Independent Life Research Articles

Vision-Related Quality of Life in Danish Patients with Albinism and the Impact of an Updated Optical Rehabilitation.

(1) Background: Albinism is characterized by a lack of pigment in eyes, hair, and skin and developmental changes in the eye such as foveal hypoplasia. Patients require optical rehabilitation due to low vision, refractive errors, and photosensitivity. We aimed to assess vision-related quality of life in patients with albinism and to evaluate how this was affected by optical rehabilitation. (2) Methods: Patients with ocular or oculocutaneous albinism were invited for the study. Free-of-charge optical rehabilitation was provided as needed, including filters, glasses for near or distance, contact lenses, magnifiers or binoculars. Vision-related quality of life was assessed prior to and after optical rehabilitation using the visual function questionnaire (VFQ39) and the effect of optical rehabilitation was evaluated after accounting for age, gender, and visual acuity. (3) Results: Seventy-eight patients filled out the VFQ39 at the initial visit. Fifty patients (64.1%) returned the questionnaire 3-6 months after optical rehabilitation. The mean age of included patients was 35.9 years (standard deviation 16.6), and their best corrected distance visual acuity was 56 ETDRS letters (range 3-81). The VFQ39 composite score improved significantly from a median of 62.5 (range 14.2-77.0) to 76.5 (20.6-99.6). Significant improvements were seen for ocular pain, social functioning, mental health, role difficulties, and dependency, whereas self-assessed distance or near visual functions did not change. (4) Conclusions: Optical rehabilitation improved the self-reported vision-related quality of life in Danish patients with albinism on a number of parameters related to leading an independent and worry-free life, whereas visual improvement for distance and near tasks was likely limited by the nature of the disease and by the fact that most patients already had access to some optical aids prior to the study.

Non-Invasive Intraoral Stand-Alone Tongue Control System Based on RSIC-V Edge Computing

The intelligent tongue control system is of great significance for assisting the independent life of patients with a limb disability. In order to more accurately control the assisted living equipment of incompetent patients and solve the power-loss problem of the intelligent tongue control system, this research designs a non-invasive pressure sensor array for tongue touch signal detection in the oral cavity and proposes a tongue control system based on RSIC-V edge computing. The system converts the tongue touch pressure data into specific control instructions on the edge of the RSIC-V chip and transmits them to the receiver, thus reducing the transmission of data. This study takes control of the wheelchair motor as the test object. In the experiment, the speed response time test, the center click task, and the power consumption experiment are carried out, whose results show that the adaptive fuzzy PID control algorithm has good robustness in the system; when the DC motor with a given speed of 750 r/min reaches the steady state, its rise time is 0.108 s and the adjustment time is 0.59 s. The dynamic power consumption of the non-intrusive intraoral stand-alone tongue control system proposed in this paper is found to be 3.745 MW, which is 11.5% lower than the total power consumption of the sTD system.

Promoting Self-Management and Independent Living of Older Individuals with Chronic Diseases through Technology: A Study of Self-Reported Needs, Priorities, and Preferences.

Background and Objectives: Older patients' needs are rarely examined beforehand, and thus, although technology-based tools can enhance self-management, acceptability rates are still low. This study aimed to examine and compare self-reported needs, priorities, and preferences of older patients with heart failure (HF), diabetes mellitus type II (DM2), and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) toward technology use to enhance self-management. Materials and Methods: A convenience sample of 473 participants over 60 s (60.5% females), diagnosed with HF (n= 156), DM2 (n = 164), or COPD (n = 153) was recruited. They were administered a questionnaire about the usefulness of technology in general and in specific areas of disease management. Results: Most participants (84.7%) admitted that technology is needed for better disease management. This was equally recognized across the three groups both for the overall and specific areas of disease management (in order of priority: "Information", "Communication with Physicians and Caregivers", and "Quality of Life and Wellbeing"). Sociodemographic differences were found. Cell phones and PCs were the devices of preference. The four common features prioritized by all three groups were related to 'information about disease management' (i.e., monitoring symptoms, reminders for medication intake, management and prevention of complications), whereas the fifth one was related to 'communication with physicians and caregivers (i.e., in case of abnormal or critical signs). The top disease-specific feature was also monitoring systems (of respiratory rate or blood sugar or blood pressure, and oxygen), whereas other disease-specific features followed (i.e., maintaining normal weight for HF patients, adjusting insulin dose for DM2 patients, and training on breathing exercises for COPD patients). Conclusions: Older individuals in these three groups seem receptive to technology in disease management. mHealth tools, incorporating both common and disease-specific features and addressing different chronic patients, and also being personalized at the same time, could be cost-saving and useful adjuncts in routine clinical care to improve self-management.

