findings support it. We identified seven guiding principles for effective policy process: Participatory, Resource aware, Outcomes focused, Collaborative, Evidence-informed, supporting good practices, and System strengthening – which can be summarized by the acronym PROCESS. Five crucial building blocks for effective AT policy development emerged: Identification of the assistive technology ecosystem, Demography of disability and AT use, Evaluation of inclusion and participation in existing policy, Alignment with UNCRPD and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and Locality of implementation – which can be summarized with the acronym IDEAL. The IDEAL PROCESS incorporates key content building blocks and core process principles, constituting a systematic framework for guiding the development of context sensitive AT policy and a strength-based pathway to improving access AT.

Real Time Human Body Posture Analysis Using Deep Learning

Abstract: We present a novel approach for accurately estimating the pose of objects in a low-cost and resource-efficient manner, making it suitable for deployment on embedded systems. Our algorithm comprises of two primary stages: object detection and spatial reconstruction. In the first stage, we employ a Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) called PoseNet for object detection. This approach has proven to be effective in detecting and localizing objects in an image. Next, utilizing stereo correspondences, we 3D reconstruct the spatial coordinates of multiple ORB features within the object's bounding box. This enables us to accurately estimate the position of the object in space. To calculate the final position of the object, we compute a weighted average of the stereo-corresponded key points' spatial coordinates. The weights are proportional to the level of ORB stereo matching, which enables us to obtain a more accurate estimate of the object's position in space. Our algorithm was tested in a calibrated environment, and we compared the results with a deep learning-based method using various datasets. The results show that our approach outperforms existing methods in terms of accuracy, while maintaining a low cost and efficient resource utilization. Our proposed method has several applications, including the quantitative and qualitative analysis of human posture. By analyzing all aspects of a person's posture, we can determine if there are any postural deviations, imbalances, or muscle weaknesses that may be causing pain or discomfort. This information can then be used to develop personalized rehabilitation programs, reducing the risk of injury and enhancing athletic performance. Furthermore, our approach can be used in various assistive technology applications, such as the control of robotic arms for pick-andplace tasks. The low-cost and resource-efficient nature of our algorithm make it ideal for deployment in embedded systems, enabling us to develop affordable and accessible assistive technology solutions. In conclusion, our proposed algorithm provides an accurate, low-cost, and resource-efficient solution for pose estimation, with a wide range of potential applications in human posture analysis, assistive technology, and beyond.

Usability of a Hybrid System Combining P300-Based Brain-Computer Interface and Commercial Assistive Technologies to Enhance Communication in People With Multiple Sclerosis

Brain-computer interface (BCI) can provide people with motor disabilities with an alternative channel to access assistive technology (AT) software for communication and environmental interaction. Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic disease of the central nervous system that mostly starts in young adulthood and often leads to a long-term disability, possibly exacerbated by the presence of fatigue. Patients with MS have been rarely considered as potential BCI end-users. In this pilot study, we evaluated the usability of a hybrid BCI (h-BCI) system that enables both a P300-based BCI and conventional input devices (i.e., muscular dependent) to access mainstream applications through the widely used AT software for communication “Grid 3.” The evaluation was performed according to the principles of the user-centered design (UCD) with the aim of providing patients with MS with an alternative control channel (i.e., BCI), potentially less sensitive to fatigue. A total of 13 patients with MS were enrolled. In session I, participants were presented with a widely validated P300-based BCI (P3-speller); in session II, they had to operate Grid 3 to access three mainstream applications with (1) an AT conventional input device and (2) the h-BCI. Eight patients completed the protocol. Five out of eight patients with MS were successfully able to access the Grid 3 via the BCI, with a mean online accuracy of 83.3% (± 14.6). Effectiveness (online accuracy), satisfaction, and workload were comparable between the conventional AT inputs and the BCI channel in controlling the Grid 3. As expected, the efficiency (time for correct selection) resulted to be significantly lower for the BCI with respect to the AT conventional channels (Z = 0.2, p < 0.05). Although cautious due to the limited sample size, these preliminary findings indicated that the BCI control channel did not have a detrimental effect with respect to conventional AT channels on the ability to operate an AT software (Grid 3). Therefore, we inferred that the usability of the two access modalities was comparable. The integration of BCI with commercial AT input devices to access a widely used AT software represents an important step toward the introduction of BCIs into the AT centers’ daily practice.

