Programme Overview
Jump to:
- Conference Day 1 (Wednesday, 30th August)
- Conference Day 2 (Thursday, 31st August)
- Conference Day 3 (Friday, 1st September)
Please note:
- This is a preliminary program and may be subject to change.
- Educational and Innovation sessions will be completed very soon.
Room information is at the bottom of the page
Conference Day 1
2023-08-30
Plenary Session: Opening and Keynote
09:00 - 10:30
Tiago Guerreiro
Designing Inclusive Technologies that Promote Collaboration, Playfulness, and Self-Efficacy
(see abstract)
Room: Auditorium 250
Coffee break
10:30 - 11:00
Session 1
11:00 - 12:30
| Track A | Track B | Track C | Track D | Inclusion Forum E | Inclusion Forum F | Inclusion Forum G |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Auditorium 250 | Auditorium 150 | Room 100 | Room 50 | 3.08 | 3.01 | 3.02 |
Assistive technologies for older adults: a multidimensional perspective (STS) Chairs: Maribel Pino (Lusage Living Lab, Broca Hospital, FR), Anne-Sophie Rigaud (Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, FR) Jing Forrest: Design and Development of Assistive Technologies for the Ageing Population: a Systematic Literature Review (Oral only) Design and Development of Assistive Technologies for the Ageing Population: a Systematic Literature Review Authors : Jing Forrest, Alexandre De Masi, Katarzyna Wac, Mirana Randriambelonoro
The world's population is rapidly ageing, by 2050, it is estimated that people over the age of 65 will make up 16% of the world's population. Aging is often associated with a decline in physical and cognitive abilities, leading to increased dependency and reduced quality of life. As the number of older adults increases, so does the need for support systems to help maintain their independence and quality of life. In recent years, technology has become an increasingly important tool in addressing the challenges of ageing. Assistive Technologies (AT), in particular, have the potential to help older adults live more independently and comfortably by providing them with a range of services and support. From wearable devices to smart homes and robotic assistants, the potential of AT to improve the quality of life of older adults is vast. However, the widespread adoption of assistive technologies among older adults remains a challenge. Cost, complexity, accessibility, acceptance, adoption, and digital literacy are some of the main barriers that must be addressed to facilitate the uptake and use of these technologies. Additionally, there is lack of understanding of the process for successfully designing and developing AT for the ageing population.
We conducted a systematic literature review of papers published between 2012 and early 2022, to explore the potential of assistive technologies for supporting the ageing population, to understand the context and the ecosystem in which these technologies have been designed and developed, and to identify the challenges that need to be addressed in hope to promote the widespread AT usages. From an initial selection of 2274 publications, 113 have been included in this review. We provide an overview of the current landscape of assistive technologies and examine the different stages of AT implementation. We also explore the attitudes towards assistive technologies by different user groups and suggest evidence-based recommendations for better designing and developing assistive technology for seniors.
This review will provide knowledge for researchers and academics who are interested in the design, development, and evaluation of Assistive Technologies for seniors, healthcare professionals and caregivers who work with seniors and are providing care and support, policymakers and funding agencies who are responsible for shaping the healthcare and social policies that impact seniors, technology companies and startups who are developing and marketing assistive technologies for seniors, and seniors with their families who are the primary users and beneficiaries of assistive technologies.
assistive technologies, ageing population, seniors, design and development, challenges, guidelinesUniversity of Geneva (Switzerland) | AT Service Delivery Chairs: Renzo Andrich (EASTIN (The Global Assistive Technology Information Network), IT) Ramon Daniëls: Factors Contributing to Innovation Readiness in Health Care Organizations: a Scoping Review (Oral only) Factors Contributing to Innovation Readiness in Health Care Organizations: a Scoping ReviewAbstract (1000 characters)
The adoption and implementation of technology in healthcare organizations largely depend on the abilities of these organisaties to innovate. Increasing innovation readiness of healthcare organizations is necessary to meet upcoming challenges, such as population aging and staff shortages, that may require more use of care technology. Health care organizations can greatly benefit from knowledge about how to prepare to be succesfull in innovation, with of without technology. Therefor, a scoping review into factors that enable innovation readiness was executed leading to four main factors and 10 sub-factors, presented in a framework. This review contributes to the first stage of theory building on factors contributing to innovation readiness of health care organizations, and to concrete steps healthcare organizations can take to become better in innovating with care technology or any other type of innovation.
Innovation Readiness, Implementation, Healthcare Organisations, FrameworkZuyd University of Applied Sciences (Netherlands) | Assistive Technology in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) (STS) Chairs: Tone Øderud (SINTEF Digital, NO), Arne H. Eide (SINTEF Digital, NO) Diane Bell and Natasha Layton: Unpacking ‘What Works’: a Commentary of the Key Learnings for ICT From the AT2030 Program (IOS) Unpacking ‘What Works’: a Commentary of the Key Learnings for ICT From the AT2030 ProgramThe AT2030 programme was launched in 2018 to test ‘what works’ in getting assistive technology (AT) to people globally, specifically in low-and middle-income countries (LMIC), where there is often a systematic lack of provision. After four years, this paper reviews the project outcomes, focussing on a review of the outputs. It provides the backdrop to the AT2030 program, contextualises current developments in global AT global and funding, and unpacks the key learnings of the over-arching what works project within the AT2030 programme with a focus on ICT. It does this by applying Global Disability Innovation Hub’s mission-led and transformative approach. It concludes with contemporary actions to improve access to AT to illustrate the value of embracing complexity for AT ecosystem stakeholders, including researchers, practitioners, AT users and policymakers.ICT, scale, access, assistive technology, innovation, disabilityGlobal Disability Innovation Hub (South Africa) | Building Policies and Initiatives for inclusive educational contexts (STS) Chairs: Silvio Pagliara (Ausilioteca Mediterranea Onlus - GLIC Associate Board Member, IT), Katerina Mavrou (European University Cyprus, CY) Melanie Schaur: Requirements, Barriers and Tools for Inclusion in an Educational Digital Environment (IOS) Requirements, Barriers and Tools for Inclusion in an Educational Digital EnvironmentDigital accessibility is highly important in creating an inclusive educational environment, especially for learners with disabilities. Many benefits and challenges occur when using digital tools and technologies in vocational educational institutions, as well as the applicable tools and techniques for digital accessibility, such as document accessibility, onboard Windows accessibility features, AI-based language models, and image recognition-based assistive technologies. Additionally, awareness is needed of the gaps and barriers in going digital, such as lack of knowledge, technical skills, connectivity, infrastructure, affordability, sustainability, and bureaucracy, and the need for awareness-raising, training, and implementation strategies to overcome these obstacles.VET sector, digital inclusion, digital educational environment, awarenessJKU (Austria) | Innovation area sessions Daniel S. U. Tamashiro: Wheelchair Convex Seat (Innovation Area Presentations) Wheelchair Convex SeatMaintaining good posture in a wheelchair is crucial for the user's health and well-being. A proper posture provides stability, reduces joint pressure, and minimizes hydrostatic pressure. On the other hand, a bad posture can cause discomfort, pain, and other long-term problems. Our lightweight and affordable convex seat for wheelchairs offers an even surface that eliminates cushion bowing or hammocking, providing a stable seating area that improves the user's overall positioning. Unlike traditional sling seating that can lead to poor posture and long-term issues, our seat insert ensures proper weight distribution and eliminates discomfort.wheelchair, convex seat, cushion, weight distribution, sitting postureThe Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine Institute of the University of Sao Paulo Medical School General Hospital (IMREA-HCFMUSP) (Brazil) - More Info | Policy sessions OECD and GAATO: Using AI to Help People with Disabilities on the Labour Market: Opportunities and Challenges (Policy Session) Using AI to Help People with Disabilities on the Labour Market: Opportunities and ChallengesThis session will discuss the main findings from an OECD report on the opportunities and challenges of using AI to foster
labour marker accessibility, based on insights from AI innovators, users with disabilities, accessibility experts and policymakers.Artificial intelligence, employment, OECD, GAATOAAATE (Italy) - More Info | Educational Sessions François Routhier: The Wheelchair Skills Program: a ‘Gold-Standard’ for Assessment and Training (Educational Session) The Wheelchair Skills Program: a ‘Gold-Standard’ for Assessment and TrainingProvision of a wheelchair can facilitate mobility and social participation for individuals with mobility limitations. However, acquisition alone does not ensure safe and effective use. The Wheelchair Skills Program (WSP), an evidence-based program, comprises validated assessment tools (Wheelchair Skills Test (WST)) and an effective training program (Wheelchair Skills Training Program (WSTP)). Testing and training materials are available for manual and power wheelchair use and scooter use for people of all ages. The WSP resources can be used by anyone who has an interest in providing or learning about wheelchair or scooter use. The WSP resources (a training manual, objective and subjective tests) are freely accessible online at www.wheelchairskillsprogram.ca. The purpose of this workshop is to provide attendees with an overview of the WSP and foundational training in the standardized administration of the WST and WSTP.wheelchair, training, assessmentCenter for interdisciplinary research in rehabilitation and social integration (Canada) - More Info |
Jose Garcia-Alonso: Assistive Technology in the Assessment and Care of Loneliness in the Elderly: an Interdisciplinary Proposal for Rural Areas (Oral only) Assistive Technology in the Assessment and Care of Loneliness in the Elderly: an Interdisciplinary Proposal for Rural AreasThe analysis of loneliness and social isolation is an increasingly relevant topic in public health policies and health management.
This paper describes the interdisciplinary project being carried out with the participation of anthropologists and computer engineers in order to understand the meanings, experiences and social representations of loneliness.
Based on the results, a two-fold technology-assisted objective has been defined: 1) Diagnosis of isolation and collection of data from social surveys; 2) Development of technological solutions in the home environment to combat loneliness. this paper describes the possibilities that interdisciplinary research offers in delineating solutions or strategies for coping with loneliness. Beyond technological innovation, this paper describes the impact of technological development guided by senses and cultural norms, describing the potential for interdisciplinary work of engineers with social scientists.
loneliness, Cultural adaptation, interdisciplinary, care, agingUniversity of Extremadura (Spain) | Siobhán Long: The Assistive Technology Passport: a User-Centred Approach to Empowering AT Users to Play a Central Role in Identifying and Addressing Their Own AT Needs (Oral only) The Assistive Technology Passport: a User-Centred Approach to Empowering AT Users to Play a Central Role in Identifying and Addressing Their Own AT NeedsAT services internationally are frequently fragmented and opaque. Prospective AT users often struggle to understand how assistive technology can contribute to their independence and are frequently unable to source or access skilled AT services in a timely manner.
In Ireland, the AT Passport has been proposed as a foundation stone to the development of a national AT ecosystem. In 2022, five partners came together, funded by the Health Service Executive, to develop an AT Passport prototype. Four of the partners are service delivery agencies and the fifth is the Disability Federation of Ireland, is a federation of member organisations working with people with disabilities to implement the UN CRPD and ensure their equal participation in society.
Co-design and a developmental evaluation approach were key defining characteristics of our model adopted in the development of the AT passport.
The intersection of technical development, effective storytelling and advocacy in enabling this innovative approach to progress will also be discussed.
co-design; user centred; passport; Enable Ireland (AT Dept) (Ireland) | Asma Aldawood : Theories, Models and Frameworks for Understanding Barriers to the Provision of Mobility Assistive Technologies: a Scoping Review (Oral only) Theories, Models and Frameworks for Understanding Barriers to the Provision of Mobility Assistive Technologies: a Scoping ReviewAttached
Assistive technology, barriers, disabilities,Theories, Scoping reviewThe University of Sheffield (United Kingdom) | Francesco Zanfardino: An Intervention Model for Inclusive Educational Pathways with Assistive Technologies: Some Experiences From Southern Italy (Oral only) An Intervention Model for Inclusive Educational Pathways with Assistive Technologies: Some Experiences From Southern ItalyThis article presents the model of operation of the support desk for the introduction of assistive technologies in inclusive educational paths provided by the non-profit social cooperative Ausilioteca Mediterranea Onlus. The desk, active since 2010 in the province of Naples and since 2016 in that of Salerno, is aimed at curricular and support teachers of Italian public schools of all levels. The introduction of assistive technologies in educational paths can provide valuable support to students with disabilities, helping them access educational content and fully participate in activities in an inclusive way.Assistive technologies, disabilities, education, enabling environmentsGLIC (Italy) | Gregg Vanderheiden: Assistive Technology on Demand Extension to Morphic, a Free and Open-Source Utility (Innovation Area Presentations) Assistive Technology on Demand Extension to Morphic, a Free and Open-Source UtilityAT-on-Demand is a small, free, open-source utility installed on computers, coupled with a set of AT installation packages on a nearby server. It was developed by nonprofit organization Raising the Floor, in collaboration with partners internationally.
When a user logs into a computer Morphic with AT-on-Demand retrieves their AT requirements and settings from a secure, encrypted vault. Morphic w/AToD installs their AT (if it is not already on the computer) and then applies all of the user’s personal and accessibility settings. When the user is done using the computer, the AT is automatically removed.
With AT-on-Demand, AT users can, for the first time, have the ability to use all of the same computers, in all of the same locations as their peers – providing a new level of digital equity not possible before - and allowing them to better compete and succeed in education, work, and daily living situations. And it is free to individuals and institutions, and in deployment in the US now.
AT, assistive technology, on-demand, digital equityRaising the Floor - International (Switzerland) - More Info | ||
Katarina Pavic: Aging Positively: Enhancing Positive Emotions in Older Adults through Natural and Social Experiences in Immersive Virtual Reality (Oral only) Aging Positively: Enhancing Positive Emotions in Older Adults through Natural and Social Experiences in Immersive Virtual RealityRecently, immersive technologies such as Virtual Reality (VR) have become believable candidates for enhancing individuals’ well-being. However, there are several barriers to using VR to improve well-being, including design, and the availability of diverse video content. Thus, our study aimed to investigate the impact of immersion and virtual environment content (natural vs. social) on different age groups, as there is limited research on this aspect.
38 undergraduates and 25 older adults were recruited for the present study. They watched and rated 360° videos of natural and social contents under a highly immersive Head-mounted display (HMD) and a less immersive screen, while their skin conductance and heart rate were collected.
