Assistive Technology For Individuals Research Articles

Driving Assistance System with Obstacle Avoidance for Electric Wheelchairs.

A system has been developed to convert manual wheelchairs into electric wheelchairs, providing assistance to users through the implemented algorithm, which ensures safe driving and obstacle avoidance. While manual wheelchairs are typically controlled indoors based on user preferences, they do not guarantee safe driving in areas outside the user's field of vision. The proposed model utilizes the dynamic window approach specifically designed for wheelchair use, allowing for obstacle avoidance. This method evaluates potential movements within a defined velocity space to calculate the optimal path, providing seamless and safe driving assistance in real time. This innovative approach enhances user assistance and safety by integrating state-of-the-art algorithms developed using the dynamic window approach alongside advanced sensor technology. With the assistance of LiDAR sensors, the system perceives the wheelchair's surroundings, generating real-time speed values within the algorithm framework to ensure secure driving. The model's ability to adapt to indoor environments and its robust performance in real-world scenarios underscore its potential for widespread application. This study has undergone various tests, conclusively proving that the system aids users in avoidance obstacles and ensures safe driving. These tests demonstrate significant improvements in maneuverability and user safety, highlighting a noteworthy advancement in assistive technology for individuals with limited mobility.

Global need of Assistive Product and Assistive Technology for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities: A Review

The concept of Assistive Technology (AT) has become increasingly widespread in education. Assistive technology play an instrumental role in setting the global roadmap for improving access to assistive technology for everyone, everywhere. We present a framework for understanding the complex interaction between intellectual disability, health and wellbeing, and assistive technology. The main objective of this paper focuses on conducting a systematic review of studies regarding the impact of global need of assistive product and assistive technology for individuals with intellectual disabilities. AT is recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) to enhance functioning, independence, and autonomy and ultimately promote well-being for people living with disabilities. With the digitalisation of societies, the everyday lives and occupations of individuals are changing, becoming more reliant on digital solutions. The development of digital assistive technology (DAT) also offers opportunities for people with disabilities to access, interact, and pilot the digital world. In order to achieve the above, a review of relevant empirical studies published WHO & UNICEF- Global Report on Assistive Technology, WHO- Assistive Product list, WHO- Priority Assistive Product and Persons with Disabilities (Divyangjan) in India - A Statistical Profile : 2021, NATIONAL LIST OF ESSENTIAL ASSISTIVE PRODUCTS (NLEAP), 2023 was carried out. Findings of this study include that the use of Assistive Technologies is successful in increasing the inclusion and accessibility of students with disabilities, although barriers such as teacher education, lack of information or accessibility are found.

Bridging Communication Gaps: A Literature Survey on Assistive Technologies for Individuals with Disabilities in India

Communication barriers faced by individuals with disabilities, particularly in India, pose significant challenges to social inclusion and interaction. This paper presents a comprehensive literature survey on existing research and developments in assistive technologies aimed at overcoming these barriers. Focusing on communication aids for the blind, deaf, and mute populations, this survey explores innovative solutions, evaluates their effectiveness, and identifies areas for future research

PREDICTION AND ANALYSIS OF HUMAN PERCEPTION AND EMOTIONAL UNDERSTANDING THROUGH TECHNOLOGY – BLUE EYES TECHNOLOGY

The human computer interaction (HCI) field has seen significant transformations throughout the course of its history, shifting from its early focus on effectiveness and utility to the innovative concept of emotional computing. This article explores these changes. This research investigates the transformational process that led to the development of goods such as Blue Eye technology. It does so by drawing on influential work such as "Affective computing," which focuses on universal representations of emotion. The destination of this journey is Blue Eye Technology, a fictitious concept that is based on true scientific advancements. In order to develop a framework that is both empathetic and responsive, the strategy that has been presented takes use of machine learning algorithms and cutting-edge sensing materials. By encompassing the historical context, significant works, and technological advancements that lay the framework for Blue Eye Technology, this abstract marks a significant step toward a more intuitive and emotionally aware period in human computer interaction. This abstraction is a significant stride. People are able to interact with computers in a manner that is more natural and efficient by utilizing these techniques, which are referred to as "Blue Eye" technology. These techniques include eye tracking and gaze recognition capabilities. Through its various uses, this technology has the potential to be beneficial to a wide range of industries, including computer gaming, virtual and augmented reality, and assistive technology for individuals with disabilities. The current status of Blue Eye technology, its potential benefits and drawbacks, and the several techniques and algorithms that are available for gaze tracking and analysis will be investigated in this paper. This will be accomplished through a review of the relevant literature.