Mistreatments Of Autism Spectrum Disorder.

The Editor, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is an umbrella, constructed to describe difficulties in social communication, with a very confined range of interests and fixed patterns along with atypical sensory-motor behaviors beginning in early childhood. It is estimated that over 350,000 children are on the spectrum in Pakistan, and the prevalence continues to rise(1). Research and studies have shown that early intervention has a positive effect on the later development of children on the spectrum (2). In a child’s life, a sensitive stage of development called the critical period is the time when new connections (synapses) are made that are influenced by environmental stimuli and personal experiences of the child (3). Established diagnosis and intervention in this period influences the brain’s neural plasticity. Hence filling the gap between the child’s growth margin and typically developing peers and supporting their way into adulthood with the competencies necessary to live an independent and carefree life. In underdeveloped nations like Pakistan, there is inadequate knowledge and awareness of ASD. Children are misdiagnosed and caregivers are deluded into the thought of a cure of autism due to the existence of various superstitions and necromantic beliefs(4). Different oil mixtures, herbal medicines, and several other home remedies are practiced: some to elude over-sensitivity or under-sensitivity, some to magically make the child speak etc. However, these practices have no effect, other than losing precious years of the child’s life (5). Parents and caregivers of autistic children should be counseled that ASD is not a disease to cure but a way to adapt. They should be convinced that being autistic is not because some pathogen invaded the brain; rather it is because the brain is wired differently and functions at its own pace. Seminars and webinars should be held for caregivers to help them deal with the psychosocial issues and the social stigma surrounding ASD. There is also a need to create awareness at the government level to better equip people, professionals, and healthcare systems to better cater for the needs of children with ASD. Moreover, efforts should be made to make ASD screening a part of universal pediatric screening so that intervention is provided as early as possible. There is a growing need to understand that ASD is not a curse manifested but an individuality to celebrate.

Bipolar and Goldenhar: A Case Report of Bipolar Disorder with Psychotic Features in a Man with Goldenhar Syndrome

Background: Goldenhar syndrome is a congenital condition primarily affecting eye, ear, and spine development. In some cases, it can also impact the heart, lungs, kidneys, and central nervous system. The exact cause of Goldenhar syndrome is not fully understood, and its incidence is estimated to range from 1 in 3500 to 1 in 5600 live births. While intellectual disability is associated with the condition, no established link exists between Goldenhar syndrome and psychiatric disorders. Case presentation: In the presented case, a patient with Goldenhar syndrome has been diagnosed with an episode of mania with psychotic features in the context of bipolar disorder. The patient had no history of prior mental disorders and had an independent life. Discussion: There are few case reports of Goldenhar syndrome patients with mental disorders. In all instances, including our own case, patients exhibited psychotic features during psychiatric examinations. Conclusion: Based on the studies cited and our own research, it is recommended to further investigate the potential association between this syndrome and psychiatric disorders. The following sections provide details on the examination, medical history, and treatment of this patient.

Everyday life of orphanages of the Yenisei province in the Early Soviet period

The subject of the study is housing conditions, diet, organization of life in orphanages of the Yenisei province after the end of the Civil War. In the conditions of mass homelessness and juvenile delinquency, the state sought to take care of all children in need, to re-socialize them and make them useful citizens of the new state. On the basis of archival materials, the living conditions of minors in orphanages in the early Soviet period are analyzed. Of all the institutions of social and legal protection of childhood operating during the study period, orphanages were selected as the most widespread institutions. The leading method of research was historical and anthropological. The article emphasizes the desire of the young Soviet state to make orphans and street children useful citizens of society. The authors come to the conclusion that the network of children's social institutions in the province, dispersed across different people's commissariats, did not cover all children in need of care and assistance, the operating orphanages could not cope with the tasks assigned to them, contributed little to the preparation of pupils for future independent life, but helped them survive in the difficult conditions of the period under study. The work of institutions was primarily affected by financial difficulties, budget deficit, lack of teaching staff, lack of systematic interaction in the activities of state bodies and public organizations involved in solving the "children's issue" in one way or another.