Overall, preliminary findings suggest that while video content matters and leads to specific emotional responses in younger adults, older users reported high levels of positive emotions and arousal throughout most immersive experiences. As these are encouraging results VR for fostering positive emotions in elderly users, potential applications for a “successful aging” or vulnerable users will be discussed.Aging, Virtual Reality, Positive Emotions, Physiological responsesUniversité Paris Cité (France) | Claudia Salatino: Person-Centered Model for the Assessment of Communication Assistive Solutions: an Italian Case Report (Oral only) Person-Centered Model for the Assessment of Communication Assistive Solutions: an Italian Case ReportThe identification of complex assistive solutions should be part of a rehabilitation project. We will describe a case report of the AAC Assistive Technology (AT) assessment path (AACAT-AP) developed by the SIVALab of the DAT (Home Automation, Aids, Occupational Therapy) Unit of Fondazione Don Carlo Gnocchi (FDG) in Milan, in collaboration with the FDG Healthcare Residential Facility for Disabled (RSD), in coherence with the "participation model". The SIVALab AACAT-AP has been implemented by a multidisciplinary team, composed by physiatrist, engineers, physiotherapists, educators, keeping in mind the complexity of communication needs and its systemic implications, the need to put the person and his/her main caregivers at the center of the process, in all the phases of assessment and selection of the assistive solution, with the aim of providing the most appropriate solution, both in terms of effectiveness and efficiency and in terms of costs. Assistive Technology, AAC, AAC AT, AT service delivery systemsFondazione Don Carlo Gnocchi ONLUS (VAT: 12520870150) (Italy) | Jamie Danemayer: Harmonising Assistive Technology Assessment Data: a Case Study in Nepal (IOS) Harmonising Assistive Technology Assessment Data: a Case Study in NepalTo understand and meet the AT needs in ageing populations, there is a practical need to maximise existing data. Statistical matching has been used to generate new insight in the AT sector by integrating a 'deep' AT-inclusive survey of a small sample with a 'shallow' national survey with a large sample and broad range of variables collected. We propose extending this method to harmonise multiple ‘deep’ AT assessment surveys which were not previously comparable, and generating a synthetic longitudinal dataset. Analyses focused on trends in AT outcomes could then be carried out with multiple waves of data. Risk factors could also be identified as variables originating from the ‘shallow’ dataset that prove reliable predictors for available AT outcomes, identifying barriers to AT access and by extension, healthy longevity. We describe an initial case study for Nepal, where Living Conditions, Multiple Indicator Cluster, and rATA surveys have been conducted, with routine national surveys. Survey Data, HarmonisationGlobal Disability Innovation Hub (United Kingdom) | Rohan Slaughter: MSc Educational Assistive Technology: Training an Emergent Professional Group (IOS) MSc Educational Assistive Technology: Training an Emergent Professional GroupThe MSc Educational Assistive Technology (EduAT), (University of Dundee, 2022) is a recently established course, and welcomed the first cohort in January 2021, this group have recently completed their studies. The EduAT approach uses the ESCO (ESCO, 2022) definition of the assistive technologist role. This presentation and paper briefly summarises this definition, considers how MSc EduAT was developed and considers how this MSc fits into a wider AT training ecosystem, noting roles that EduAT has been designed to support. An overview of the curriculum developed to train assistive technologists is included alongside a summary of what has been learned since the course began. The paper concludes by briefly summarising AT and AAC research group plans.Education, Assistive Technology, EduAT, Educational Assistive Technology, ProfessionalisationUniversity of Dundee (United Kingdom) | |||
Jeanne Cattoni: Perspectives of Older Adults Regarding the Use of Digital and Technology-Based Services: a Qualitative Interview Study (Oral only) Perspectives of Older Adults Regarding the Use of Digital and Technology-Based Services: a Qualitative Interview StudyIn recent years, more and more services have been digitized. At the same time, the number of older adults has increased considerably. The specific needs of this population must therefore be considered in the design of these new tools to avoid the digital divide as much as possible. In this context, accessibility is a key issue. A series of semi-structured interviews will be conducted in order to better understand the relationship of older adults, towards digital and technology-based services. In the framework of this research, we expect to gain a better understanding of the diversity of perspectives that older adults may have regarding the use and accessibility of digital and technology-based services. Results will be used to develop a series of guidelines for the future development of new technology-based services better adapted to older adults’ needs and capacities. Accessibility, digital services, older alduts, interviewsBroca Living Lab Hôpital Broca APHP (France) | Uta Roentgen: Process Evaluation of the Optimized Provision of AT Devices for Impaired Upper Extremity Function Within the Omarm Study (IOS) Process Evaluation of the Optimized Provision of AT Devices for Impaired Upper Extremity Function Within the Omarm StudyA quality standard for the ICF-oriented provision of arm supports and robotic arms was designed. To facilitate this new working method, tools were developed in co-creation with all stakeholders. Professionals received training, and were asked to apply the new working method among participants in the intervention group of the OMARM project.
To find out whether the provision process had actually changed after the introduction of the quality standard, and to gain insight into the usage of tools and the perceived added value, a process evaluation was conducted after 3, 6 and 9 months by means of an online survey.
In sum, the new working method was applied to 43 of 137 clients, and tools were used 105 times. Opinions on perceived changes, benefit, and practicability varied widely.
Although tools were developed in co-creation with all stakeholders, several professionals’ satisfaction with the new way of working is lower than expected and its adoption lags behind.quality standard, provision process, dynamic arm supports, robotic arms, process evaluationZuyd University of Applied Sciences (Netherlands) | Arne H Eide: Barriers for Accessing Assistive Products in Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs) (IOS) Barriers for Accessing Assistive Products in Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs)WHO implemented the Rapid Assistive Technology Assessment in 2021. This is a household survey on self-reported use, need and barriers for accessing AT in 35 countries globally. In order to obtain comparable data, all surveys followed guidelines developed by WHO, including national two-stage random sampling of households. The majority of studies are representative for the respective countries or in some cases regions within countries. The 2021 rATA survey included 32 of a total of 140 LMICs globally.
Respondents were asked to estimate travel distance to get their main assistive product. While this is not a direct question about barriers, it is used here to indicate travel distance as potential barrier for people with limited resources. Around 40 % of the total respondents (all countries) estimated travel distance to be <5 km, varying from less than 10 % to almost 60 % among the countries. Around 15 % had to travel more than 50 km, varying from 1.3 % to 37.5 %. Taking spectacles out of the analyses, the proportion of respondents reporting <5km to get their main assistive product increases from 40 % to 49 %, varying among the countries from 21,6 % to 67.1 %. A total of 11.5 % travel more than 50 km, varying from 2.1% to 39.1%. More individuals living in rural as compared to urban areas had to travel more than 25 km to get their main assistive product
The direct question about barriers was "Why don't you have the assistive product that you need?". Responses were restricted to nine answer categories. By far the most prevalent response was "Cannot afford", amounting to 39.9% and varying from 6.7 % to 79.1 % among countries. This was followed by "No support" with 14.3 %, varying from 2.3 % to 36.9 %, and "Not available" with 8.1 %, varying from 1 % to 21.5 %. When excluding spectacles from the analyses, "Cannot afford" increased to 48%, varying from 11.9 % to 85 %, followed by "No support" with 18.3 % and varying from 4.5 % to 41,7 %, and "Not available" with 11.3 %, varying from 1.3 % to 40 %.
Rural populations largely have to travel longer distances which is often caused by services being located in urban areas. The study has however shown that the proportion who need to travel long distances vary considerably between countries. Concerning reasons for not accessing assistive products, the cost is the primary obstacle, but again the variation in the magnitude of costs and other reasons between countries underline the need for country-specific service development.
Assistive technology, barriers, low- and middle income countriesSINTEF Digital (Norway) | Silvio Pagliara: Building Policies and Initiatives for Inclusive Educational Contexts: the Glic Italian Experience (IOS) Building Policies and Initiatives for Inclusive Educational Contexts: the Glic Italian ExperienceIntroduction
The promotion of inclusive education has become a major concern for many countries around the world. Assistive technology (AT) has been identified as a key tool in ensuring the inclusivity of educational contexts. However, introducing AT in an educational context can be challenging without appropriate policies and initiatives to support it. In this paper, we present the experience of the GLIC Association, the Italian network of AT Centres, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, and discuss how a systematic approach to service provisioning can support the introduction of AT in educational contexts.
The Importance of Inclusive Education in Italy
In 2015, the Italian Ministry of Education issued a circular on inclusive education, emphasizing the need for schools to provide reasonable accommodations, including AT, to ensure that students with disabilities can participate fully in educational activities. The GLIC Association, a non-profit organization that promotes the use of AT, has developed a service provisioning model that ensures appropriate support for the introduction of AT in the educational context.
The Ministry of Education “Bando Sussidi” – AT Directive Project
This project started in 2017 and is running on annual basis and with a 10 M€ yearly funding. The Bando Sussidi (2017) is to provide technology for disabled students through a direct funding to the schools, after the submission of an application built on each and every student with disability individual need. Within this directive, GLIC and the Ministry of Education signed an agreement to support the Service Provisioning Model. Within this initiative it was strengthened the collaboration with a formal agreement between the Italian Ministry of Education and the GLIC Association aimed at fostering inclusive educational contexts in Italy through the use of ICT and AT. Among the outcomes of this collaboration, and under the GLIC scientific management and INDIRE - the Italian Institute of Research for Innovation of the Italian School System, it was designed, implemented and realized the first MOOC, “Gli snodi dell’inclusione” (“The hubs of inclusion”) on the use of strategies and technology to build an inclusive educational context. This MOOC is available for free to all the Italian teachers and so far it has been attended by 15000 teacher with a very high appreciation feedback. The experience provided training to teachers on how to use AT to support students with disabilities and special educational needs. The second major outcome is to support locally the schools in the application process of the individual project.
AT, GLIC, Italy, Inclusive education, teachers training, service provisioningUniversity of Cagliari and GLIC Association, Italy (Italy) | |||
Sharona Vonck: MS@Work in Flanders: the Development of a MS Toolkit for a Stable Employment (IOS) MS@Work in Flanders: the Development of a MS Toolkit for a Stable Employment Persons with MS (PwMS) have the highest unemployment rates compared to other chronic diseases. We want to develop a MS Toolkit with several aids for PwMS to help them gain a sustainable employment with sufficient and permanent attention and guidance for the daily obstacles in the workplace. Therefore, the opportunities and bottlenecks were mapped through a survey with PwMS and employers, a diary and expert interviews. There were 3 major problems identified: PwMS find it difficult to ask for help in time; they have little or no concrete knowledge about who they can turn to for support and healthcare professionals do not always possess the expertise to guide their patients through problems experienced on the work floor. These problems were used as fundaments in a cocreation session to create the content of the MS Toolkit: a screening tool and dashboard. The screening tool ensures an annual reflection of the work situation. The dashboard links each problem to the most appropriate service.multiple sclerosis, employment, screening, dashboardHogeschool PXL (Belgium) | Margaret Savage: Insights From Integration of Vision Screening and Provision of Glasses Into Liberia’s National Community Health Assistant and School Health Programs – a Novel, Sustainable, Government-Led Approach to Increasing Access to AT (Oral only) Insights From Integration of Vision Screening and Provision of Glasses Into Liberia’s National Community Health Assistant and School Health Programs – a Novel, Sustainable, Government-Led Approach to Increasing Access to ATVision impairment is a major public health problem worldwide, impacting health, quality of life, economic productivity, and safety. Without good vision, both children and adults are excluded from a world of economic opportunity. The public and private sectors have traditionally allocated little attention and resources to addressing the market for eyeglasses in less developed countries. This has not only led to over billion people in need of glasses, but also a lack of distribution channels with which to reach them. Like other models for AT delivery, existing delivery streams function almost exclusively outside of government health systems and consequently struggle to reach and sustain scale. Recognizing this opportunity, Liberia, with the support of EYElliance, sought to pilot the integration of vision screening and provision of glasses within its school health programs and national CHW program. Liberia’s experiences have generated valuable insights and resources to aid countries as they integrate vision screening and provision of reading glasses into their CHW and school health programs. Key areas include: rationales for prioritization; feasibility and effectiveness of integration; pathways for scale-up and sustainability; positive impacts on CHW program foundations; and strategies to leverage key enablers and manage common challenges. We believe that many of these findings will be applicable for the integration of other AT services by government programs beyond eyeglasses.
Refractive Error, Eyeglasses, Service Delivery, VisionEYElliance (United States) | Silvio Pagliara: Tool for Digital Inclusion in Italian Schools: the Use of Self-Assessment Framework From ENTELIS Project (IOS) Tool for Digital Inclusion in Italian Schools: the Use of Self-Assessment Framework From ENTELIS ProjectThe use of technology in education has the potential to create more inclusive environments for all students, including those with disabilities. In Italy, the Ministry of Education has recognized the importance of digital literacy in schools and has issued several documents outlining the steps necessary to build a more inclusive educational system. However, in order to achieve these goals, it is important to assess the current situation and identify areas for improvement. The Entelis Self-assessment framework, particularly the Italian short version, can be used as a tool to help schools assess their digital inclusion practices and develop strategies for improvement.
In 2015, the Ministry of Education issued the new Law 107/2015, called "La Buona Scuola", which included the New National Plan on School Digital Literacy - PNSD (MIUR, 2015) and the Three-year plan of in-service teachers' education and training. These documents aimed to consolidate the path of innovation and digitization in schools through a strategy that invested in the technological, epistemological, and cultural dimensions. The PNSD focused on the initial and in-service training of teachers, recognizing that educational innovation through digital technologies requires a reformulation of traditional teaching-learning methods to include pedagogical accessibility and inclusion.
However, the success of these initiatives depends on the readiness of teachers to implement new technologies in their classrooms. The European Union (EU) identified teacher training as a critical factor for the success of ICT-related educational innovation in 2003. Teachers themselves recognize the need for training, with TALIS results (OEDC, 2014) showing that the need for training related to teaching with information and communication technology (ICT) skills and using new technologies in the workplace was a priority for teachers.
self assessment tools, inclusive education, digital inclusion policiesUniversity of Cagliari and GLIC Association, Italy (Italy) |
Lunch break
12:30 - 14:00
Session 2
14:00 - 16:00
| Track A | Track B | Track C | Track D | Inclusion Forum E | Inclusion Forum F | Inclusion Forum G | Inclusion Forum H |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Auditorium 250 | Auditorium 150 | Room 100 | Room 50 | 3.08 | 3.01 | 3.02 | 3.03 |
Assistive technologies for older adults: a multidimensional perspective (STS) Chairs: Maribel Pino (Lusage Living Lab, Broca Hospital, FR), Anne-Sophie Rigaud (Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, FR) Michal Elboim-Gabyzon: Correlation Between the Ability to Manipulate a Touchscreen Device and Hand Strength and Manual Dexterity Among Community-Living Older Individuals (Oral only) Correlation Between the Ability to Manipulate a Touchscreen Device and Hand Strength and Manual Dexterity Among Community-Living Older IndividualsThe study aimed to examine the correlation between touchscreen manipulation ability, measured by the touchscreen assessment tool (TATOO), and hand grip strength, pinch strength, and functional dexterity test (FDT) in 34 independent community-living older adults during 54-minute single-session assessments.
Most TATOO items did not show significant correlations with handgrip strength, pinch strength, and FDT results. However, there were moderately significant correlations between FDT and a specific item of the TATOO
Manipulation of the touchscreen appears to be related to specific constructs of hand function others than grip strength and manual dexterity. Yet, it appears that more complex gestures require hand stability and accuracy (dragging task) or rapid movements (double tapping), may be related to strength and dexterity. Further research is needed to focus on the role of grip strength and dexterity in older adults' touchscreen manipulation ability during challenging usage positions. Clinicians should expand the hand function assessment toolbox to include assessment tools that measure the unique skills entailed in touchscreen manipulation.
hand function; older adults; assessment; touchscreen manipulation; touchscreen assessment tool; TATOOUniversity of Haifa (Israel) | Global AT Service Delivery Challenges (STS) Chairs: Luc de Witte (The Hague University of Applied Sciences, NL) Natasha Layton: Scoping Review of Quality Guidelines for Assistive Technology Provision (Oral only) Scoping Review of Quality Guidelines for Assistive Technology Provision The definition of ‘Assistive technology’ includes both assistive products and the services or actions necessary for safe and effective provision of the assistive products to people who need them. This rapid scoping review of assistive technology service delivery guidelines will inform work to implement globally useable provision guidance. Reporting on research conducted Feb- March 2023, it provides an up to date a ‘state of the science’ statement regarding assistive technology service provision and delivery.Assistive technology; guideline; standard; quality; documentationARATA (Australia) | Assistive Technology in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) (STS) Chairs: Tone Øderud (SINTEF Digital, NO), Arne H. Eide (SINTEF Digital, NO) Tone Øderud: Hearing Loss and Access to Hearing Aids and Services in Low- and Middle-Income Countries (Oral only) Hearing Loss and Access to Hearing Aids and Services in Low- and Middle-Income CountriesWHO reports that nearly 80% persons with disabling hearing loss live in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) and it is estimated that 34 million children have a hearing loss [1]. Furthermore, 60% of hearing loss in children is due to avoidable causes that can be prevented.
The aim of this study is to explore the prevalence and cause of hearing loss among children in primary schools in Tanzania and their access to hearing aids.
A cross-sectional study including 1081 primary school children in class II and III was conducted to determine the prevalence of hearing loss, using both self-reporting questions and pure-tone audiometry (PTA) for assessment.
Assessment using PTA documents the prevalence of hearing loss to be between 11,5% and 23% depending on the selected hearing threshold. Self-reported hearing loss was reported to be 1%. None of the children with hearing loss had access to hearing aids.