Exploring the use of computer vision in assistive technologies for individuals with disabilities: A review

A wide range of obstacles faced by people with disabilities, such as visual impairment, motor disability, and communication difficulties, have shown significant promise for being addressed by computer vision. The state-of-the-art in computer vision-based assistive technology is examined in this report along with major future research topics and obstacles. In particular, this study explores how computer vision can be used for object recognition, navigation, facial recognition, sign language interpretation, and gesture-based control interfaces. It also discusses the benefits and drawbacks of various methodologies and technologies and offers examples of how computer vision can be incorporated into current assistive technologies to boost their efficacy. The ethical and privacy issues surrounding the use of computer vision in assistive technologies are covered in this study effort. The study also highlights the need for protocol standardization, better user-centered design, and the assessment of real-world effectiveness as future research objectives for improving the use of computer vision in assistive technology. Overall, this paper sheds light on how computer vision might completely alter the world of assistive technologies for people with impairments.

Eye Ball Based Cursor Movement Control

Eye tracking technology has been widely used in the field of human-computer interaction as an assistive technology for individuals with motor disabilities. This study presents a novel approach for controlling the movement of a computer cursor using eye tracking techniques. The proposed method relies on the user's eye movement patterns to accurately and intuitively move the cursor on the screen. The system is designed to be simple, easy to use, and accessible to a wide range of users. Results from a preliminary user study show that the proposed method can achieve high accuracy and efficiency in cursor control. This research has potential applications in various fields, such as gaming, virtual reality, and accessibility.

Accessibility of drug databases and resources with assistive technology

IntroductionPharmacy programs are responsible for providing appropriate academic accommodations to student learners in the classroom including individuals with disabilities according to Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education Accreditation Standards. CommentaryIn the literature, faculty have published methods on teaching strategies and assistive technologies to increase accessibility in a laboratory setting and implementation of resources for learners with visual or hearing impairment. An area that has not been highlighted in the literature is the accessibility of drug databases and resources often utilized in pharmacy practice and is an integral part of pharmacy curricula. This commentary provides information about the accessibility of the content and features within drug databases and resources using assistive technology for individuals with visual impairment. ImplicationsPharmacy programs must conduct testing of software and drug resources commonly used to ensure appropriate accommodations are provided for learners with disabilities. In addition, external stakeholders who develop drug information resources may need to consider accessibility of content for student learners with visual impairment and other forms of disability.

Designing a Reminders System in Highly Automated Vehicles’ Interfaces for Individuals With Mild Cognitive Impairment

Many individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) struggle with the decision to cease driving prematurely due to cognitive deficiencies in processing speed, memory, attention, judgment, or visuospatial skills. Highly automated vehicles (AVs) can be used as assistive technologies for individuals with MCI, performing all driving tasks for them, and extending their safe and independent mobility. However, use of highly AVs introduces a different set of challenges than manual driving. These challenges rely more heavily on memory and decision-making abilities of its users. Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate the barriers that individuals with MCI face when interacting with highly AVs to support the design of in-vehicle interfaces that will help users with non-driving related travel tasks. Specifically, we aimed to design a system for providing reminders and other guidance to individuals with MCI during solo trips in personally owned or private AVs. To achieve this goal, we conducted individual interviews with experts in driving rehabilitation, rehabilitation professionals, and academics with a focus on assistive technologies, rehabilitation sciences, engineering, and inclusive design (N = 7). The thematic analysis of the data from these subject matter experts highlighted the necessity for reminders, defined as system-initiated prompts that assist individuals with remembering or acknowledging a specific piece of information, and resulted in a set of user needs. We then created a set of prototype interfaces based on these user needs that help individuals with MCI complete their trips by providing reminders of important trip related information. The reminders system was designed to be displayed on a central dashboard display placed in front of the passenger’s seat and present important information that address the users’ difficulties with prospective memory, remembering and understanding the features of the highly AV, and understanding the current trip status. This study serves as an initial investigation into ensuring that the experience of using highly AVs is inclusive and can support the needs of individuals with MCI. The designed interactions proposed by the reminders system can serve as a platform for future in-vehicle interfaces.