1인 가구 청년의 독립생활을 통한 성장 경험

Recently, single-person households have surged across all age groups, including young adults, and there is a strong need from a social welfare perspective to understand the implications of this type of independent living in terms of human growth. Thus, this study would explore the growth experience of single young households through independent lives in depth. To gather data, this study interviewed 12 young individuals, meeting the study’s criteria, for a total of 26 hours, two sessions per each person. The study employed thematic analysis and constant comparative methods to reconstruct the participants’ experiences and perspectives. As a result, the meanings of growth experience through the independent living of single young households were identified along with five upper categories: ‘Leaving the original family and growing up in confusion,’ ‘Worries accumulated soon while enjoying freedom,’ ‘Taking a life path without minding others,’ ‘Worthy values learned while living alone,’ ‘Desiring a better world that embraces young independence,’ and the central theme of ‘Living as an adult firming up, weaving the world with my hands after leaving the nest.’ Based on these findings, recommendations were provided to enhance the quality of life and support the growth of young adults residing independently in single-person households through social welfare policies and practices.

A qualitative review on the impact of enrolment in self-help groups for persons with disabilities in rural Karnataka, India: a comparative study

Background: Self-help groups for persons with disabilities exist with a rather common objective to address problems, enhance their strengths, and improve their quality of life. Objectives were to explore the impact of self-help groups on persons with disabilities as a comparative approach among those enrolled in SHG versus those who were not enrolled in the same. Methods: A community-based, qualitative study was done among persons with disabilities in rural Karnataka with a total of 7 focus group discussions, 5 key informant interviews and 2 in depth interviews. Topic guides, recorder and sociogram were used as aids. Themes and sub-themes were formed from the transcript and a deductive analysis was done. Results: A total of 12 villages were covered and the age group of our study participants varied between 18 to 60 years with a mean age of 40.6±12.9 years. Out of the total 97 FGD participants, 36 (37%) males and 14 (14%) females were gainfully employed, out of whom, 12 (33%) males and 8 (57%) females were enrolled in SHGS. Also, 7 (58.3%) out of the 12 males and 5 (62.5%) out of the 8 females had begun their daily means of income post their enrolment in SHGs, thereby accounting for the awareness and efforts to be self-empowered. The KII and IDI were also in alignment with the different perspectives gained from the FGDs, respectively. Conclusions: Self-help groups help improve socialization, and self-esteem of individuals with disability and helps them feel empowered to lead independent lives.

Perceived self-care ability among patients with stroke: Concept analysis

Purpose: PSCA (Perceived Self-Care Ability) is an important factor in the management of chronic diseases. However, there is no clear consensus over the definition of this concept among patients with stroke. The aim of this study was to analyze the concept of PSCA among patients with stroke and provide a clear definition for it. Methods: This concept analysis was conducted using Walker and Avant’s eight-step approach. Relevant articles, theses, and books published in English or Persian between 1987 and 2021 were reviewed. Findings: PSCA is a subjective and dynamic multidimensional concept with self-care agency, self-care ability, self-management, and fluctuating over time. Attributes which is affected by Perceptual and cognitive stability, psychosocial factors, health literacy, and sociocultural and economic contexts. The consequences include effective coping, satisfaction with life, prevention of adverse complications, continuity of care, and reduced healthcare costs. Conclusions: Defining the PSCA in stroke survivors makes them more likely to live a better and more independent life. With an increasing prevalence of chronic diseases worldwide, defining the concept of PSCA in stroke patients is essential to design appropriate interventions aimed to promote patients’ active role in managing chronic diseases. Nurses’ adequate knowledge about PSCA helps them develop more effective nursing interventions, discharge plans, and rehabilitation programs. The results of this concept analysis can be a basis for designing a tool to measure perceived self-care ability of stroke patients in the chronic stage of the disease.

Independent living skills program use and outcomes of youth in and aging out of foster care in Florida

ABSTRACT Independent living (IL) skills can assist youth in and aging out of foster care transition to adulthood. Research consistently documents that youth aging out of foster care are resilient, yet often face challenges developing self-sufficiency. Using National Youth Transition Database (NYTD) data for Florida, this study examined receipt of IL services and outcomes for youth at ages 17 and 19. Results showed most youth did not receive IL services across several domains. Many youth experienced homelessness, incarceration, and substance abuse referrals after leaving care. Findings suggest that child welfare professionals should ensure that youth receive IL services while in foster care.