The study documents that access to hearing aids and hearing services is limited in semirural and rural area of Tanzania. Hearing impairment, hearing services, prevalence, low-and middle income countries, hearing aidsSINTEF Digital (Norway) | Culture Chairs: Dominique Archambault (Université Paris 8, FR) Gautier Chomel: Will This Book Fit My Reading Needs? (Oral only) Will This Book Fit My Reading Needs?Informing the reader about accessibility of digital books is a hot topic and a requisite of the European Accessibility Act. For a long time it was considered as a specialized field related to metadata expertise.
Since 2021 EDRLab has investigated this subject by involving his members, all actors of the book value chain, from publisher's to readers. We used live prototypes, workshops and surveys taking care of usability (is the provided information of use to help me choose a book that fits my needs?) and feasibility (is this information present and reachable to be provided to users?).
During this journey we discovered that starting from user expectations allowed a much better understanding not only of accessibility metadata but also of impacts of care provided and attentions taken in book conception and production.
It led us to rethink our guidelines and recommendations starting from the diversity of how we read and use digital books.ebook, metadata, accessibility, European accessibility act, digital reading, online libraries, online book storeEuropean Digital Reading Laboratory (France) | Innovation area sessions Hervé Pierre Dutrenit: Remotely Operated Portable, Telescopic, Cantilevered Hoist for Patient on Powerchair (Innovation Area Presentations) Remotely Operated Portable, Telescopic, Cantilevered Hoist for Patient on Powerchair
With the telescopic hoist, the patient can be hoisted anywhere, anytime. This Telescopic hoist is retrofitted directly onto the chair of the patient and is very compact when it is folded. This enables him/her to travel normally on planes, public transport or cars which have already been fitted with a powerchair docking station. The patient may also utilise public restrooms whenever required, regardless of the location.
Before a patient needs to be lifted, she/he presses the controls from his/her adapted HMI and the telescopic hoist deploys itself. (Video of the telescopic hoist will be presented at the conference). https://youtu.be/kClTfJE-EV0
In operation, the remote technology can be used. It consists of a cloud web application hosted in a NodeJS runtime environment. This technology does not require any download of proprietary application. Connection to the hoist happens via Chrome, Safari or any other browser. This provides compatibility and versatility across platforms and devices such as mobile phones, tablets, desktop workstations, notebook or laptop, etc.
The family or carer who wants to control the hoist remotely just needs to have credentials to log in and get control of the hoist and talk to the patient via Video Chat using Web RTC protocol. Hoist Control buttons are also embedded in the Video chat and enable Left, Right, Up and Down movements of the patient on the hoist.
For extra safety the hoist possesses an embedded camera and a 5 G access point that enables control from the device of a third Party. This ensures that family or Carer can monitor that all operations are going safely.
To further improve safety, Computer Vision with an AI algorithm could be utilised to detect anomalies and provide automatic protection to the patient. This is currently being investigated for potential improvement of the hoist.
Integrated patient hoist, Node JS, Aluminium, Remote Operations, retrofittable patient hoistCurtin University (Australia) - More Info | Policy sessions Raising the Floor International: Our Current Approach to Policy/Regulation Is Not Working Well Enough. Time for Alternate Approach? (Policy Session) Our Current Approach to Policy/Regulation Is Not Working Well Enough. Time for Alternate Approach?Open discussion on a new proposition for accessibility regulation.
Session Outline
1) Presentation of the current accessibility problem and rationale for adding a new approach
2) Presentation of the new Info-Bot/IUIG approach for accessibility based on future technologies
3) Questions of presenter to better understand concept
4) Show of hands of people who would like to participate in discussion/debate of pros, cons, and issues that would need to be addressed. (If 5 or less raise hand – create panel to discuss. If more than 5 - then carry out discussion with “panel of the whole” audience).
5) PROs Discussion
a. Questioning of PROs presented in (2) above
b. Contribution of other possible PROs
6) CONs Discussion
a. Practicality and timing (when possible)
b. Transition
c. Ways it can be gamed
7) Issues/hurdles/barriers to such an approach
a. Technical
b. Political
c. Policy/standards related
d. Applicability in developing countries and global south
8) Wrap up and areas needing further examination.
assistive technology, accessibility, Inclusive Design, policy, regulation, standardsRaising the Floor - International (Switzerland) - More Info | Educational Sessions May Agius: Communication Aids: Beyond Face to Face Communication! (Educational Session) Communication Aids: Beyond Face to Face Communication!High tech communication aids, in particular dedicated aids, have evolved to become more and more multifunctional offering the possibility of participation in society which goes beyond face to face expression. Such communication aids can play an important role in enabling users of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) to participate in leisure including play and social media use, employment, and education. This session will explore how AAC assessments and interventions should consider prospective use of the communication aid for more than face to face communication from the outset. Implications for both assessment and intervention will be discussed with relevance for both the present and future situation. Resources to support assessment and intervention will be presented.AAC, social media, participation, communication, education, employment Agenzija Sapport (Malta) - More Info | Educational Sessions Maria Mouka: Digital Readiness for the Vocational Training of Persons with Intellectual Disabilities: a Story of Fortunate Consequences and Deliberations (Educational Session) Digital Readiness for the Vocational Training of Persons with Intellectual Disabilities: a Story of Fortunate Consequences and DeliberationsMobile technology is an integral part of the lifestyle and culture of contemporary life, with lifelong vocational training being a fundamental part of this evolution. Persons with intellectual disabilities are a key group of users whose needs are often overlooked in exploring the facets of this area.
In this workshop, we will explore the importance of communication soft skills for persons with intellectual disabilities when using mobile technology, in addition to the ability that these persons need to have, in order to make use of digital training materials. The above apply interestingly during the first stages of working at a recently acquired job placement. A case study will be presented, regarding a woman with intellectual disability. The case study will emphasise the vocational path that the person themselves has followed during the previous years, as well as some enabled changes in her behavior, both affected also by digital readiness developments. It will also emphasise relevant changes yielded in the supporting organisations and workers.
Digital Inclusion, Digital Readiness, Intellectual Disabilities, Vocational TrainingEuropean University Cyprus (Greece) - More Info |
Lisa Cesario: Using a Social Robot to Engage Older Adults Living in Residential Care Homes in Cognitive Training: Preliminary Results From the SHAPES Project (IOS) Using a Social Robot to Engage Older Adults Living in Residential Care Homes in Cognitive Training: Preliminary Results From the SHAPES ProjectThe employment of socially assistive robotics (SAR) is increasingly being considered a credible solution to support healthcare systems in dealing with an aging society. In this contribution, we explore the experience of older adults (n = 11) living in a residential facility with a cognitive training intervention conducted with the support of a SAR. Within the HORIZON2020 Project SHAPES, a mixed-method study has been conducted to collect preliminary evidence on users’ engagement and acceptance of the proposed SAR-based intervention. The results suggest that the SAR-based cognitive training intervention conducted was accepted by all stakeholders. Data on enjoyment of participants indicate that users did not experience a “novelty effect” of the proposed innovation, but longer sessions are needed to confirm this result. older adults, cognitive decline, social robotsAIAS Bologna onlus (Italy) | Katarina Baudin: Digital Enabling Assistive Technology through the Provision Lens – a Global Perspective in a Nordic Context. (IOS) Digital Enabling Assistive Technology through the Provision Lens – a Global Perspective in a Nordic Context.Societies endeavor to collect and distribute resources for the benefit of citizens. This straightforward proposition is in reality, a super complex problem. The Nordic healthcare system is well established and is taxation based, with every citizen having equal access to health services. Person-centered care is a social welfare pillar, and the provision of the good life through assistive and welfare technology (AT/WT) is affected by decisions made at the regional and municipal levels. However, those administering public services face challenges delivering on sets of overarching principles and rights and balancing multiple competing priorities. Public provision of technology has traditionally focused on AT, which comprises assistive products and the specialized assessment, fitting, training and follow-up services necessary for safe and effective use and "indispensable to helping older people remain healthy, active, and independent as long as possible" (WHO & UNICEF, 2022). The diversification of technology and especially the proliferation of digital products, smart home technology, which focuses on safety and health for the inhabitant with support from monitors or videophones, represents both an opportunity and a challenge to administrators of public AT funding. This paper draws on data from a larger study of public provision in Nordic countries to establish the perspectives and experiences of AT managers regarding identifying and procuring new digital AT. Method: The participants were selected based on a stratified purposive sample with 24 managers. Thematic analysis (Braun & Clarke, 2006) utilized the World Health Organisation 5 P ecosystem model (WHO, 2020). Results: Seven themes emerged from the data through the lens of 5P ecosystem model and represented dynamic factors and choices for AT managers. They include 1) Currency of products: adopting shifting definitions of products; 2) Where products meet policy: the tension between mainstream products and assistive products; 3) Where products meet personnel: shifting familiarity with digital AT; 4) Products meet policy and provision: challenges with flexible policy; 5) People and policy: the rapid change of people and policy in the society; 6) People’s rights meet policy; 7) Solutions about products from the people who use them. Discussion: In general, the managers were positive concerning procuring and buying new technology, but also concerned about the economic impacts of expanding procurement and the ethical boundaries regarding products that may be seen as personal expenditure items, such as mobile phones. Some participants that worked in regional organizations knew the municipalities were struggling with these questions, which represents a significant barrier to agile and current product inclusions in public expenditures. Conclusion: The dimensions are represented by 5 Ps: Policy, Products, Personnel, and Provision, noting that People (AT users) are central to the entire system.
Assistive technology, welfare technology, decision-making, EcosystemKarolinska Institutet (Sweden) | Rajendra Prasad: Implementation of Tele-Assessment and Delivery of Wheelchairs in a Low/Middle-Income Country (Oral only) Implementation of Tele-Assessment and Delivery of Wheelchairs in a Low/Middle-Income Country The India Census 2011 indicates that there are 26.8 million persons with disabilities in India, with the state of Bihar having one of the highest disabled populations, with 23,31,009 PwDs, representing 8.69% of the state's population out of which 69% live in rural areas. Many PwDs in remote rural areas of Bihar lack access to neurorehabilitation and assistive products such as wheelchairs, walkers, crutches, etc. Our team adapted the WHO TAP assessment guidelines to suit the socioeconomic factors of the rural landscape and modified the assessment to conduct it virtually, to have greater reach and impact. This pilot project confirms the benefit of teleassessment as a method of successful wheelchair assessment and provision which equals to in-person assessment based on the satisfaction level of users.wheelchair, TAP, tele-assessment, tele-rehabilitation, customized wheelchair, digital, tele-health, online consultation, digital health, digital rehabilitation, low income households Kara Medical Foundation (India) | Katerine Romeo: Inclusion for Cultural Education in Museum, Audio and Touch Interaction (IOS) Inclusion for Cultural Education in Museum, Audio and Touch InteractionMuseums are prime locations for cultural education and tours are organized to ensure that artworks are accessible to an increasingly inclusive audience. The works on display are often accessible by sight only. For many blind and partially blind (BPB) individuals, access to museum collections is limited or non-existent without specialist provision. A multisensory inclusive museum approach can make museums accessible to all, create in any visitor, BPB or sighted people, new aesthetic impressions while experiencing multimodal representations of 2D artworks, deepen and enrich experience of 2D artworks and enhance memorability of the observed elements of art. These impressions can be shared with others, irrespective of visual experience.
A haptic tablet, F2T, was developed to increase the perception of a shape through force feedback applied through a joystick and audio feedback accompanying the exploration [1]. To articulate perceptions of audio with touch and to prepare for future tests with F2T, we did some preliminary pilot evaluations of different test conditions in a museum to get feedback
from an inclusive audience. The purpose of this pilot evaluation is to find out how blind or partially blind people and the sighted public perceive the same audio descriptions and tactile representations in a museum atmosphere. Blind and partially blind people, accessibility, inclusion, museums, multisensoryLITIS, University of Rouen Normandy (France) | Brandon Blacoe: Standardising Hardware Accessibility:the Proteus Controller (Innovation Area Presentations) Standardising Hardware Accessibility:the Proteus ControllerByoWave is a company which is dedicated to developing solutions that give everyone bespoke access to the digital world, and the first step on that mission is the Proteus Controller, a mass-manufactured, modular adaptive video game controller kit, designed using universal design principles, with an accessibility-first approach.
The Proteus Controller allows users to easily build their controllers in a way that best suits their needs. With our technology, the user can use a single kit to build over 100M controller combinations. Each kit comes with everything you need to play straight out of the box. The kit consists of body modules which lock together and make up the shape of your controller, and peripheral buttons, handles and plugs which snap on magnetically allowing you to snap and play. The Proteus Controller can be taken apart and reconfigured over and over, so you can try different combos, or have configurations for different games. By open-sourcing the connection mechanism of the device, users can also 3D print custom parts for their configurations.
Given its modularity, the Proteus Controller can also be used as a tool to define the minimum standards that hardware must meet. Input devices are the gateway to accessing the digital world, but the lack of a hardware accessibility standard is a major issue in the hardware development space. Technology is advancing in a way that allows the mass manufacturing of customised solutions which can lead the way to help define a minimum standard in hardware accessibility.
Modular, Adaptive, Hardware Accessibility, Video Game Accessibility, Input DevicesByowave Limited (Ireland) - More Info | Sharon Borg: When Mainstream Technology Doesn’t Meet the User’s Needs! (Educational Session) When Mainstream Technology Doesn’t Meet the User’s Needs!Due to advancements in the technological sector, there is an increased possibility that mainstream technology will meet the users of persons with disabilities. This session, however, is designed as a workshop to explore scenarios in which mainstream technology does not meet user needs. Case stories reflecting real life challenges will be presented which focus on 3 mains areas:
1. Access to mainstream technology which for users with physical disabilities who require access methods which do not rely on touch or mouse e.g. switches and eye gaze
2. Access to mainstream technology for users with intellectual disabilities
3. Access to mainstream technology for users of minority languages
This presentation aims to focus on fostering awareness of the need for technology design to consider assistive technology principles from the outset.