Eye-Tracking Assistive Technologies for Individuals With Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also known as ALS, is a progressive nervous system disorder that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, resulting in the loss of muscle control. For individuals with ALS, where mobility is limited to the movement of the eyes, the use of eye-tracking-based applications can be applied to achieve some basic tasks with certain digital interfaces. This paper presents a review of existing eye-tracking software and hardware through which eye-tracking their application is sketched as an assistive technology to cope with ALS. Eye-tracking also provides a suitable alternative as control of game elements. Furthermore, artificial intelligence has been utilized to improve eye-tracking technology with significant improvement in calibration and accuracy. Gaps in literature are highlighted in the study to offer a direction for future research.

Benefits and challenges of mobility and medical alert service dogs for caregivers of service dog recipients

Purpose Mobility and medical alert service dogs are an assistive technology for individuals with disabilities or chronic conditions. Informal caregivers of individuals with disabilities are subject to physical and emotional stress due to their responsibilities. Understanding how service dogs, an increasingly common assistive technology, may add to or subtract from caregiver stress is crucial for promoting caregiver well-being. The purpose of this study was to analyze caregiver accounts to understand their perspective on benefits and challenges they face with mobility and medical alert service dogs. Materials and methods Open ended survey responses from 117 caregivers of service dog recipients (N = 72 with a service dog, N = 45 on the waitlist) were analysed through a conventional content analysis. Results Four major themes were found regarding caregiver and service dog: Family Benefits, Caregiver Benefits, Assistance Through Service Dog’s Training, and Drawbacks. Conclusions Findings suggest that benefits and challenges of mobility and medical service dogs extend beyond the service dog recipient, affecting the caregiver and other family members as well. Future studies should further explore this interaction to determine the best way to support caregivers of individuals with disabilities. IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION Mobility and medical alert service dogs are increasingly partnered with individuals with disabilities or chronic diseases as an assistive technology but few studies have focussed on the experience of the caregivers of service dog recipients. Caregivers of individuals with disabilities or chronic diseases may be subject to both psychological and physiological stressors as a result of their caregiver duties. Results found that caregivers perceive both benefits to themselves and to their families in terms building a bond with the animal that helps to reduce worry and offers emotional support. The most commonly mentioned drawbacks include general maintenance of the service dog, grooming needs and travel restrictions. This research is important in order to offer appropriate support to caregivers of individuals with disabilities.

Using AAC video visual scene displays to increase participation and communication within a volunteer activity for adolescents with complex communication needs

Volunteer activities can provide opportunities to learn new skills, build social networks, and contribute to enhanced self-esteem. Volunteering also provides a positive contribution to society, and an opportunity to participate in activities that may differ from those in paid employment. People with severe disabilities and complex communication needs, however, may face significant barriers in participating and communicating in volunteer activities. A multiple-probe-across-participants, single-case experimental design was used to evaluate the effectiveness of videos with integrated visual scene displays (video VSDs). The video VSDs were presented using a tablet-based augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) app, as an intervention to increase the percent of steps completed independently within a volunteer activity. Participants were four adolescents with autism spectrum disorder or Down syndrome, all of whom had complex communication needs. Each participant met the mastery criterion for the activity – completion of the volunteer work activities and communication exchanges with co-volunteers – with the use of the video VSDs. The results provide preliminary evidence that video VSDs may be an effective assistive technology for individuals with severe disabilities and complex communication needs to increase participation in volunteer activities, both as an instructional support in learning new skills, and as an AAC technique to support interaction with others.