Perspectives on access and usage of assistive technology by people with intellectual disabilities in the Western Cape province of South Africa: Where to from here?

BackgroundWhilst assistive technology (AT) can play an important role to improve quality of life, health inequity regarding access to appropriate AT for people with intellectual disabilities (ID) is still very much present especially in low resource countries.ObjectivesThis study focused on exploring factors that influence access to and continued use of AT by people with ID in the Western Cape province of South Africa and to suggest potential implications of these findings and actions required to promote access to AT.MethodA qualitative approach was used to explore the experiences of people with ID and providers of AT. Face-to-face interviews with 20 adults with mild to profound ID, and 17 providers of AT were conducted and the data were analysed thematically.ResultsPeople with ID within the study setting faced many challenges when trying to access AT and for those who managed to acquire AT, its continued usage was influenced by both personal characteristics of the user and environmental factors. Important factors that influence AT access and use for people with ID found in this study were (1) attitudes from the community, (2) knowledge and awareness to identify AT need and (3) AT training and instructions to support the user and care network.ConclusionWith the perspectives of both the providers and users of AT, this study identified priority factors, which could be addressed to improve AT access and use for people with ID in the Western Cape province.

Bela Tagarela: aplicação móvel para comunicação aumentativa e alternativa

Resumo: Este trabalho apresenta o desenvolvimento de um aplicativo para dispositivos móveis de Comunicação Aumentativa e Alternativa (CAA) voltado para crianças e adolescentes com impossibilidades de comunicação verbal. O objetivo deste artigo é discorrer sobre o processo de criação do aplicativo, suas funcionalidades e seu diferencial. Há vários recursos de CAA disponíveis, porém muitos deles são insuficientes para seus usuários em certos aspectos, seja pela quantidade reduzida de expressões ou pela falta de portabilidade do recurso. Com o intuito de minimizar esta problemática, inicialmente foi feita uma pesquisa de fundamentação teórica acerca da área de Tecnologia Assistiva (TA), bem como uma revisão de ferramentas de CAA para celulares e tablets já existentes. Após tal pesquisa, foi desenvolvida uma aplicação para comunicação por dispositivos móveis. Obteve-se, como resultado deste trabalho a criação de Bela Tagarela, aplicativo de CAA focado na facilidade de uso e atratividade para o usuário. Com este trabalho, espera-se que haja um constante avanço no desenvolvimento de Tecnologia Assistiva de baixo custo e acessíveis à população com o intuito de reduzir as limitações de pessoas com deficiência.&#x0D; Palavras-chave: Tecnologia Assistiva. Comunicação Aumentativa. Comunicação Alternativa. Inclusão. Aplicação móvel.

Enhancement of Learning Science among Students with Mild Intellectual Disability Employing Accessible Technology: Feasible or a Challenge?

Learning is a unique process for each learner, affected by many instructional and learning factors. Exploring the process of learning is an ongoing expedition, never ending and challenging as well. It is learnt that no individual, particular strategy, method or approach is appropriate for helping intellectually disabled students in learning or achieving all competencies including Learning Science. Every disability, however mild or moderate, imposes on the individual certain functional limitations. Technology helps to mitigate such limitations thus promoting learning. An accessible assistive technology permit either no or minimal adaptation by students with disabilities in the use of technology in the academic settings. The techniques of accessibility are based on recent technologies and design strategies to allow more flexible use of content and easier implementation of dynamic methods and models in instruction. Technology oriented learning environment employing Accessible Technology ensures educational equity by providing access and equitable learning opportunity through personalized and differentiated instruction which can accommodate each learner’s needs and preferences.