AT for cognitive, sensory and motor disabilities; universal design, accessibilityACTU - Agenzija Sapport (Malta) - More Info | ||
Weiqin Chen: Exploring AI Literacy Among Older Adults (IOS) Exploring AI Literacy Among Older AdultsArtificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly viewed as a new opportunity to overcome different challenges associated with aging and promote independent living and well-being for older adults. AI literacy is widely recognized as a set of competencies helping people to use AI effectively and ethically in everyday life. Although studies have been conducted to investigate older adults’ experiences with and perceptions of specific AI-enabled products such as voice assistants or social robots, very few studies have focused on AI literacy among older adults. The research aims to understand older adults’ AI literacy and provide recommendations regarding measures to raise their AI competencies. Artificial Intelligence, AI literacy, older adultsOslo Metropolitan University (Norway) | Emma Smith: Assistive Technology Outcomes: Global Consensus on Key Challenges (Oral only) Assistive Technology Outcomes: Global Consensus on Key ChallengesAssistive technology is critical to realizing the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and to promoting participation and health for people with functional limitations. However, with only 1 in 10 globally having access to the assistive products and related services they need, we are facing a global challenge in ensuring access to these rights. Chief among the challenges is a gap in our understanding of the need for assistive technology, the outcomes and impacts of assistive technology provision, and data to inform policy. The purpose of this initiative was to capture a wide range of perspectives from assistive technology stakeholders in all six of the WHO health regions, and to develop consensus regarding the key challenges in assistive technology outcomes. We identified six key thematic ‘grand challenges’ which must be addressed: measuring need, documenting inputs, measuring outcomes, measuring impacts, sharing data, and informing policy. Addressing these challenges will allow the development of improved evidence generation in the field, and provide the necessary data to improve access to AT for all.outcomes, policy, consensus, assistive technology, grand challengesAssisting Living and Learning Institute, Maynooth University (Ireland) | Advanced Technologies for Inclusion and Participation in Education and Labour (STS) Chairs: Christian Bühler (Technical University Dortmund, DE), Susanne Dirks (Technical University Dortmund, DE) Sophie Sakka: Rob’autism Project: Social Learning at the Center of the Therapy (IOS) Rob’autism Project: Social Learning at the Center of the TherapyRob'Autism project was started in 2014, it aims at setting a therapy support for ASD (Autistic Spectrum Disorder) teenagers based on robot, art and culture mediations. The objective of the therapy support is to improve the social skills. At its center is the improvement of the capacity to build and destroy affective links with the environment, or generate and drop communication relation with the external world. Three points were addressed to restore social links management: individual, collective and social communication. The experiments were organized in 20 working sessions of 1 hour per week and involved six teenagers, three robots and 6 accompanying people. During the sessions, a repetitive scenario is performed proposing a fixed frame in which controlled events can occur, in such way that the participants environment remains simplified. During the 20 sessions, the participants are supervised to build a show, which is presented to an external public. Up to now, eight groups were studied (48 participants in total by groups of 6). The results show a redefinition of the subjects' identity and their legitimacy as members of the society. Rob'Autism; Autistic Spectrum Disorder; social learning; robot extension; programmingINSHEA (France) | Alexandra Danial-Saad: Designing for Accessibility in Cultural Heritage – Exploring Tangible Technologies for Enhancing the Museum Visit Experience for Blind Visitors (Oral only) Designing for Accessibility in Cultural Heritage – Exploring Tangible Technologies for Enhancing the Museum Visit Experience for Blind VisitorsAdvancements in 3D scanning and printing technologies have created new opportunities for engaging visually impaired individuals, particularly blind individuals, in cultural heritage experiences. Despite numerous recent studies, creating cultural heritage experiences that are accessible to visually impaired visitors is not a simple process However, in spite of numerous recent studies, developing cultural heritage experience for visually impaired visitors is not straightforward, and multiple factors, including knowledge about the available opportunities, desires, barriers, and abilities affect their participation. In this short paper, we describe an approach for exploring techniques to design and develop such experiences within a multidisciplinary graduate course (students from the information systems department and students from the department of occupational therapy) that actively involves museum staff and visually impaired visitors. Our goal is to make cultural heritage accessible according to universal design principles and enhance the museum visit experience for blind individuals.Human-centered computing, Accessibility, Cultural heritage experience, Adaptive design, Inclusive design, 3D printerUniversity of Haifa (Israel) | David Fazio: Immersive & Inclusive Online Learning Management System (Innovation Area Presentations) Immersive & Inclusive Online Learning Management SystemHelix Opportunity Institute incorporates best practices of Lean Enterprise, Web Content Accessibility Guidelines, and cognitive accessibility. At the same time, they are designed to be immersive, and engaging, rather than dull and boring. We have deliberately crafted entertaining elements that each serve a practical purpose. This application strives to fall within the 5-point design, and 3-click philosophies. Every page has been styled with less than 5 deviations (font, font size, colors, etc.) to limit impact on user’s executive functioning, and cognitive resources, such as fatigue. Our navigation design was intended to empower users to access any section in 3 clicks or less.
LMS, learning, educationHelix Opportunity (United States) - More Info | |||
Anaïs Scipioni: Care Professionals’ Needs Regarding Hospital Logistics and Perceived Usefulness of a Social Assistive Robot in Geriatric Institutions. (Oral only) Care Professionals’ Needs Regarding Hospital Logistics and Perceived Usefulness of a Social Assistive Robot in Geriatric Institutions.Over the last few decades, information and communication technologies have continuously boomed, making new uses possible in sectors that were previously unfamiliar with their use. The health sector is one of these fields with the advent of new technological devices in healthcare professionals’ routine (e.g., new softwares , or social robots or the development of logistics robots who support the execution of logistical tasks for caregivers). All these tools are changing the practices of caregivers and, at the same time, the overall framework of the care provided to patients.
This research project aims to identify the conditions for a "successful" implementation of a hospital logistics robot for caregivers through 25 semi-structured interviews with caregivers in the Broca Hospital (AP-HP, Paris, France) and Vaugirard hospital (AP-HP, Paris, France).
These interviews enabled us to identify various logistics problematic situations encountered by the caregivers in their professional practice for which the help of a logistics robot would be welcomed and useful. 1) Locate and fetch care equipment on demand ; 2) Transporting meal carts and bringing them to the patients ; 3) Carry and store the "IV boxes" and associated carts.
hospital, careprof, geriatric care, robot, logisticsBROCA LIVING LAB (Hôpital BROCA 75013) (France) | Turið Jacobsen: An Interim Evaluation of the Assistive Technology Service Delivery in the Faroe Islands From a User Perspective (Oral only) An Interim Evaluation of the Assistive Technology Service Delivery in the Faroe Islands From a User PerspectiveAim: Gain insight into the process of obtaining AT in the Faroe Islands, a small-scale remote society, from the AT-users’ perspective.
Methode: A study specific questionnaire was developed. The “provision-process-questions” had questions about the organization of the delivery process. The satisfaction was assessed with the questionnaires KWAZO and the QUEST.
Results: The study enrolled 101 persons aged 8–95. The AT-center performed the application and implementation in 9.6% and 12% of the cases, respectively, and the municipal elderly care-centers in 37.5% and 22.6% of the cases, respectively. There had been no contact with professionals in 29% and 37% of the cases, respectively. According to KWAZO and QUEST the proportion of not satisfaction with ‘Instruction’ was 46.5%, ‘Professional services’ was 37.3% and ‘Follow up’ was 46.8%.
Conclusion: The AT-provision system appeared fragmented and divided between the AT-center, and other care-centers and the AT-center’s role seemed reduced to delivering AT based on other care-centers’ assessments and choice of solution or without professional assistance during the process of allocation and implementation.
AT provision, user satisfaction, user center, quantitative study, small-scale island-societyAlmannaverkið & University of the Faroe Islands (Faroe Islands) | EA Draffan: Exploring Practical Metrics to Support Automatic Speech Recognition Evaluations. (IOS) Exploring Practical Metrics to Support Automatic Speech Recognition Evaluations. Recent studies into the evaluation of automatic speech recognition have shown that using word error rate to evaluate how many mistakes are in a text does not necessarily help the developer to enhance the accuracy of output. Confidence levels as to the type of errors being made remain low because mistranslations from speech to text are not always captured with a note that details the reason for the error. When thinking about situations in higher education where students requiring captions and transcrip-tions have found that some academic lecture results are littered with errors, gaining knowledge is clearly affected. Despite the incredible improvements in general under-standing of conversational automatic speech recognition, these situations include nu-merous domain specific terms and the lecturers may be non-native speakers, coping with recording technology in noisy situations. This paper aims to discuss the way additional metrics are used to capture issues and feedback into the machine learning process to enable enhanced quality of output and more inclusive practices for those using virtual conferencing systems. The process goes beyond what was expressed and examines paralinguistic aspects such as timing, intonation, voice quality and speech understanding. automatic speech recognition, error correction, word error rate, cap-tions, transcriptions, disability, University of Southampton (United Kingdom) | Zsuzsanna Geréb Valachiné: Online Art Therapy Based Self-Help Intervention for Emotional Betterment (Oral only) Online Art Therapy Based Self-Help Intervention for Emotional BettermentIn recent -pandemic- years, there has been a growing need for accessible and convenient mental health support as many individuals have experienced increased stress, anxiety, and other emotional challenges. Digital technology like self-help apps, websites, forms offer individuals a flexible and personalized approach to emotional well-being. Moreover, new generations have grown up with digital technology and are more likely to seek out digital solutions to their problems, including mental health challenges. ELTE EMIND Research Group conducted a series of studies on the investigation of effectiveness and characteristics of the art therapy based online self-help tasks (ATB-SHOT) to support university students during stressful times. This digital, individual method was easily accessible for all students via structured instructions given in google forms via email. Art tasks required no artistic skills. According to qualitative and quantitative analysis of 54 participants, students were able to enhance mood, lower anxiety, gain more self awareness, control, feelings of safety and competence. Correlation analysis revealed that emotional betterment can be enhanced neven with higher trait anxiety, somatic complaints or alexithymia due to ATB-SHOT. Some tasks' texts and images were uniquely investigated from different viewpoints: “Squiggle tasks” was observed to seek understanding how a simple creative task fosters coherent self-consciousness; “Object task” was investigated to see how instructions modify the experience of a self-help intervention.
ATB-SHOT offers an accessible and convenient mental health support continues. The non verbal digital intervention aligns well with the concept of person-centered care: it supports engagement with embodied emotional experiences, helps to identify, express and understand life situations, acceptable even with less verbal fluency (because of cognitive, linguistic or mental states);mitigates social anxiety, time management difficulties and engagement problems which often causes setbacks in face to face therapies. Limitations are lack of social support, drop outs, scare access to computers especially in marginalized populations. Chatrooms, online art therapy galleries, chatbots, email support and other means of technology assessments with prompt feedback might solve these difficulties in the near future. Conscious attention need to be place on the formulation of instructions, artistic, symbolic approach helps to mitigate defense mechanisms, opposition and increase self-care and self-acceptance.
art therapy based online self help, digital mental health serviceEötvös Loránd University Budapest (Hungary) | ||||
Ana Isabel Martins: Design, Development and Testing of Dancemove: a Digital Solution to Promote Physical and Cognitive Training for Older Adults (Oral only) Design, Development and Testing of Dancemove: a Digital Solution to Promote Physical and Cognitive Training for Older AdultsThis study describes the process of designing, developing and testing the user interface of a digital solution aiming to facilitate physical and cognitive training for older adults.
The process included several phases, such as concept ideation, prototype development, and testing of functional mock-ups and prototypes. These phases were essential to creating a fully functional digital technology that meets the real needs and expectations of the users.
Usability tests, including a single evaluation and another after four weeks of home usage, indicated that DanceMove has good usability and acceptance levels and is a feasible intervention for older adults. Even though, some barriers to use were identified, including digital literacy-related issues and digital solution-related issues. The usability issues identified in the testing of the prototype lead the research team to adapt the intervention by including basic IT training in the enrolment of new participants and developing a step-by-step user manual.
Physical and cognitive training, Older adults, DanceMove, Dance-mediated technologyUniversity of Aveiro (Portugal) | Rohini Gaur: Setting Up a Mobility Assistive Technology Centre in an Underserved Part of India: Challenges & Impact (Oral only) Setting Up a Mobility Assistive Technology Centre in an Underserved Part of India: Challenges & Impact There are 26.8 million Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) in India out of which approximately 8.7% reside in the state of Bihar. PwDs from lower-income groups and those residing in remote rural areas have limited or no access to assistive products and expertise affecting their Quality of Life (QOL). The aim of the program was to set up an Assistive Technology (AT) Centre in Bihar, India where a beneficiary can get a host of comprehensive solutions such as neurorehabilitation (which includes physiotherapists and occupational therapists), Assistive Technology aids and appliances, peer mentoring, counseling, etc. under one roof. To date, the Centre has helped 47 beneficiaries between the ages of 19-50, all from lower-income/below-poverty-line households. We aim to present our experience of setting up the AT Centre in Bihar with a focus on the challenges and outcomes at the end of our one-year pilot project. mobility, locomotor, wheelchair, AT centre, skills training, assessment, customization, fitting, Kara Medical Foundation (India) | Claude Vincent: Intersectoral Development of an Evaluation Tool for the Socio-Professional Rehabilitation Process Adapted to People with Autism (IOS) Intersectoral Development of an Evaluation Tool for the Socio-Professional Rehabilitation Process Adapted to People with AutismWith the Centre intégré universitaire de santé et de services sociaux (CIUSSS) de la Capitale-Nationale (Quebec city), CISSS and Integration TSA (a community organization working with autists over 21 years old), the objectives of this project were to adapt a French-language tool to the reality of people with autism enrolled in a work integration program, to validate the content of this tool and to test its feasibility. This tool facilitates the identification of strengths and needs and makes it possible to adjust the level of support or to refer to appropriate work resources. To do this, the Profile of Rehabilitation and Adaptation in a Work Context for People with Intellectual Disabilities (PRACT-PDI) (Tremblay, 2012) was modified according to the scientific literature on autism (PRACT-PTSA). Then, focus groups of 17 experts proceeded to validate its content. The applicability was tested by 3 practitioners with 5 people with autism integrated in an Integration TSA supervised workshop. The tool is an Excel compiler containing 3 informative tabs, 10 tabs on the dimensions of work rehabilitation (59 items) and 4 tabs used to compile the results. The applicability was demonstrated for the PRACT-PTSA in 3 hours over a one-month period. Several improvements could be made. Cross-sectoral development (education, community, health) has made it possible to develop and validate this tool, which can better document the evolution of individuals by identifying their strengths and needs three times over.autism, evaluation tool, work integration program, content validity, socio-professional competencies université laval (Canada) | Patrícia Szabó: Developing an Android-Based Game for Children with Blindness or Low Vision (Oral only) Developing an Android-Based Game for Children with Blindness or Low VisionThe purpose of our research was to create a skill-based game running on the Android platform that is primarily intended for children around the age of 7-12 years. The game is designed to improve the dexterity and hand coordination of the children and can be played by users with blindness or low vision. skill-based game, smartphone, Android, Unity, blind and low visionUniversity of Pannonia (Hungary) |
Coffee Break
16:00 - 16:30
Session 3
16:30 - 18:00
| Track A | Track B | Track C | Track D | Inclusion Forum E | Inclusion Forum F | Inclusion Forum G | Inclusion Forum H |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Auditorium 250 | Auditorium 150 | Room 100 | Room 50 | 3.08 | 3.01 | 3.02 | 3.03 |
Assistive technologies for older adults: a multidimensional perspective (STS) Chairs: Maribel Pino (Lusage Living Lab, Broca Hospital, FR), Anne-Sophie Rigaud (Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, FR) Xavier Del Toro García: Evaluating the Energy Requirements of Assistive Technologies for Older Adults (IOS) Evaluating the Energy Requirements of Assistive Technologies for Older AdultsThe successful adoption of assistive technologies for older individuals requires considering and evaluating many different factors and dimensions such as effectiveness, usability, cost and equity of access, to name some of the most relevant. In line with this, the energy requirements to power such assistive technologies remains a hidden factor that might to some extent influence the success in their adoption and the user experience in a wider sense. Very often the energy availability is taken as granted and its associated costs and deployment issues are highly neglected. In this paper, the energy requirements and associated costs of a use case within the SHAPES project in the context of active and healthy aging are evaluated. This use case includes a wide variety of assistive technologies, namely: wearables, home sensors and a smart mirror providing connectivity and a set of software services. The energy requirements of all these technologies are evaluated and analysed to investigate their impact and relevance on the overall cost and user experience, following a proposed protocol.Energy, wearables, smart mirror, evaluation, older individualsUniversity of Castilla-La Mancha (Spain) | The advancement of AT and AAC for children in Eastern Europe and Central Asia (STS) Chairs: Evert-Jan Hoogerwerf (AAATE, IT), Maurice Grinberg (ASSIST-Assitive Technologies, BG) Katerina Mavrou: Designing Inclusive Learning with the Use of Assistive Technology: Teachers’ Capacity Development in Eastern Europe and Beyond. (Oral only) Designing Inclusive Learning with the Use of Assistive Technology: Teachers’ Capacity Development in Eastern Europe and Beyond.Supporting inclusive education with the use of assistive technology is gaining the attention of a number of initiatives and global players in the area of human rights and children’s protection. At the same time, following the advancements in assistive technology and the needs for digital inclusion in a rapidly digitally transforming world, focus on inclusive education has been connected to the provision and implementation of assistive technology in education. Within this framework UNICEF has turned its efforts in empowering educational systems and the teachers’ communities for developing policies and implementing education for all, with particular focus on the use of both mainstream and assistive technology. This contribution is presenting the method and rationale behind the development of a teachers’ guidelines for the use of assistive technology for inclusive education in Eastern European countries. The design and development of the guide structure and is informed by academic work, UNICEF existing material and resources as well as real-case scenarios from educational practice indicating advancement of inclusive education through the use of assistive technology. Consultation with and feedback from groups and individual educators and experts as representatives of potential users of the AT Teachers’ Guide was obtained in various stages of the development.assistive technology, inclusive education, children, capacity developmentEuropean University Cyprus (Cyprus) | Advanced Technologies for Inclusion and Participation in Education and Labour (STS) Chairs: Christian Bühler (Technical University Dortmund, DE), Susanne Dirks (Technical University Dortmund, DE) Ann Christin Schulz: Strengthening the Inclusiveness in Citizen Science to Improve the Participation of People with Disabilities. (Oral only) Strengthening the Inclusiveness in Citizen Science to Improve the Participation of People with Disabilities. At AAATE participants are introduced to the project “IncluScience”. They will learn about the basic methodological approach, which is essentially based on inclusive citizen science. Together with the participants, this approach will be discussed. Furthermore, the example of the Wheelmap will be presented with the addition of accessibility criteria of specific types of places. The participants will get an exemplary overview of how people with disabilities experience participation. As in the part about the methodological approach, this will also be discussed with the participants. The following questions are conceivable:
• What visions (concerning educational settings) do you see through “IncluScience” with regard to the inclusion of people with disabilities?