One musculoskeletal health: towards optimizing musculoskeletal health in Egypt—how to be a bone and muscle builder by the Egyptian Academy of Bone Health and Metabolic Bone Diseases

AbstractBackgroundMusculoskeletal disorders are common problems that affect the elderly. They severely restrict mobility and dexterity, resulting in early retirement from work, lower levels of well-being, and reduced ability to participate in society. With the increase in life expectancy, the older populations are dreaming of active, painless, and independent lives in the face of functional limitations that are the result of various comorbidities with age progression.Main textThe aim of the study is to highlight aging changes in the musculoskeletal system, risk factors that may have a negative impact on musculoskeletal, as well as strategies to optimize musculoskeletal health in the elderly. A narrative review was conducted through a series of literature searches in the database MEDLINE/PubMed focusing on musculoskeletal health. The search terms used were “muscle building,” “bone building,” “osteoporosis,” “osteopenia,” “sarcopenia,” “osteosarcopenia,” “fractures,” “falls,” “functional ability,” “nutrition,” “diet,” “obesity,” “comorbidity,” and “medication.” Data extraction was carried out by the investigators using a standardized data collection form with subsequent discussion among the authors. Peer-reviewed observational controlled and non-controlled studies (case–control and cohort studies) were selected. The data collected in the selected articles were all related to musculoskeletal health.ConclusionMany of the changes in the musculoskeletal system result more from disuse than from simple aging. Less than 10% of the Egyptian population participate in regular exercise, and the most sedentary group is older than 50 years of age. Long-term regular exercises may reduce the loss of bone and muscle mass and prevent age-associated increases in body fat.

The Portrayal of Women in Henrik Ibsen’s A Doll’s House

This research investigates the portrayal of women characters in Henrik Ibsen's play, A Doll's House. Ibsen is the father of modern theater and often advocates for social issues in his plays. This study aims to shed light on the portrayal of women in this play and how they are different from each other, the study is an important to portray women's experiences in Ibsen's era. Ibsen himself champions gender parity, reflects in characters like Nora Helmer, Mrs. Linde and Anne Marie. The study uses a feminist framework to analyze the play's multiple feminist trends. Considerable attention will be devoted to illuminating the inequitable marriage system, the constraints impose upon women's autonomy, and their endeavor for emancipation. The study concluded that those women fought a lot to be free and did many unfortunate things to solve their problems. Researcher strongly suggested that there are stark differences between the women characters in this play. While Nora Helmer, Mrs. Linde, and Anne Marie seemed happy as the play began, they moved in parallel but in opposite directions. Nora left her husband's house to live an independent life, having her thoughts and decisions, and facing her fears about the future; Mrs. Linde and Anne Marie quickly overcame obstacles in life and grew up. They sacrificed a lot to get safety and provide for their families.

Tensions and Escapes in Independent Living Infrastructures for People With Disabilities Under COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the structural deficiencies of residential care homes. In this context, living arrangements based on the independent living paradigm emerged as more resilient care infrastructures in terms of preserving life. But what kind of lives have they preserved, and who has decided what forms those lives took? Drawing on an ethnographic study of two care infrastructures for people with physical and intellectual disabilities living independently in Barcelona, the present study illustrates how the pandemic tensioned and unleashed escapes within these two services, revealing them as postinstitutions working under logics of bureaucratization and hospitalization. This in-depth study allows us to delve deeper into the constraints that these postinstitutionalization models present, at the time that explores the possibilities these projects present for continuing to work toward the promotion of self-organization and full participation of people with disabilities in the becoming of their life projects.

Homeownership While Aging-How Health and Economic Factors Incentivize or Disincentivize Relocation: Protocol for a Mixed Methods Project.