The role of assistive technology in renegotiating the inclusion of students with disabilities in higher education in North Africa

ABSTRACTThis article considers the impact of a two-year collaborative European Union-funded project. The ‘Sustainable Ways to Increase Higher Education Students’ Equal Access to Learning Environments’ (SWING) project, brought together four European higher education institutions, one institution in Egypt and two in Morocco. It aimed to promote equal access to university education, and future career opportunities, for students with disabilities in the North African countries, using accessible assistive technology. Appreciative inquiry was used to explore the impact of the project processes and outcomes. We will share how the focus on assistive technology addressed the invisibility of students with disabilities by promoting individual and collective student agency. Students’ emerging sense of empowerment is attributed to two factors that inform the wider inclusive education debate: the power of technology as a mediator of change and the importance of a bottom-up/top-down dynamic.

Prospective memory rehabilitation using smartphones in patients with TBI

Purpose: The aim of the present study was to investigate the effectiveness of a prospective memory aid that combines smartphones with Internet-based calendars among community-dwelling patients with traumatic brain injury.Method: An uncontrolled pre- and post-assessment design was employed to study the use of unmodified, low-cost, off-the-shelf smartphones combined with Internet-calendars as a compensatory memory strategy in community-dwelling patients with traumatic brain injury. Thirteen participants received a 6-week group-based intervention with pre-, post- and 2-month follow-up-assessments by questionnaires and by daily assessment of target behaviors for 2-week periods.Results: Participants reported significantly fewer retro- and prospective memory problems on questionnaires after the intervention and at follow-up with large effect sizes. The performance of target behaviors, however, improved insignificantly with moderate effect sizes. There were no changes in quality of life or symptoms of emotional distress.Conclusions: This study adds to a growing body of evidence that smartphones are a useful compensatory aid in rehabilitation of prospective memory that should routinely be considered in rehabilitation of traumatic brain injury patients.Implication for rehabilitationSmartphones are easy-to-use and accessible assistive technology for compensatory memory rehabilitation to most traumatic brain injury patients.By using low-cost, off-the-shelf devices, the technology becomes available to a broader range of patients.By combining smartphones with Internet-based and cross-platform services (e.g., calendars, contacts) the participants are less device-dependent and less vulnerable to data loss.Smartphones should routinely be considered as compensatory aid in rehabilitation of prospective memory of traumatic brain injured patients.

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.

The Role of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health and Quality Criteria for Improving Assistive Technology Service Delivery in Europe

People with disabilities are entitled to access assistive technology (AT) to facilitate their full and effective participation in society and may reasonably expect to be central to the decision-making processes of services that provide these technologies. European projects have improved the knowledge and resources available for AT service delivery in many countries, but the outputs are not consistently implemented or published in scientific literature. This article examines European developments in AT service delivery and the barriers to its effective provision. Specifically, it analyzes the role of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health in service delivery improvement. Published scientific papers, as well as reports from and descriptions of European projects related to AT service delivery, were reviewed. The publications were analyzed in relation to six criteria for AT service delivery described in an earlier, major European project. The findings and recommendations from the publications are synthesized in this article to identify advances and gaps in AT service delivery and to assess the current status and direction of AT service delivery improvement in Europe. Multicountry projects have brought together AT researchers from across Europe to work together and produced promising results that are contextually relevant. Access to AT information and training of practitioners has improved, and efforts are being made to facilitate user involvement. More effort should be put into integrating research and resources from European projects into practice. Use of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health model and terminology may support coordination of service delivery systems. The AT research and practice communities in Europe may be able to learn from developments in North America, while continuing to work together, sharing resources and strategies, and communicating results internationally.

Assistive Technology and Older Persons with Physical/Sensory Disabilities: Case Studies (Marie, Lena and Paul)

Assistive Technology and Older Persons with Physical/Sensory Disabilities: Case Studies (Marie, Lena and Paul) Get access Assistive Technology and Older Persons with Physical/Sensory Disabilities: Case Studies (Marie, Lena and Paul), ½″ videocassette/61 min/color/1992. Producer, Kevin Crosby, PhD. Distributor, Center for Assistive Technology, 515 Kimball Tower, University of Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14214-3079. 716/829-3141. $50, no rental. A.W.N. A.W.N. Search for other works by this author on: Oxford Academic PubMed Google Scholar The Gerontologist, Volume 35, Issue 5, October 1995, Page 720, https://doi.org/10.1093/geront/35.5.720 Published: 01 October 1995