• What benefits do you see concerning the consequently consideration of people with disabilities in Citizen Science projects regarding the inclusiveness? Do you also see risks?
Inclusiveness, Citizen Science, Methodology, Inclusive ResearchTU Dortmund (Germany) | AT Outcomes Chairs: Dominique Archambault (Université Paris 8, FR) Mone Iwami: A Pilot Study on the Relationship Between Hand Load and Gait During Walking While Holding on to Furniture in Patients with Hemiplegia Stroke (Oral only) A Pilot Study on the Relationship Between Hand Load and Gait During Walking While Holding on to Furniture in Patients with Hemiplegia Stroke Focusing on the hand load is essential in analyzing walking while holding onto furniture. However, installing sensors inside a house to measure pressure is difficult. Therefore, this study investigated the relationship between gait and hand load, aiming to estimate the hand load from the gait. Two stroke paraplegic patients participated and walked across a parallel support stand instead of furniture. Each evaluation indicator was calculated based on the data acquired by the 3D motion capture system and pressure sensors.
In common with all hand load evaluation indicators, strong positive correlations were observed with maximum trunk lateral flexion angle, maximum pelvis depression angle, stride length, and vertical range of movement of the center of gravity, which showed walking characteristics while holding on to something. Therefore, the above four indicators are likely to be useful reference indicators for estimating hand load from the gait.
Maintenance Rehabilitation, Stroke, Gait Analysis, Biomechanics Marker-less Sensing, Non-contact SensorKeio University (Japan) | Innovation area sessions Valerio Sperati: Assistive Technologies for Kids with Special Needs (Innovation Area Presentations) Assistive Technologies for Kids with Special NeedsThe researchers will present the 3 technological tools developed, as experimental prototypes, in the European project “IM-TWIN: ”from Intrinsic Motivations to Transitional Wearable INtelligent companions for autism spectrum disorder” (https://im-twin.eu/ ):
1) Transitional Wearable Companions: soft, interactive, “smart toys”, to stimulate the social interaction in kids with special needs, aged in 36-60 months; the prototypes of Panda PlusMe and Octopus X-8 will be shown.
2) Camera glasses: sensorised glasses for therapists, to detect and measure – through AI algorithms – the eye contact between child and caregiver;
3) Sensorised T-shirt: a t-shirt for kids aged in 36-60 months, to measure the heart rate and the electrodermal activity. Autism Spectrum Disorder, Artificial Intelligence, smart toysInstitute of Cognitive Sciences and Technologies, National Research Council of Italy, ISTC-CNR (Italy) - More Info | Policy sessions DATEurope: The Funding Landscape for Digital AT in Europe (Policy Session) The Funding Landscape for Digital AT in Europe This session outlines a methodology to address the question of "How are digital assistive technologies funded by European states?" and "Which systems are proving most effective in ensuring that persons with disabilities have access to the digital assistive technology they require?"
In seeking to understand the breadth and depth required, we build upon research (Banes 2016, DFI/Enable Ireland 2017, Thompson 2018), which stressed the vital role that assistive and accessible consumer technologies play in the lives of those with a disability, including access to education and employment and improving the quality of daily life.
Such technologies are increasingly built upon consumer technologies such as mobile phones, tablets and smartspeakers and include communication tools, low vision aids including magnification, navigation and guidance tools and access to mEducation, mHealth and a wide range of social, cultural and leisure activities.
Banes et al. (2019) highlighted funding models as a significant barrier to access to such devices and related products and services. Many funding channels were limited to technologies designed specifically for people with a disability and precluded mainstream devices which could be customised and enhanced for people with a disability. Information regarding such products and features was incorporated into the GSMA MISTT toolkit to promote access to social media and devices' accessibility features.
More recently, the need for change in this area has been raised with UN agencies including WHO, UNICEF and UNESCO in consultancy work related to AT capacity in low- and medium-income countries, access to AAC solutions and analysis of the life stories of people with a disability from across the globe.
To address these issues the session will outline data related to funding streams for Digital Assistive Technologies across Europe with an analysis of those approaches that are most effective. This will include:-
• How are digital devices used by persons with disabilities (including consumer technologies) funded by the target states?
• How are additional hardware peripherals designed for use by persons with a disability funded by the target states?
• How are assistive software and apps for mobile and portable devices funded by the target states?
• What variations in funding and provision can be identified due to the context of use, such as health, education, social welfare (independent living)?
This should include whether there is any variation in funding as a result of other funding mechanisms or systems such as a charitable or philanthropic model, NGO's or direct payments such as that of the NDIS in Australia, the proposed AT Passport in Ireland and other funding mechanisms that provide for both dedicated devices and capacity to fund a combination of the technology platform and necessary software or peripherals. This may lead to identifying an integrated model of provision
Funding, Provision, Procurement, EuropeDavid Banes Access and Inclusion Services Ltd (United Kingdom) - More Info | Educational Sessions Emma Tebbutt: Training in Assistive Products: Introducing the World Health Organization’s Innovative Online Open Access Training Resource to Grow the Global AT Workforce. (Educational Session) Training in Assistive Products: Introducing the World Health Organization’s Innovative Online Open Access Training Resource to Grow the Global AT Workforce. The World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF co-published the Global Report on Assistive Technology (Global Report) in 2022 which showed that there is a large, unmet need for assistive technology worldwide. Recommendation three of the Global Report is to: Enlarge, diversify, and improve human resource capacity. The Global Report suggests that reaching adequate personnel capacity at all levels (community/primary, secondary and tertiary) will demand a combination of AT specialists and generalists, as well as shifting roles of other professionals in task-shifting and task-sharing models.
In this interactive instructional course, WHO will introduce participants to Training in Assistive Products, a new WHO open access resource to support growing the global assistive technology workforce through increasing access to fit-for-purpose training.
Training in Assistive Products (TAP) aims to build capacity at community and primary health care level, to enable the workforce to recognise those who may benefit from assistive products, and to provide simple, priority assistive products safely and effectively. TAP is free and accessible to all.
TAP can also be used to deliver AT curriculum within pre-service education, such as nursing or occupational therapy degrees, or as continuing professional development for many health professionals who wish to add simple AT provision to their skillset.
Participants will learn about TAP, it’s features, functions and uses and will hear from people with experience of implementing TAP. Following this, participants will have the opportunity to interact with TAP, explore the suite of TAP resources, and ask questions.
Training in assistive products, universal health coverage, primary health care, task sharing, online learning, blended learning, open access, integrated service deliveryWHO (Switzerland) - More Info | Educational Sessions Damon Berry: Digital Skills Development to Support Independent Living - the Hands on Shafe Experience (Educational Session) Digital Skills Development to Support Independent Living - the Hands on Shafe Experience20 years ago the European Computer Driving Licence (ECDL) raised digital literacy related to desktop computing in many participating countries. ECDL focused primarily on ICT skills needed for work. Today, digital literacy is not just important for work. It is an important life skill and the lack of digital skills contributes to the digital divide. In the ERASMUS+ funded Hands-on SHAFE project, we have developed a set of learning resources in six European languages to support living independently. The Hands-on SHAFE online resources emphasise digital skills as a core element of contemporary independent living.
This workshop will focus on the experience of researchers from TU Dublin who developed the digital literacy elements of the Hands-on SHAFE online learning resource to support independent living. Our content has a particular focus on mobile technology, wearables and smart home technology. The presenter will provide an overview of the developed digital skills resources.
In the second half of the session, the participants will be enabled to suggest topics that should be included. The workshop output will contribute towards development of an outline syllabus for digital literacy learning content for independent living.
Digital literacy, age-friendly environments, independent living, syllabus, online learning, digital divide, wearables, mobile technology, smart home TU Dublin (Ireland) - More Info |
Bérangère Naudé: Technological and Organizational Challenges for the Use of a DiTV by Older Adults in Geriatric Settings (Oral only) Technological and Organizational Challenges for the Use of a DiTV by Older Adults in Geriatric SettingsDigital Interactive Television (DiTV) systems could be a promising and accessible solution to help meet several psychosocial needs of Older Adults (OAs) living in geriatric institutions. A case study was conducted to identify barriers to DiTV use among geriatric residents to identify accessible specifications for the system. Semi-structured interviews were conducted within 3 French nursing homes already equipped with a DiTV (OAs: n=18; professionals: n=6). Interviews were then processed using a thematic deductive analysis inspired by a European multidimensional health technology assessment model, with a focus on the technological and organizational domains. Results showed that DiTV systems can be well accepted by OAs who recognize the advantage of this system in terms of communication and entertainment. However, its use may be hindered by several technological (e.g., ergonomic issues) and organizational (e.g., workload) factors.Digital Interactive Television; Geriatric Institutions; Health Technology Assessment; Usability; Acceptability | EA Draffan: Reflections on Building a Multi-Country AAC Implementation Guide (IOS) Reflections on Building a Multi-Country AAC Implementation GuideAugmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) implementation at any level is a multifaceted process that requires selection of relevant and appropriate systems to suit individual users who may have complex communication needs and other co-occurring difficulties. Careful and systematic action may be required to develop skills and abilities in the use of chosen technologies with suitable ongoing support within a wide range of settings. The wider milieu in which services are provided must also be considered in order to provide a firm foundation for capacity building alongside con-siderations for multilingual and multicultural factors. UNICEF with the Global Sym-bols team supported by local professionals working with AAC users, their families and carers set out to collaboratively provide an implementation guide based on their experiences in several Eastern European countries. The aim of the guide was to illus-trate work already being undertaken in the area and to ensure the sharing of knowledge and resources where gaps were discovered. The result became a series of linked webpages in an online framework that covered practical aspects for the devel-opment of policies and procedures to support early intervention for those with severe speech, language and communication needs across countries of differing cultures and languages. The actual AAC implementation required ingenuity on all sides with trans-lations for pictographic symbol and software adaptations with Cyrillic and Latin al-phabets, new synthetic voices alongside deployment and capacity development. Con-siderable local support was forthcoming and captured with interviews by those work-ing with AAC users as technology was introduced and outcomes measured. As the guide was completed several videos were shared publicly by carers with examples of AAC and assistive technology use. Policies and procedures were also shared in the form of tables, charts, symbol sets, communication boards and software that illustrat-ed not only the occurrence of knowledge transfer and the use of open licences, but al-so differences in strategies and the way they were adapted to suit the range of settings in the various countries. implementation, AAC, Augmentative and Alternative Communication, disability, symbols, assistive technology, multi-countryUniversity of Southampton (United Kingdom) | Cécile Mazon: Cross-Cultural Evaluation of a Web Application to Support Communication and Collaboration Among Stakeholders of the School Inclusion of Children with ASD (Oral only) Cross-Cultural Evaluation of a Web Application to Support Communication and Collaboration Among Stakeholders of the School Inclusion of Children with ASDThe schooling of children with autism spectrum disorder is a challenge that relies on all stakeholders (families, schools, and medical-social professionals). In many countries, the Individualized Education Plan (IEP) is a monitoring tool of the schooling process, implemented by the aforementioned stakeholders, but they face several barriers to the co-education process. The CoEd web app was designed using participatory methods in France, with interactive services for the children’s follow-up and the three-way collaboration. CoEd applicability was assessed in Belgian cultural context (Walloon territory), as they experiences similar issues.The results showed comparable results between the two countries. The Belgian audience appreciated CoEd and would be ready to use it in real conditions, as is currently the case in France. Thus, this participatory design work developed a tool that meets the needs expressed by the French participants and those of stakeholders beyond French borders.cross-cultural assessment, collaboration, coeducation, inclusive education, participatory design, autism spectrum disorderInria / Université de Bordeaux (France) | Ikushi Yoda: Head Gesture Interface for Mouse Stick Users by AAGI (IOS) Head Gesture Interface for Mouse Stick Users by AAGIWe developed a gesture interface (AAGI) for individuals with motor dysfunction who cannot use standard interface switches. These users have cerebral palsy, quadriplegia, or traumatic brain injury and experience involuntary movement, spasticity, and so on. In this paper, we describe a disabled user who utilizes a mouth stick for laptop PC input in daily life. Our objective is to lower the burden on his body by using gestures. To this end, we developed a “home position” for the head that enables gestures to coexist with the mouse stick usage. The results of basic experiments with five healthy participants indicate that our system has reached the level where it can be applied to actual disabled persons.Gesture interface, support for the motor disabled, mouth stick, AAC, human sensingNational Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST) (Japan) | Daniel S. U. Tamashiro: Multi-Intensity Lower Limb Training with Optimized Neurorehabilitation Using Functional Electrical Stimulation (Milton - Fes) (Innovation Area Presentations) Multi-Intensity Lower Limb Training with Optimized Neurorehabilitation Using Functional Electrical Stimulation (Milton - Fes)The Multi-Intensity Lower Limb Training with Optimized Neurorehabilitation using Functional Electrical Stimulation (MILTON) system is an innovative solution for multi-intensity lower limb training with functional electrical stimulation, designed to help individuals with neurological impairments achieve their therapeutic goals. It includes an exercise bike that integrates functional electrical stimulation with task-specific or motor assistance/resistance activities to optimize outcomes. The system's software provides real-time biofeedback and data tracking, and the extended reality graphical interface tablet keeps patients engaged and motivated. The MILTON system can also monitor vital signs during training sessions, providing valuable insights into patient progress and preventing complications. With its sophisticated approach and customized training, MILTON offers safe and effective therapy for individuals with neurological impairments.functional electrical stimulation, lower limb training, Ergometer, The Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine Institute of the University of Sao Paulo Medical School General Hospital (IMREA-HCFMUSP) (Brazil) - More Info | |||
Sara Comai: Using Wearable Devices in a Healthcare Facility: an Empirical Study with Alzheimer’s Patients (IOS) Using Wearable Devices in a Healthcare Facility: an Empirical Study with Alzheimer’s PatientsSmart Wearables are considered a very promising solution for monitoring and helping people affected by cognitive decline or dementia and, in particular, Alzheimer Disease (AD). In this paper, we evaluate the feasibility and the impact of using bracelets with AD patients requiring caregiving oversight in healthcare facilities. An empirical study has been conducted with a group of patients with mild to moderate AD, wearing wristbands E4 by Empatica for three months. The experiment has been introduced in the normal routine of healthcare activities, involving nurses and physicians. The paper reports the feedback of the caregivers and discusses usability and acceptability issues. Dementia, Alzheimer’s, Wristband, Bracelet, Assistive Technology, Healthcare technology, Nursing home, Monitoring, CaregiverPolitecnico di Milano (Italy) | Maurice Grinberg: Eight Years of AAC in Bulgaria: Achievements and Problems (Oral only) Eight Years of AAC in Bulgaria: Achievements and ProblemsIn 2014, the term Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) was unfamiliar in Bulgaria. It was first introduced in 2015 by ASSIST – Assistive Technologies a foundation created to increase awareness about AAC and ensure its provision in Bulgaria. Since then, significant progress has been made, and the use of AAC is now officially part of the programs for developing inclusive education in Bulgaria. Full or partial financial support for AAC devices has been available for several years from the social institutions like the Ministry of labour and social policy.
At the same time, although reasonable funding is available via various mechanisms, paradoxically the adoption of AAC by professionals – SLPs, resource teachers, occupational therapists, psychologists and others – is not at the level of the existing possibilities and more importantly the existing needs of children with communication needs.