Assessment of a Communication Assistive Technology for Individuals with Deafblindness: A Case Study

The main goal of this study was to evaluate a communication assistance device (CAD) for individuals with deafblindness, based on a braille display notetaker connected via Bluetooth to an iPhone. This study examined the use of this device by a 61-year-old woman living with Usher syndrome with sighted and hearing interlocutors during three restaurant outings.
 The study had three specific objectives: 1) To evaluate the participant’s and her interlocutors’ perceptions of their productivity in the communication interaction in real-life situations, without and with the CAD; 2) To evaluate the participant's emotional experience after using the CAD; and 3) To describe how the communication interactions between the participant and her interlocutors work, without and with the CAD. The relevance, utility and interest of such a communication support technology became clearly apparent, along with the enthusiasm it aroused in her interlocutors. Despite the empowerment it provided, the huge differences in some aspects of interactions made without and with the CAD suggest that the constraints introduced by the use of a CAD modify the nature of communication. Four recommendations are made. Any future development of the technology intended for users with minimal experience working with computers and electronic devices should be encouraged. 
 https://doi.org/10.21827/jdbsc.5.32575

Ethical aspects of brain computer interfaces: a scoping review

BackgroundBrain-Computer Interface (BCI) is a set of technologies that are of increasing interest to researchers. BCI has been proposed as assistive technology for individuals who are non-communicative or paralyzed, such as those with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis or spinal cord injury. The technology has also been suggested for enhancement and entertainment uses, and there are companies currently marketing BCI devices for those purposes (e.g., gaming) as well as health-related purposes (e.g., communication). The unprecedented direct connection created by BCI between human brains and computer hardware raises various ethical, social, and legal challenges that merit further examination and discussion.MethodsTo identify and characterize the key issues associated with BCI use, we performed a scoping review of biomedical ethics literature, analyzing the ethics concerns cited across multiple disciplines, including philosophy and medicine.ResultsBased on this investigation, we report that BCI research and its potential translation to therapeutic intervention generate significant ethical, legal, and social concerns, notably with regards to personhood, stigma, autonomy, privacy, research ethics, safety, responsibility, and justice. Our review of the literature determined, furthermore, that while these issues have been enumerated extensively, few concrete recommendations have been expressed.ConclusionsWe conclude that future research should focus on remedying a lack of practical solutions to the ethical challenges of BCI, alongside the collection of empirical data on the perspectives of the public, BCI users, and BCI researchers.

A Systematic Review of Assistive Technology for Individuals With Intellectual Disability in the Workplace

Research has shown that assistive technology (AT) can help support employment skills for individuals with intellectual disabilities (IDs). The authors of this review examined the effectiveness of various types of AT support for individuals with ID in the workplace with a focus on the participant’s independent ability to demonstrate a specific employment skill. Ten articles published between 2006 and 2016 met inclusionary criteria set forth for this review. Overall, AT support resulted in medium to highly effective effect size gains (PND 91%; standardized mean difference 2.84; Tau-U 0.902), indicating effects were generally meaningful. Findings from these studies indicate AT was successful for increasing work performance of individuals with ID in respect to productivity, navigation, time management, and task completion. This review also provides an analysis of findings, discussion on limitations, and recommendations for future research.

Multiple stakeholder perceptions of assistive technology for individuals with cerebral palsy in New Zealand

Background: This study sought to gain an understanding of the experiences and perspectives of assistive technology from different stakeholders in technology adoption, in the New Zealand context.Methods: A focus group was held with individuals with cerebral palsy (n = 5), service providers (n = 4), caregivers (n = 3) and a biomechanical engineer. The data recordings from the focus group were transcribed and coded using thematic analysis.Results: Themes emerged around barriers imposed by the assessment process and training in assistive technology procedures, the influence of family members, the environment that assistive technology is used in, and psychosocial aspects of being able to participate and integrate into society.Conclusion: The results are similar to other literature, suggesting new innovations and changes are in dire need, to improve assistive technology experiences for all stakeholders.Implications for ResearchService providers for assistive technology desire more effective training and support of existing and emerging technologies.Although the set procedure for acquiring assistive technology in New Zealand is comprehensive, incorporating multiple perspectives, it is difficult to follow through in practice. More innovative procedures are needed.The movement of Universal Design is significantly improving the perception of individuals with disabilities, and has enabled greater social inclusion. More assistive technology developers need to ensure that they incorporate these principles in their design process.