Many factors influence housing choices among older adults, but far from all have been identified. There is little systematic analysis that has included economic factors and virtually no knowledge about the interplay among perceived costs of moving, health status, and the mobility rate of older homeowners. It is currently unclear whether economic factors influence older adults' willingness to move, and the effects of economic policies on their actual behavior in the housing market are largely unknown. The overarching objective of the AGE-HERE project is to develop knowledge of the relationship between health and economic factors that incentivize or disincentivize relocation during the process of aging. This project uses a mixed methods convergent design across 4 studies. The initial quantitative register study and subsequent qualitative focus group study will nurture the evidence base and the development of a national survey. The final study will synthesize and integrate the results of the entire project. Ethical approval for the register study (DNR 2022-04626-01) and focus group study (DNR 2023-01887-01) has been obtained. As of July 2023, data analyses (register study) and data collection (focus group study) are currently being conducted. The first paper based on the register data is expected to be submitted after the summer of 2023. Three meetings have been held with the nonacademic reference group. The qualitative data will be analyzed in the autumn. Based on the results of these studies, a survey questionnaire will be developed and distributed nationally during the spring of 2024, followed by data analyses in the autumn. Finally, the results from all studies will be synthesized in 2025. Results from AGE-HERE will add to the knowledge base for research on aging, health, and housing and can play a critical role in guiding future policy decisions aiming to balance the housing market. Such developments may lower related social costs and support older adults to maintain active, independent, and healthy lives. DERR1-10.2196/47568.

Critical evaluation of the modified Rankin Scale for assessment of the efficacy of mechanical thrombectomy: A retrospective comparison between the modified Rankin Scale and functional independence measure.

The primary outcome measure used in mechanical thrombectomy (MT) trials is the modified Rankin Scale (mRS). However, the accuracy of mRS might be limited. On the other hand, the functional independence measure (FIM) is a widely used tool to quantify the extent to which patients require assistance during their activities of daily living. The current study aimed to reveal different clinical backgrounds that affect the efficacy of MT measured either by mRS or FIM. Patients who underwent MT at our institution from January 2019 to July 2022 were included and divided into groups based on mRS scores of 0-2 and ≥ 3. Patients were also divided into two groups based on a cut-off value of FIM of ≥ 108, as patients with FIM ≥ 108 are capable of living an independent life. The mRS score was 0-2 in 33% of the patients, while the FIM score was ≥ 108 in only 15% of the patients. In the mRS groups, there were significant differences in terms of duration of hospitalization, National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) scores, achievement of thrombolysis in cerebral infarction (TICI) reperfusion grade of 2b or 3, and postoperative bleeding. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that NIHSS score and achievement of TICI 2b or 3 were significant factors related to mRS 0-2 at discharge. The FIM groups differed significantly in terms of age and, duration of hospitalization, NIHSS score, although multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that only the NIHSS score was significantly associated with an FIM score of ≥ 108. The study showed that the percentage of independent patients is significantly reduced when we evaluated the patients by the FIM. In addition, there are some differences in the clinical background that led to a good outcome between that evaluated by mRS and FIM.

Gender Concepts In The Novels of Nazar Sajjad In The Context Of Feminist Reform

Thousands of years ago, system “Madr sari” system was prevalent. Women used to live independent life. Modern agricultural system introduced “Padar.shahi” system which changed the whole situation and women became subjugated and negligible, which placed them in defiance of the historical powder and dominance under the British Rule women were granted some of basic rights giving rise to their recognition in the society. The authors including female writers presented women as a subject of their novels. One of the female writers of that era is Nazar Sajjad Haider who presented the concept of modern and independent women with bravely.She is the mother of Qrat u lain Haider. She emphasized over the issues such as modern and higher education for the women, important of women consent at the time of marriage and men’ s right of second marriage, in her writings . This research work will analyze the social position of women under the novels of Nazar Sajjad Haider. She was practically a feminist who fought against the old fashioned and feudal prevalent traditions of her time.

Особливості розвитку соціальнопобутових навичок у старшокласників з інтелектуальними порушеннями

The article analyzes the content bases of the development of social and household skills in high school students with intellectual disabilities, in particular, the theoretical aspects of the formation of significant social and household skills are highlighted. to independent life, activities in society and further family life. Quantitative and qualitative characteristics of the empirical study showed that the largest number of students with intellectual disabilities in the 5th (58.33%) and 10th (61.11%) classes showed an average level of social and everyday skills, in particular, a superficial analysis of the rules of behavior is characteristic for them in the micro and macro environment, not the ability to assert oneself; lack of desire and desire to improve one's own skills in household and social activities with peers and in the family; superficiality of moral and volitional qualities; situational manifestation of positive emotions and lack of stability of motivation; displaying positive, superficial and unstable behavioral skills in interpersonal relationships during various activities; inability to organize independent life and daily life; spontaneous use of known social and household skills in life situations; not monitoring your own health. The teaching staff of the school (55.56%) and the children's parents (63.64%) assigned this level of high school students with intellectual disabilities. A low level was established in students of the 5th (36.11%) grade, and a sufficient level - in the 10th (61.11%) grade. The development of social and everyday skills in high school students with intellectual disabilities in the educational process is possible during educational, corrective and developmental and educational classes. The entire educational process allows children to form permanent skills of practical preparation for life and behavior in the family and in the social environment. The considered skills mainly improve the level of psychophysical development and make it possible to develop the social adaptation and integration of children.