The presentation and analysis of the process of introduction and development of the use of AAC in Bulgaria can be interesting and instructive for other emergent countries in this field and help them benefit from the existing experience and avoid some errors.AAC, introduction and developmentASSIST-Assitive Technologies (Bulgaria) | Christophe Kolski: Design and Prototyping of a Serious Game on Interactive Tabletop with Tangible Objects for Disability Awareness in Companies (IOS) Design and Prototyping of a Serious Game on Interactive Tabletop with Tangible Objects for Disability Awareness in CompaniesThis paper presents elements of user-centered design and prototyping of a serious game. Produced within the framework of the SG-HANDI project, the serious game aims to raise awareness about integration, prevention of professional displacement and job retention of people with disabilities. This serious game is developed on an interactive RFID tabletop with tangible objects. It is intended to be used in a collective context involving one or more facilitators specialized in employment and disability, as well as the company's stakeholders to be made aware of the issue.Serious game, Disability, Accessibility, Employment, Interactive tabletop, User-Centered Design, Tangible interaction, RFIDUNIVERSITE POLYTECHNIQUE HAUTS DE FRANCE (France) | Lisa Hoiry: STAACS3: Simulation Tool for AAC with Single-Switch Scanning (IOS) STAACS3: Simulation Tool for AAC with Single-Switch ScanningIn this paper, we propose a Simulation Tool for Augmentative and Alternative Communication with Single-Switch Scanning (STAACS3) that allows to model and simulate the performance of any type of scanning keyboard whatever a) its keys configuration, b) the scanning strategy used, c) the prediction systems used. We already have described 29 different keyboard configurations with STAACS3, covering the entire proposed design space. We simulated the behavior of these 29 configurations on a corpus of 2000 frequently used words in French. The values range from a low of SPC = 3.23 to a high of SPC = 7.97. In the final version of the article, we will present in detail the design space we have defined, as well as our different scanning keyboard proposals that result from this study. After describing more precisely the functioning of STAACS3, we will analyze the simulation results obtained for different configurations, and the criteria that have a significant impact on the number of scan-steps per character.Text entry, Alternative and Augmentative Communication, Single-Switch Scanning | ||||
Naonori Kodate: Introducing an Air-Disinfection Robot as Assistive Technology Into Residential Care Homes: a Proof-of-Concept Study in Ireland and Japan (Oral only) Introducing an Air-Disinfection Robot as Assistive Technology Into Residential Care Homes: a Proof-of-Concept Study in Ireland and JapanDigital technologies in health and social care are increasingly expected to perform a broader set of functions and roles. A wide range of life support technologies, from electric carts to signal buzzers and communication robots, are attracting attention internationally. While there are great expectations for digitalization and automation of care work, bringing new technologies such as robots into a workplace remains a challenge due to acceptance and usability, as well as reflection of user preferences and needs, including those of care professionals.
On the other hand, care systems are under huge strain, and many countries are faced with demographic challenges as the percentage of older adults is expected to grow. To tackle the workforce shortage and create person-centred care systems, AT have been gradually adopted.
From this standpoint, the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic was transformative, as using assistive technologies (AT) became almost the only safe way of delivering care. The pandemic also heightened the need for security and safety in care settings, with cleanliness and infection control becoming an even more important aspect of care delivery.
Against this background, an original air-disinfection robot was developed for our cross-national research project. The aims of this research therefore were to test how such a robot would be received by care professionals working in residential care homes, and to explore the process by which the robots are introduced as AT into residential care homes in two different countries. The robot was developed and introduced first in Ireland, and following the completion of its eight-week long trial (March-May 2022), the same equipment was transferred to and used in Japan for eight weeks (June-August 2022).
Prior to its instalment in both locations, seven main users (physiotherapists, nurses and social care professionals) working full-time in each residential care home were given personal instructions and training. Semi-structured interviews, ethnographic observations and focus groups were carried out by a team of independent researchers, as care professionals interacted with the robot.
The findings demonstrate that there was significant interest in this robot among the users (i.e. care professionals) in both countries. They had positive perceptions of the robot, primarily because they thought that the robot provided an additional layer of organisational safety and it was easy to use. Initial differences existed in staff’s confidence levels, depending on prior experiences with technologies in Ireland, while no such differences were observed in Japan. The trial introduction process was facilitated by several factors such as the timing of introduction, staff training, user-centred design, and organisational support.
This study (Harmonisation towards the establishment of Person-centred, Robotics-aided Care System) was supported by the Toyota Foundation (D18-ST-0005).assistive technology, digitalization, global aging, care work, technology adoption, robot, safetyUniversity College Dublin, National University of Ireland (Ireland) | Evert-Jan Hoogerwerf: Assessment of AT and AAC Capacity for Children in Ukraine (Oral only) Assessment of AT and AAC Capacity for Children in UkraineThe abstract reports on a study done by the author on AT and AAC capacity in Ukraine. Ukraine, AT Capacity, UNICEFAAATE (Italy) | Bastian Pelka: Using Persona Scenarios to Raise Acceptance of Digital Tools in Social Organizations – Introducing the Easy Reading Framework (IOS) Using Persona Scenarios to Raise Acceptance of Digital Tools in Social Organizations – Introducing the Easy Reading FrameworkThis paper aims to illustrate how a transfer of personas scenarios method into the pedagogical context can succeed and shows how this method's usage can contribute to the increase in user acceptance. Personas are fictitious groups of people that have needs, abilities, and goals. Working with this method enables developers and project participants to identify with the users of their products and their life world. To reach this aim, the EVE4all project and the Easy Reading Framework are used as an example. The Easy Reading Framework is a digital tool that makes Internet websites more accessible to a wide range of people and thus strengthens digital participation and empowerment of the users. The core of the Easy Reading framework is a toolbar, which includes 13 different functions (e.g., options for contrast settings, line spacing adjustments, simple reading modes, translation) to access Internet websites more easily. Thus, this paper aims to answer the following research questions.
What is necessary to achieve acceptance of users and multiplier throughout the technology implementation process in social institutions?
What application opportunities do personas scenarios offer in the pedagogical and educational context?
To answer these research questions, the experiences of the EVE4all project are used to exemplify how technologies can be introduced in formal and informal social contexts (e.g., social welfare organizations, schools, and supported homes). As a result, this paper presents the personas scenarios as a concrete way to achieve acceptance in the institutions when working with Easy Reading.
Digital Inclusion, Accessibility, Persona ScenarioTU Dortmund (Germany) | Katsutoshi Oe: Proposal and Prototype of an Esophageal Speech Training Device Using Myoelectric Signals (Oral only) Proposal and Prototype of an Esophageal Speech Training Device Using Myoelectric SignalsPatients who undergo a laryngectomy, for treatment of laryngeal cancer, lose their vocal source function and therefore lose their voice. Esophageal speech is used to help these patients regain their voices. Although this method can be used hands-free and has high speech intelligibility, it is difficult to learn, requiring more than six months of practice, and the percentage of patients who learn it is as low as 60-70%. This is thought to be because an objective practice method has not been established.
Therefore, we have been developing a device to analyze and visualize the activity of muscles used in esophageal speech, which will enable efficient practice. In this report, we describe the results of our study of signal processing methods for measuring the myoelectric potential signals of the hyoid muscle and diaphragm, which are active during esophageal speech. In addition, we have developed a prototype myoelectric measurement device using an Arduino and tested its operation.
Esophageal speech, myoelectric signal, training device, speech production substitutesNippon Bunri University (Japan) | ||||
Claude Vincent: Design of Instructional Videos for People with Autism who Want to Learn About Grocery Store Work: a Community, Business, Educational and Health Partnership (IOS) Design of Instructional Videos for People with Autism who Want to Learn About Grocery Store Work: a Community, Business, Educational and Health PartnershipIn order to facilitate the integration of people with autism into the food industry labour market, this project aimed to design, validate and test instructional videos to concretely demonstrate various tasks in the grocery store, and to probe interest and assess knowledge about these tasks. It was also designed for mentors to familiarize them with the characteristics of autism. A four-stage developmental research and iterative validation study was conducted. The participants were 12 grocery store clerks, 2 occupational therapy students, 5 researchers, 6 individuals with autism, and 3 practitioners from social and vocational training organizations. Cross-sectoral development (business, education, community, health) resulted in the delivery of 21 instructional videos for individuals with autism and 21 for mentors. The tasks are in fish (5), cheese and deli (4), bakery and pastry (3), ready-to-eat (3), fruits and vegetables (2), cashier (2) and grocery (2). Four people with autism from the same community organisation tried 9 different videos. They identified their "like/neutral/dislike" interest in each task viewed, pointed out disturbing elements, and answered questions about the videos. The videos were used by three individuals with autism and their mentor beginning employment at IGA business, on the open access platform in Cirris research products.autism, employment, grocery, mentorship, coaching, instructional video université laval (Canada) | Mohammad Shamim Ansari: Acoustic Properties of Hearing Aid Processed and Unprocessed Speech Sound: an Evaluation of Hearing Aid Performance (Oral only) Acoustic Properties of Hearing Aid Processed and Unprocessed Speech Sound: an Evaluation of Hearing Aid PerformanceIntroduction:
The most common treatment to SNHL is hearing aid fitting and cochlear implantation. However, about 20% of populations acquire hearing aids. Among them, about 30% are not satisfied with hearing aid that can lead to undesirable consequences, such as discontinued hearing aid use, cognitive decline, and poor quality of life. Many factors can contribute to poor aided speech understanding, including hearing aid features and patient variables (e.g., age, attention, motivation, and biology). However, hearing aid feature as a large portion of the variance in outcomes remains unexplained. Souza and Tremblay (2006) suggested hearing aid feature & performance variability as a possible source of poor speech intelligibility and opined that acoustic content of the amplified signal and its relation to speech perception can be studied to quantify the hearing aid ability to mimic the natural speech. Therefore, it is intended to study the acoustic characteristics of hearing aid processed and unprocessed speech sound.
Method:
The speech units consisting of consonant-vowel (voiceless /pa/, /ta/, /ka/ and voiced /ba/, /da/, /ga/) (CV) syllables were used in this experiment. The syllables were digitally recorded from an Indian Female speaker and stored directly on computer disc with a sample rate of 20 kHz and 16-bit resolution. The stimuli were presented at approx 65dB to Dr. Speech (Tiger Electronics Inc USA) instrument directly and through the hearing aid. The speech stimuli in these two conditions were analyzed and compared in their acoustic parameters.
Results
The preliminary report suggests the acoustic parameters of unprocessed and hearing aid processed speech stimuli differ significantly for voiceless CV stimuli. The VOT and F0 were the primary affected parameters; Formant F4 was severely altered and Nasalance measure was greater for voiceless CV in hearing aid processed speech. This could be the primary reasons for poor perception of speech, reduced use of hearing aid and/or rejection of hearing aid.
Conclusion: The study supplies experimental evidence of altered speech parameters of speech through hearing aid. This possibly can help hearing aid manufactures to improve hearing aid circuitry and quality to prevent the changes in hearing aid processed speech for better speech intelligibility to hearing aid users. Further, this information can also be used by the hearing health care professionals to give realistic expectation from hearing aid and provide necessary informational counseling. This may foster better acceptance of hearing aid in geriatric population which may avoid the hearing loss related additional issues in geriatric population.
Hearing loss, Hearing Aid, Processed Speech, Acoustic Parameter AYJNISHD (D) (India) |
Break
18:00 - 18:30
Cocktail
18:30 - 20:30
Conference Day 2
2023-08-31
Session 4
08:30 - 10:30
| Track A | Track B | Track C | Track D | Inclusion Forum E | Inclusion Forum F | Inclusion Forum G | Inclusion Forum H |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Auditorium 250 | Auditorium 150 | Room 100 | Room 50 | 3.08 | 3.01 | 3.02 | 3.03 |
Assistive solutions for person-centred integrated care (STS) Chairs: Mac MacLachlan (ALL Institute, Maynooth University, IE), Michael Cooke (Maynooth University, IE) Melanie Labor: Mechanisms for the Participatory Governance of Technologically-Mediated Health and Social Care (IOS) Mechanisms for the Participatory Governance of Technologically-Mediated Health and Social CareThis paper describes the development of a governance model for the on-going Horizon 2020 SHAPES ‘Smart and Healthy Ageing through People Engaging in Supportive Systems’ project (grant agreement number 857159), which has taken steps to address these concerns through an iterative, co-creation approach that actively involves end-users, e.g., patients, HCPs, family members, researchers, SMEs, and legal and ethical experts. In this paper we explore how a health network, mediated by a core platform and a technological ecosystem, can be governed to facilitate both the integration of the health and social care sectors, and the active participation of all relevant stakeholders.network, governance, digital health, health and care sector integration, participatory governanceMaynooth University (Ireland) | User participation in design Chairs: Dominique Archambault (Université Paris 8, FR) Caroline Kurek: How to Consider the Real Benefit of an Assistive Technology for Visually Impaired People: Test in Real-Life with a Controlled Environment. (Oral only) How to Consider the Real Benefit of an Assistive Technology for Visually Impaired People: Test in Real-Life with a Controlled Environment.Consideration of the effectiveness of new technologies known as electronic head-mounted aids for visually impaired people (e-LVAs) is based primarily on functional vision tests. While the focus should be on the ability of these systems to provide visual benefits, it is also necessary to ensure that these benefits can be translated into practical use. Indeed, e-LVAs are intended to help with activities of daily living and therefore also to meet the requirements of the environment. In this study, we test one of these e-LVAs through activities of daily living in vivo (at home) and in a controlled-apartment (Homelab - Vision Institute, Paris XII), to understand how and where this type of assistive technology can help visually impaired users in their daily lives.Real-life testing, low vision, electronic head-mounted aids, usabilityStreetlab - Institut de la Vision (France) | Digital Inclusion and Competence Development (STS) Chairs: Katerina Mavrou (European University Cyprus, CY), Evert-Jan Hoogerwerf (AAATE, IT) Maria Mouka: Digital Inclusion for Persons with Intellectual Disabilities: a Comprehensive Literature Review From “Right to Connect” (Oral only) Digital Inclusion for Persons with Intellectual Disabilities: a Comprehensive Literature Review From “Right to Connect”The digital revolution has altered the way we live, learn, stay connected, and work. Digital skills are necessary for all to participate in different areas of life. However, a digital divide exists that impacts persons with intellectual disabilities in particular, especially after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, due to restricted digital access. In the framework of the EU co-funded project “Right to Connect: digital inclusion for persons with intellectual disabilities”, a comprehensive literature review was conducted, to create a competence framework for persons with intellectual disabilities and their supporters, in the context of a co-design methodology for the creation of an online learning platform. The aim of this comprehensive literature review was to record the state-of-the art knowledge in terms of challenges of digital literacy and social media usage by adults with intellectual disabilities. The stages of the methodology were: A) Formulation of 6 research questions. B) Definition of illegibility criteria and C) Keywords for the queries. D) Use of different databases. E) Different queries were run, resulting to the identification of 244 publications. F) Codification of tables according to the research questions. G) Analysis of findings using basic descriptive quantitative analysis and qualitative (thematic analysis) methodology. Findings of the review indicated that persons with intellectual disabilities have less access to ICT and fewer opportunities to learn how to use it, and research identified was associated mostly with access issues. Also, findings regarding the investigation of perceptions and practices of individual persons as participants were included, as well as information about their gender representation and origin. Areas of good practices were categorized, and barriers were classified. Both persons with intellectual disabilities and their carers or trainers should have the digital competences to use ICT, whereas performing web searches and emailing, use of social media and YouTube, as well as safety concerns were recurring issues. Persons with intellectual disabilities were reported to use digital technology to a great extent for social media and social networking. Nevertheless, this entails dangers such as bullying or sexual exploitation. Ultimately, the literature reviewed acknowledged the importance of various levels and tools of participatory research, in an iterative process.