Expressive visual text-to-speech as an assistive technology for individuals with autism spectrum conditions

Adults with Autism Spectrum Conditions (ASC) experience marked difficulties in recognising the emotions of others and responding appropriately. The clinical characteristics of ASC mean that face to face or group interventions may not be appropriate for this clinical group. This article explores the potential of a new interactive technology, converting text to emotionally expressive speech, to improve emotion processing ability and attention to faces in adults with ASC. We demonstrate a method for generating a near-videorealistic avatar (XpressiveTalk), which can produce a video of a face uttering inputted text, in a large variety of emotional tones. We then demonstrate that general population adults can correctly recognize the emotions portrayed by XpressiveTalk. Adults with ASC are significantly less accurate than controls, but still above chance levels for inferring emotions from XpressiveTalk. Both groups are significantly more accurate when inferring sad emotions from XpressiveTalk compared to the original actress, and rate these expressions as significantly more preferred and realistic. The potential applications for XpressiveTalk as an assistive technology for adults with ASC is discussed.

A review of principles in design and usability testing of tactile technology for individuals with visual impairments

ABSTRACTTo lay the groundwork for devising, improving, and implementing new technologies to meet the needs of individuals with visual impairments, a systematic literature review was conducted to: a) describe hardware platforms used in assistive devices, b) identify their various applications, and c) summarize practices in user testing conducted with these devices. A search in relevant EBSCO databases for articles published between 1980 and 2014 with terminology related to visual impairment, technology, and tactile sensory adaptation yielded 62 articles that met the inclusion criteria for final review. It was found that while earlier hardware development focused on pin matrices, the emphasis then shifted toward force feedback haptics and accessible touch screens. The inclusion of interactive and multimodal features has become increasingly prevalent. The quantity and consistency of research on navigation, education, and computer accessibility suggest that these are pertinent areas of need for the visually impaired community. Methodologies for usability testing ranged from case studies to larger cross-sectional studies. Many studies used blindfolded sighted users to draw conclusions about design principles and usability. Altogether, the findings presented in this review provide insight on effective design strategies and user testing methodologies for future research on assistive technology for individuals with visual impairments.

Use of technology to enhance mental health for older adults.

Recent research suggests that older adults may gain significant mental health benefits from health resources made available through emerging modern technologies, especially because this population is becoming more Internet savvy. Technology-enhanced interventions for older adults have been shown to be helpful not only for general wellness activities (i.e., exercise), but also to specifically enhance mental health. This article focuses on two types of interventions for mental health: (a) cognitive-behavioral therapy for depression and anxiety and (b) assistive technology for individuals with dementia. Nurses should reevaluate their assumptions that older adults fear technology and explore whether different types of modern technology might be effective in enhancing mental health for these clients.

Associations among occupational roles, independence, assistive technology, and purchasing power of individuals with physical disabilities

to verify whether there are associations among occupational roles, independence to perform Activities of Daily Living, purchasing power, and assistive technology for individuals with physical disabilities. 91 individuals with physical disabilities participated in the study. The instruments used were: Role Checklist, Brazilian Economic Classification Criterion, Barthel Index, and a Questionnaire to characterize the subjects. an association with a greater number of roles was found among more independent individuals using a lower number of technological devices. Higher purchasing power was associated with a lower functional status of dependence. even though technology was not directly associated with independence, the latter was associated with a greater number of occupational roles, which requires reflection upon independence issues when considering the participation in occupational roles. These findings support interdisciplinary actions designed to promote occupational roles in individuals with physical disabilities.

Assistive Technology for Individuals with Disabilities: A Review and Synthesis of the Literature

Despite the emphasis on technology and the rapid proliferation of assistive technology devices, little is known about the specific uses of assistive technology with persons who vary in disability type, severity, and age. The present study conducted a comprehensive review and a systematic analysis of published reports of assistive technology and skill acquisition of persons with disabilities. Uses of assistive technology, its benefits and obstacles, are reviewed. The results provide indications why technology is often abandoned. Implications for practitioners and researchers are discussed.