VISUAL SEMIOTICS IN THE STUDY OF ART PHENOMENA: SYMBOL AND SYMPTOM

The study aims to use the approach of visual semiotics to analyse the ritual graphic signs of the Rezekne Jewish cemetery as a segment of the city in terms of "signifier" and "signified", or “expression” and “content”. The Star of David, as the dominant sign of the ritual graphics, is gradually losing the status of a sacred symbol and in a series of tombstones confirms the structure of a symptom. The paper is devoted not only to clarifying the cultural and social causes of such changes but also to the study of the mechanism of mutual transitions between symbols and symptoms, the differences in the coding of these types of signs, which has not been done in visual semiotics so far.Theoreticians have hitherto not paid due attention to the study of signs of graves as a segment of the urban environment. Moreover, the theory of visual semiotics also lacks a description of the specificity of signs in ritual graphics. Ritual graphics is an important indicator of the regularity of cultural processes in an ethnically diverse environment. When surveying the Jewish cemeteries of the Latgale region, the difference in the choice of visual graphics in the city and the countryside is obvious. In rural cemeteries that are still in use, the content and structure of verbal messages, as well as decorative graphics are traditional, therefore predictable. In city cemeteries, there is a change in graphics, deviations from tradition, its modification and obvious violations of tradition. Along with the verbal report about the deceased, the ritual graphic, on the one hand, complements it as an integral part, on the other hand, lives an independent life, because the first, and the only sign that the observer notices is the visual or non-verbal sign. In terms of information, the visual sign is noticeably more capacious, as it is older than the verbal and requires much less time for perception. The focus of the study is the divergence between the meanings of the sacred hexagram and the secular yellow star or “badge”, the causal relationships of their use and perception from the point of view of visual semiotics and cultural philosophy - phenomena of symbolization and desymbolization.

Effects of Eight-week Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization Exercises on the Static and Dynamic Balance of Educable Mentally Retarded Female Students

Background and Aims Balance is an important factor in people with intellectual disability to have an independent life. These people are weak static and dynamic balance due to lack of development in their central nervous system, defects in the sensory-motor pathways, and having a sedentary life. This study aims to determine the effect of eight weeks of dynamic neuromuscular stabilization (DNS) exercises on static and dynamic balance of educable mentally retarded female students Methods In this study, participants were 26 educable mentally retarded female students aged 15-20 years (Mean age: 17.19±1.50 years, IQ: 61.15±6.07, weight: 58.9±12.73 kg, height: 157.92±6.07 cm) who were selected using purposive and convenience sampling methods and randomly divided into two groups of training (n=13) and control (n=13). Before and after training, their static balance and dynamic balance on the right and left feet were evaluated using a foot scan device. Subjects in the training group performed DNS exercises at 24 sessions, each session for 40 minutes. No intervention was provided to the control group; they performed their routine activities. Repeated measures analysis of variance was used to analyze the data. The significance level was set at 0.05. Results After eight weeks of DNS exercises, the results showed a significant improvement in static balance (F=72.54, P=0.001), dynamic balance on the right foot (F=90.90, P=0.002) and dynamic balance on the left foot (F=61.58, P=0.001) in the training group compared to the pretest scores and compared to the control group. Conclusion DNS exercises can be used as an effective method to improve static and dynamic balance of educable mentally retarded female students.

Technology-Supported Independent Living for Adults With Developmental Disabilities

Abstract Date Presented 04/22/2023 This 3-year longitudinal descriptive study analyzed the effect of technology-assisted care through a smart home on cost of caregiving, and performance and satisfaction of specified tasks, for adults with developmental disabilities. Currently, independent living options for those with developmental disabilities are limited. This research on the effect of smart homes will advance the development of independent living options for adults with developmental disabilities. Primary Author and Speaker: Shannon Turnley Additional Authors and Speakers: Ashlyn Denault, Isabel Ferreira, Grace Fuller, Lauren Winslow Contributing Authors: Claire Morress