Accessibility, Digital Inclusion, Intellectual DisabilitiesEuropean University Cyprus (Greece) | Universal Design in Education (UDE) across the Entire lifecycle (STS) Chairs: Gerald M. Craddock (Centre for Excellence in Universal Design, IE), Silvio Pagliara (Ausilioteca Mediterranea Onlus - GLIC Associate Board Member, IT), Donal Fitzpatrick (Centre for Excellence in Universal Design, IE) Dympna O’Sullivan: Inclusion4EU: Co-Designing a Framework for Inclusive Software Design and Development (IOS) Inclusion4EU: Co-Designing a Framework for Inclusive Software Design and Development Inclusive or accessible design is a process where the needs of specific groups of people such as older adults or persons with disabilities are specifically considered in the design of technology products and services. The practice is gaining recognition in university Computer Science curricula. However, we know from experience that scant university courses involve students working with persons from diverse backgrounds including older adults or those with disabilities in order to design and develop software that support their needs. Many Computer Science lecturers do not have the requisite training to facilitate collaborative design and development sessions involving these stakeholders. Computer Science lecturers require upskilling in the multi-disciplinary area of co-design – the act of creating with stakeholders to ensure the results meet their needs. We argue that inclusive software design in a crucial component of Computer Science student’s education.
To address gaps in Computer Science lecturers’ and students’ knowledge and application of inclusive design practices, a group of European Universities have developed a consortium, Inclusion4EU, funded under the Erasmus+ Strategic Partnership programme. The aim of Inclusion4EU is to develop new curricula, best practices and learning resources for teaching inclusive design techniques and practices to Computer Science students. This project is explorin ways in which inclusive human-centred design can be incorporated into the software development process and looking at how to develop teaching materials to enable academic students and subsequent industry practitioners to gain a wider appreciation of the software design process through authentic partnerships with end-users. Our planned project activities include 1. Reports on good and bad practices in software design, researched and created by pan-European partners; 2. A survey of European institutions about their current practices and future needs for teaching inclusive software design 3; Co-design sessions including participants from across Europe to create a shared European understanding around the needs, capabilities and preferences of older adults and people with disabilities for inclusive technology; 4; The publication of a co-created framework for inclusive software engineering which will include design patterns, guidelines and checklists to maximize technology inclusion; 5. The creation of a European Community of Practice on inclusive software design align that will strongly with European Digital Inclusion initiatives.
Inclusive Technology Design, Software Engineering, Older Adults, Persons with Disabilities Dympna O'Sullivan (Ireland) | Innovation area sessions Reto Togni: Steering-by-Leaning: a Novel Principle for Motion Control in Manual Wheelchairs (Innovation Area Presentations) Steering-by-Leaning: a Novel Principle for Motion Control in Manual WheelchairsIn manual wheelchairs, every change or adjustment of direction is associated with one-handed braking which results in energy loss and the need for re-acceleration. Directional control therefore significantly contributes to the physiological energy cost of wheelchair propulsion, is hazardous to users’ health and has been described as frustrating.
With “steering-by-leaning”, we aim to remove these adverse conditions. With such a system engaged, the orientation of the front wheels and hence of the direction of travel is controlled by a laterally tilting backrest and users are allowed to steer wheelchair movement by leaning into curves. Equally, straightforward movement is maintained by sitting upright, also when moving along tilted surfaces such as pavements where conventional wheelchairs tend to veer off.
The results are improved energy efficiency and easy one-handed propulsion, all while offering intuitive motion control to wheelchair users across a surprisingly broad functional spectrum.
manual wheelchair, steering, leaning, trunk, activityETH Zürich (Switzerland) - More Info | Policy sessions WHO, GAATO and GDIHub: Towards WHO Global Guidelines on the Provision of Assistive Technology – Journeying Together (Policy Session) Towards WHO Global Guidelines on the Provision of Assistive Technology – Journeying TogetherIn 2024 the World Health Organization (WHO) will begin development of Global guidelines on the provision of assistive technology. WHO guidelines contain evidence based recommendations for clinical practice or public health policy. Recommendations are designed to help end-users including service users, service providers and policy makers make informed decisions on whether, when and how to undertake specific actions. During this session, speakers from the World Health Organization (WHO), Global Alliance of Assistive Technology Organizations (GAATO) and Global Disability Innovation (GDI) Hub will describe the guideline development process, the potential impact Global guidelines on the provision of assistive technology may have, and share findings from an initial scoping review and consultations. Join us to hear how stakeholders can contribute, and for an opportunity to share your perspectives and hopes for the future Guidelines. policy, guidelines, provision, service deliveryWHO (Switzerland) - More Info | Educational Sessions Bard Wartena: Requirements and Design Principles for Co-Design Workshops Involving People with a Visual Impairment (Educational Session) Requirements and Design Principles for Co-Design Workshops Involving People with a Visual ImpairmentCo-design workshops can be used to involve people with visual impairments in the design process of assistive technology. These workshops bring together designers, researchers, and people with visual disabilities to develop and refine design concepts collaboratively. However, when designing with people with visual disabilities, it is important to use methods that take into account their specific needs and capabilities. Most design methods rely heavily on creative cooperation through visual affordances; this makes using them in co-design with people with visual disabilities a challenge. The project “Inclusive Innovation” focuses on finding requirements and design principles necessary to facilitate inclusive co-design through design methods.
The educational session will focus on sharing and distributing the knowledge gained during the project. Through a multitude of practices with different formats of co-design methods and workshops, design requirements and principles where found. With these project managers, educators and other professionals that work with people with visual impairments, can prepare and develop their own workshops
project. During the session the first part will be a presentation on the requirements and design principles and how they were gathered. The second part will be on how to apply them in their own practices through a short workshop-format supported by a Canvas.
Visual Impairment, Participatory Design, Design Methods, NHL-Stenden University of Applied Sciences (Netherlands) - More Info | |
Richard Lombard-Vance: Barriers to and Facilitators of Participation in Health and Social Care Governance: Categories and Cross-Cutting Themes From a Survey of SHAPES Project Partners (IOS) Barriers to and Facilitators of Participation in Health and Social Care Governance: Categories and Cross-Cutting Themes From a Survey of SHAPES Project PartnersDesigning health and social care (HSC) systems in line with the principles of integrated care is desirable to improve quality, efficiency, and stakeholder experiences. Governance is an integral element of care provision, open to redesign in alignment with humanitarian values, rights-based care, participation, inclusion, person-centredness, and improved HSC experiences and outcomes.
We aimed to gain insight into existing governance structures and processes and participation experiences across Europe. Using an empirical, survey method, we consulted partner organisations across the SHAPES Project, a healthy and active ageing Innovation Action consortium. Our objectives were:
-Expand the list of known, relevant stakeholders for consideration in the SHAPES collaborative governance model,
-Explore how a range of stakeholders participate in HSC governance, and
-Develop an inventory of related barriers and facilitators.
Survey development was informed by findings from a SHAPES Project dialogue workshop, and was structured as a matrix. Rows represented stakeholders in HSC governance. Respondents were invited to add additional stakeholders. Columns represented levels of participation in HSC governance, ordered by degree of participation within the participants’ own settings, or in more abstract and universal terms. Respondents were invited to input specific barriers and facilitators. We distributed our consultation to the SHAPES Project network of academic and research institutions, SMEs, care providers, and NGOs. Numerical codes were assigned to responses that explicated barriers or facilitators, which were in turn grouped into manageable categorisations. Cross-cutting themes were drawn from the data, using thematic analysis.
We received N=18 consultation survey responses. Respondents largely completed the survey on behalf of whole organisations. Numerous additional stakeholders were provided. A large number of unique barriers and facilitators (circa 150) were reported. Thematic analysis was used to categorise barriers and facilitators into 19 superordinate categories. Cross-cutting themes were also assembled, including: dimensionality and flux; power; opportunity and environments (incl. structures, supports, inclusion, equity); interest, motivation, and choice; valuing governance participation, and duality of barriers and facilitators.
This work allows a wide range of stakeholders to be considered in the SHAPES collaborative governance model and future research. Our method permitted the collection of very specific barriers and facilitators (e.g., provision of specific forms of ICT) and more general or universal factors (e.g., integrated care), which we rationalised into manageable categories. Cross cutting themes allowed contextualisation and understanding of universalities and common issues. Participation is modifiable and extendable with appropriate intervention. We suggest numerous examples of intervention targets or mechanisms.
governance, participation, older adults, barriers & facilitatorsMaynooth University (Ireland) | Cristina Costantini and Claudia Salatino: The Importance of the User'S Cognitive Skills and Opinions in Evaluating the Outcome of Assistive Technologies – the Attain Protocol (Oral only) The Importance of the User'S Cognitive Skills and Opinions in Evaluating the Outcome of Assistive Technologies – the Attain ProtocolThe longitudinal observational pilot study ATTAIN (Outcomes of ICT Assistive Technology in RehabiliTAtIoN Pathways) aims to improve the quality of prosthetic intervention and verify the adequacy of assistive devices, and measurement outcomes. Fifty patients in need of prosthetic interventions for Augmentative Alternative Communication, computer accessibility, and environmental control will be recruited within the DAT Unit of the Fondazione Don Carlo Gnocchi “IRCCS S.Maria Nascente” in Milan. At baseline (T0) a physician and a psychologist will perform a clinical evaluation and the AT outcome assessment. The participants will be contacted for the follow-up phase (T1) 3 to 6 months after having received the assistive solution. At T1 clinicians will readminister the AT outcome assessment. In order to make the assessment accessible to all participants, these tests and questionnaires will be administered on Windows PCs, using Grid3 software, or on a specifically created accessible web page.ICT AT; AAC AT; AAL AT; Assistive Technology; Outcome assessmentUniversity of Milan-Bicocca & IRCCS Fondazione Don Carlo Gnocchi ONLUS (Italy) | Sofia Michailidou: Training a Child with Blindness on the Basic Use of Computer with the Aim of Internet Socialization; an Intervention Program (IOS) Training a Child with Blindness on the Basic Use of Computer with the Aim of Internet Socialization; an Intervention ProgramIn this thesis, entitled "Training a child with blindness on the basic use of computer with the aim of internet socialization; an intervention program" the basic use of computer in an eleven-year-old student with visual impairments is first attempted. A key tool for achieving this is the screen reader “NVDA” as well as the creation of a structured educational program. The purpose of the intervention is to enhance the student's technological skills, to become familiar with assistive technology and to utilize it for his internet socialization. The evaluation of the intervention results has been done in two areas: a) testing of knowledge and skills in the basic use of computers (evaluation before and after intervention), b) measuring the social network, the self-esteem and the social support and c) analyzing the content of the student's written speech with criterion for the social adjustment (pre- and post-intervention evaluation). The analysis of the data which have been collected from the research tools will be quantitative and qualitative. blindness, assistive technology, educational program, internet socializationUniversity of Macedonia (Greece) | Donal Fitzpatrick: Universal Design in Education (UDE) Across the Life Course: Applying a Systems Framework to Create an Inclusive Experience for All (IOS) Universal Design in Education (UDE) Across the Life Course: Applying a Systems Framework to Create an Inclusive Experience for AllUniversal Design IS OFTEN defined as: “the design and composition of an environment so that it can be accessed, understood and used to the greatest extent possible by all people, regardless of their age, size, ability or disability” This includes public places, the built and digital environments, services and systems. Universal Design is not a special requirement for the benefit of a minority of the population. It is a fundamental condition of good design. Universal Design and inclusion are key to achieving the right to education and training as enshrined in the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), the first legally binding instrument to contain a reference to the concept of quality inclusive education and training. This clearly articulates the importance of Universal Design as the preferred approach to an inclusive society.
This paper outlines methods whereby a systems approach can be applied to various aspects of education across the life continuum. The importance of ensuring that the design and composition of environments (both digital and physical), as well as underlying policies, will be discussed. A range of examples at the Macro, Mezo and Micro levels across education will be described, as well as practical guidance on how to expedite the paradigm shift needed to make inclusive education a reality for all students, including those with disabilities. Universal Design,Education,UNCRPD,Centre for Excellence in Universal Design (Ireland) | Ibrahim Cherradi: Keynoa Assistive Technologies - Seeing with the Fingers (Innovation Area Presentations) Keynoa Assistive Technologies - Seeing with the FingersKeynoa is an Assistive Technologies Platform designed for blind and visually impaired individuals, offering effective solutions to support their education, inclusion, and accessibility. The platform introduces the concept of “Seeing With The Fingers”. By producing gentle vibrations on the fingers it allows the users to read digital text in any language, sense colors, feel objects and evaluate their distance, read maps and other pedagogic graphic images, etc.
With Keynoa, the users can also write digital text in any language by producing simple finger taps.
Keynoa platform offers hardware and software tools comprising (1) the Keynoa Rings, a hand wearable device that consist of five finger rings and a controller, which communicate with smartphones via Bluetooth. Keynoa Rings converts digital information into vibrations on the fingers, and finger-taps to digital characters. (2) The Keynoa App, a mobile application that operates in tandem with the Keynoa Rings to offer the users the possibility to “See With The Fingers”.Keynoa, AT, Blind, Rings, Vibrations, Taps, FingersKeynoa (Austria) - More Info | Susanne Dirks: How to Train People with Disabilities Across Europe to Provide Feedback on Web Accessibility Issues (Educational Session) How to Train People with Disabilities Across Europe to Provide Feedback on Web Accessibility IssuesThe Web Accessibility Directive (WAD) requires public sector bodies' websites and mobile apps to be accessible to all users and to document and monitor their accessibility. This includes a feedback mechanism to report barriers and request accessible information on content that has been published in a non-accessible format. Reports from EU member states show that there is almost no feedback on still existing barriers. The UPowerWAD project funded by the Erasmus+ Programme aims to bridge that gap by raising awareness for accessibility issues and empowering and training people with disabilities to take active participation in the implementation of the WAD.
In this workshop, we will discuss and adopt a model curriculum on how to train people with disabilities to provide relevant and actionable feedback on web accessibility issues across Europe. The workshop is particularly focused on integrating national requirements and resources into the developed model curriculum.
The workshop will start with an overview of goals of the UPowerWAD project, focusing on the presentation of the developed model curriculum. From there, the adaptation of the curriculum to the needs of the different member states will be discussed, and strategies on how to successfully implement the scaling up process will be developed.
eAccessibility, Web Accessibility Directive, VET providers, digital inclusionTechnical University Dortmund (Germany) - More Info | ||
Sari Sarlio-Siintola: SHAPES Ethical Framework and the Need for Support Services When Using Digital Tools (Oral only) SHAPES Ethical Framework and the Need for Support Services When Using Digital Tools
Digitalization is changing the moral division of labour in the welfare sector between service users and service providers. Many everyday processes, including the provision of care, are automated. This paper discusses the relevance and necessity of various support services as part of the digital care service provision for older people. The importance of informed consent and decision making for the choice of services must be highlighted. Regular assessment of the suitability of services in accordance with the principles of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) is essential. General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and trust in digital tools impose several requirements on support services. Finally, the need of support services for care providers should also be taken into account since their work processes are changing. Therefore, the focus on the research and development should be on the creation of needed services around the digital tools - instead of regarding digital tools as services in their own right.
older persons, care providers, digital tools, support servicesLAUREA UAS (Finland) | Kim Daniels: Cocreation with Community-Dwelling Older Adults to Develop a Mobile Health Application for Promoting Physical Activity and Healthy Active Lifestyle (Oral only) Cocreation with Community-Dwelling Older Adults to Develop a Mobile Health Application for Promoting Physical Activity and Healthy Active LifestyleTechnology shows high potential in supporting elder in their physical activities. The aim is to develop a technology-driven program (TDP), which appeals to the elder population and motivates them to be more active. To achieve that, an insight into the needs and requirements of older adults with regard to exercise and the use of technology is needed. A survey was send to the target population and interviews were conducted. Respectively, a descriptive and a thematic analysis was applied. Also, two cocreation sessions were performed in order to create the concept of the TDP. Participants identified barriers to engage in exercise, ranking time as one, followed by perseverance and lack of a peer. The majority is open to the use of technology in the context of exercise. During the cocreation sessions medium, content and social aspects were discussed. New technologies may be valuable in promoting active behaviour. The key challenge is to develop TDP's tailored to the target population.Healthy Aging, Physical Activity, Older adults, technology - driven exercise program, Ageing, M - HealthPXL, University of Applied Sciences and Arts (Belgium) | Katerina Mavrou: Building Capacity of Early Childhood Educators for the Use of ICT and Assistive Technology in Inclusive Education: the Skate Competency Framework (Oral only) Building Capacity of Early Childhood Educators for the Use of ICT and Assistive Technology in Inclusive Education: the Skate Competency Framework This contribution aims at presenting the methodology and process of developing a competency framework for educators on the use of ICT and Assistive Technology for Inclusive Education. The competency framework was designed and developed for the purposes of the SKATE project, co-funded by the European Commission. A co-design approach was followed involving educators in the field of early childhood education, disability and assistive technology, including teachers, rehabilitation professionals, social workers, and other. The co-design approach employed methods of Delphi Study, joint learning activities, collaborating methodologies such as the jigsaw method, in which 32 stakeholders participated. Through this approach the core elements identified as competency areas have been defined. Subsequently, specific competences were articulated under each are, which were then refined by the co-design participants and finally developed into learning outcomes. Based on the areas of competencies identified a set of Guidelines was also developed. The SKATE Competency Framework together with the Guidelines constitute the foundation on which learning programmes for educators professional development have been designed and are currently validated in the project’s partner countries.digital competencies, digital literacy, inclusive education, ICT-AT, early childhood educationEuropean University Cyprus (Cyprus) | Mathew Martin Poothullil: Measuring Accessibility of Higher Educational Institution’s Websites for Digital Inclusion (Oral only) Measuring Accessibility of Higher Educational Institution’s Websites for Digital InclusionWebsites are today the face of an organization in the virtual space, with a global reach. The Universities are organizations (in India) offering higher education. They use their websites and social media platforms for education and the dissemination of information. Accessibility of these websites and social media platforms will be the test of their global reach to their students in terms of digital inclusion. The Information and Technology (IT) Act 2000 of India and its amendment in 2022, is silent on the subject of accessibility for persons with disabilities. During the times of the Covid-19 pandemic, where human interaction has become, limited and is often not even a possibility, the failure of technology resulted in increasing isolation and marginalization, and in a few cases, even a breakdown of the system for persons with disabilities in terms of education. However, the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) guidelines, which have been ratified by the Govt. of India, in 2007 of which Article 9.2 (g) & (h) lay down that, states should facilitate access for persons with disabilities for education, for new information and communication technologies, especially the Internet. In fact the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act 2016, did insist that accessibility compliance is mandatory and applicable to both the public as well as private sectors in India. One of the aims of the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) is to assess and accredit institutions of higher education in the country and lay special emphasis on upholding the quality of higher education in India. The websites of 137 Central and State Universities with NAAC accreditation were used for the present study. The study aimed at evaluating the websites and social media platforms in terms of media tools for information, education, dissemination, accessibility, design and interactive participatory features for students with disabilities for higher education. The study indicated that 24.8 per cent websites under study and 57.1 per cent Central Universities’ websites offered information in the regional language. None of the Central University websites passed the Markup validation test, except three State Universities. Only 25.5 per cent of the websites of NAAC accredited Central and State Universities in India passed the cascading style sheet (CSS) validation and 8.8 per cent mobile phone validation test. Even though 67.2 per cent of them used videos, images and photographs in websites that had social media platforms, few (17%) of them provided alternative text or audio description for the visuals. The majority of the websites under study provided downloadable information and participatory features, but very few of them offered accessibility features that demonstrated digital inclusion.Higher Education, Universities, Accessibility, Information, Dissemination, Digital convergence, Websites, Media, Persons with disabilities, Disability communicationAYJNISHD MUMBAI UNDER DEPwD, Ministry of Social Justice &Empowerment, Govt. of India. (India) | Mona Jamois: Tech Innovation for Arm Mobility (Innovation Area Presentations) Tech Innovation for Arm Mobility ORTHOPUS is a social and tech company developing a range of robotic assistive devices for arm mobility.
ORTHOPUS is the first hardware company in the healthcare sector that combines a strong social objective with high tech expertise. Promoting fair and open healthcare, ORTHOPUS defends access to innovative technologies at the service of the human gesture. The company wishes indeed to participate in improving access to assistive technology globally through training, fair pricing, transparency, customization and co-design with users.
The ORTHOPUS Supporter is the first product part of the ORTHOPUS’ range of robotic assistive devices adaptable to all types of upper limb disabilities.
This new innovative robotic arm device lightens the arm to support motions, including 2 modes: a STATIONARY mode locking at the chosen height, and a FREE mode accompanying the movements. To facilitate the acceptance of the device for users, the ORTHOPUS Supporter comprises customizable elements.
Robotics, Motor disability, Upper-limb, Innovation, Rehabilitation, Medical Device, Arm mobility, Startup, Muscular dystrophy, Work-related musculoskeletal disorders ORTHOPUS (France) - More Info | |||
Marco Manso: SHAPES Marketplace: Transparency, Trust and Fair Competition in the Healthy Ageing Market (IOS) SHAPES Marketplace: Transparency, Trust and Fair Competition in the Healthy Ageing MarketAccess to digital health and care solutions and services that promote healthy ageing, independent living, and ageing in place is limited due to significant market barriers and challenges. The SHAPES Platform addresses the challenge of ageing populations by developing a sociotechnical ecosystem comprising a variety of health and care digital solutions, tools and services to enable and facilitate active, independent, and healthy ageing at home. Within the SHAPES Platform, the SHAPES Marketplace serves as a one-stop-shop for digital solutions and services designed for the Silver Economy that target the smart and healthy ageing and independent living markets. Delivering a dynamic catalogue of health and care digital solutions and services, the Marketplace promotes a transparent expansion of the market offer on digital solutions and services for healthy ageing and independent living on a pan-European scale, thereby preventing vendor lock-in and enhancing the agile competitiveness of the health and care industry, particularly in Europe.Marketplace, digital solutions, transparency, trust, competition, SMART Thinking MatrixEDGENEERING (Portugal) | Karin Slegers: Design Thinking Used to Develop a VR Protocol for Arm and Hand Rehabilitation After Stroke (Oral only) Design Thinking Used to Develop a VR Protocol for Arm and Hand Rehabilitation After StrokeThe method of design thinking was used to develop a VR protocol for arm and hand rehabilitation after stroke. Stakeholders included researchers, physical therapists and occupational therapists, and VR specialists. A working prototype where real life activities could be performed in a garden, was tested with both stroke patients and health care professionals. Using VR in arm and hand rehabilitation proves to be promising. Further research on effectiveness and implementation is necessary.rehabilitation, stroke, virtual realityZuyd University of Applied Sciences (Netherlands) | Sarah Gavra Boland: Engage Ppi Toolkit : Co-Designing an Accessible Ppi Toolkit with Adults with Intellectual Disabilities to Support Inclusive Research (Oral only) Engage Ppi Toolkit : Co-Designing an Accessible Ppi Toolkit with Adults with Intellectual Disabilities to Support Inclusive Research The Engage PPI Toolkit project was done in response to the growing need for Patient & Public Involvement (PPI) in research, especially in health and social care in order to deliver person-centered care. Many people in Research know the importance of early, meaningful, and regular involvement of individuals supported. Doing this remains a challenge. We carried out a Literature review by reading research papers about Public and Patient Participation.
We found many existing toolkits and resources to support PPI in research, but we could not find one that supported people with disabilities to fully engage in PPI-driven research and support co-researchers in a meaningful way. Such tools are not readily accessible research to many participants or researchers with disabilities. ENGAGE project started in St John of God Liffey Services (SJOG) and funded by the St John of God Research Foundation. The aim was to co-design an inclusive toolkit that could support people of all abilities to participate at every stage of the research process.
In this PPI toolkit we have included how we co-designed videos and multimedia guides to support more people to understand research and how to be good PPI advocates.
The videos offer step by step instructions on the actions that need to be taken in carrying out inclusive PPI research. It focuses on What We Do activities, What We Make outputs and how it can support others, Outcomes and what we learned from the ENGAGE project.
Key lessons learned from previous research.
1. Neighbours, community members, educators or individuals who work with or people who support others are important people to talk to and they can share important information about individuals’ supported needs and challenges.
2. PPI reporting in literature - previous research differs from researcher to researcher. Some research shares detailed accounts of how PPI contributors were effectively involved in research to brief comments on PPI contributors’ role. PPI as a process is not clear in the literature. It is vital that researchers think about what is vital to their research and talk to the PPI participants (Co-researchers) when applying or adapting existing PPI tools.
Co-researchers with intellectual disabilities, Inclusive and Accessible Research, PPI Saint John of God Community Servies clg, Liffey Services (Ireland) | Silvio Pagliara: Analyzing Italian Inclusive Education Practices in Relation to Universal Design for Learning Principles (IOS) Analyzing Italian Inclusive Education Practices in Relation to Universal Design for Learning PrinciplesThis study aims to investigate how teaching practices in the Italian inclusive education system align with the principles of Universal Design for Learning (UDL), which is aimed at providing access to education for all students, including those with disabilities. In line with Article 2 of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), which requires states to promote Universal Design (UD) in all aspects of life, including education, this research examines the extent to which the Italian education system meets this requirement.
The study involved teachers who participated in a course on inclusive education. The research was conducted in three phases, including the introduction of UDL, identification of teachers' perceptions and initial reactions to UDL, compilation of a questionnaire related to UDL checkpoints, and a focus group discussion on teachers' attitudes towards UDL and the use of information and communication technologies (ICTs) in the classroom. The analysis focused on the first UDL principle, "Provide Multiple Means of Representation," which emphasizes the need to present information in an accessible way to learners with disabilities.
The findings revealed that despite not having previous training on UDL, teachers in the Italian inclusive education system use ICTs in their daily teaching practices to make knowledge accessible, which is in line with the UDL principles. However, the study also highlighted a lack of awareness and reflection on the use of ICTs in teaching, suggesting the need for specific training to enhance inclusive practices.
This study contributes to the ongoing dialogue on inclusive education in Italy and highlights the importance of promoting UD principles in education to ensure that all learners, regardless of their abilities, have equal access to education. Furthermore, it underscores the significance of providing adequate training and support to teachers to facilitate inclusive practices and improve learning outcomes for all students.Universal Design for Learning, Inclusive Education, Special Education, Information and Communication Technologies, ItalyUniversity of Cagliari and GLIC Association, Italy (Italy) | Valentín Salinas-López: Flex Picture eBook: Inclusive Children’s Literature Made Easy. (Innovation Area Presentations) Flex Picture eBook: Inclusive Children’s Literature Made Easy.Flex Picture eBook project aims to promote literacy and inclusivity in teaching by creating a concept of accessible and highly customisable illustrated eBooks, suitable for all children, including those with visual, cognitive, and learning disabilities. This project offers a concept and guidelines for the creation of eBooks that allow teachers to easily customise to suit the individual needs of each child. The functionalities have been improved based on feedback from teachers and social inclusion organisations from Austria, France, Italy, and Lithuania. It has also been tested in inclusive classrooms with children of different abilities. This project is designed to increase inclusion in literacy by making it easier to publish multi-modal literature for children that can be used at home and in inclusive classrooms. The development of the project has been supported by the Erasmus+ program of the European Union and has the potential to be adopted by all publishers of children's literature.EPUB3, Accessible books, Children's books, Illustration adaptation, Inclusive educationJohannes Kepler University Linz (Austria) - More Info | |||
Naonori Kodate: Can Assistive Technologies Improve Older Adults’ Quality of Life? the Case of Remote Monitoring System with Interactive Communication Function (Oral only) Can Assistive Technologies Improve Older Adults’ Quality of Life? the Case of Remote Monitoring System with Interactive Communication FunctionDo assistive technologies (AT) enhance QoL of older people and care professionals in long-term care facilities? We have previously reported the impact of using a monitoring system with an infrared camera and communication robots (Obayashi et al. 2020). Further improvements were made to detection accuracy of the camera and functionalities for verbal interactions were added. This paper report these efforts in nursing homes, and their impact on the ground.
The study was conducted with 34 older people and 20 care professionals in nursing homes. An infrared sensor and a biosensor were installed on the ceiling of each room. When the camera detects movement of residents, it notifies the mobile terminal of care staff. Its detection accuracy was improved against sunlight and physical obstacles. A variety of qualitative and quantitative data (e.g. sleeping patterns and social participation of older people, system usability and staff task analysis) were collected before and after the installation. Communication functions were added to the system.
False detection rates of the monitoring camera decreased significantly. Using the improved system for the duration of 34 days, 602 alerts were recorded in total and 430 staff visits to rooms during night shifts were spared. The task analysis revealed that time for direct caregiving increased (e.g. direct communication: from 2 to 55 mins), while indirect care activities decreased. After the introduction of communicative functions, the system usability decreased, primarily due to inaudibility. However, the qualitative data support the idea of an interactive system.
Faced with the challenge of meeting increasing demand for person-centered care under limited resources, there will be a greater need for better integration of improved AT. The study indicates AT’s potential for enhancing the quality of care for all.
This study was in part supported by the Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development (AMED).
Obayashi K, Kodate N, Masuyama S. (2020) Can connected technologies improve sleep quality and safety of older adults and care-givers? An evaluation study of sleep monitors and communicative robots at a residential care home in Japan. Technology in Society 62 (2020), DOI： 10.1016/j.techsoc.2020.101318
assistive technology, quality of life, older adults, social robotics, safety, long-term careUniversity College Dublin, National University of Ireland (Ireland) | Kazunori Minatani: Is It Reproducible?: a Case Study on a Dissemination of the Cad Method for the Visually Impaired (Oral only) Is It Reproducible?: a Case Study on a Dissemination of the Cad Method for the Visually ImpairedThe author, who is himself visually impaired (totally blind), has promoted the direction of programmable CAD and devised a form of CAD modeling that does not require confirmation of the modeled object on a screen. One visually impaired person contacted the author with a wish to perform 3D modelling using programmable CAD. This report analyses the interaction between the author and that person and explores the dissemination potential of the modelling method proposed by the author.
3D printing, Visually impaired, 3D CAD, DIY AT, Online learningNational Center for University Entrance Examinations (Japan) | Daniela Bratković and Alisa Fabris: Assessing Impact of Including People with Intellectual Disabilities as Our Digiacademy Teachers (Oral only) Assessing Impact of Including People with Intellectual Disabilities as Our Digiacademy TeachersDigi-ID PLUS is an EIT Health funded multidisciplinary EU collaborative partnership with people with intellectual disability (ID) and autism, disability service user organizations, and advocacy groups, which brings together expertise from Ireland, France, Sweden, Spain, and Croatia. At the heart of Digi-ID PLUS is an authentic user centered and led design process to co-design accessible digital skills training platform DigiAcademy with and for people with ID and advocating for digital accessibility to enable and empower better health, well-being and social inclusion. Embedded within the project team is our Citizen Advisory Panel (CAP), individuals with ID and accessibility needs who are paid experts by experience recruited to co-design our programme and training as our DigiAcademy teachers. The focus of this paper is to present the role of our EU CAP in our co-design process, explore the DigiAcademy digital educators’ role by listening to teachers’ experiences directly (8 trained teachers in Ireland; 4 teachers in Croatia; 3 teachers in France) and demonstrate the impact membership had on them, the community and the DigiAcademy app we are co-creating together.accessibility, digital inclusion, user-centered design, eLearning platform, intellectual disabilityTrinity College Dublin (Ireland) | Silvio Pagliara: I’m in Tales MOOC on Tangible User Interfaces and the UDL Model: a Case Study (IOS) I’m in Tales MOOC on Tangible User Interfaces and the UDL Model: a Case StudyTangible User Interfaces (TUIs) are becoming increasingly popular in educational settings as they provide an engaging and interactive approach to learning [1]. This paper describes the development and first delivery, within the I’m in Tales Erasmus Project, of a Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) aimed at introducing educators to the basics of TUIs and their potential in enhancing storytelling for inclusive education. The MOOC includes theoretical and practical elements, which enable learners to familiarize themselves with the process of selecting, designing, and implementing TUIs for storytelling in education. The MOOC also promotes educators' competences in acknowledging and identifying TUI as a tool for creating accessible and engaging storytelling for all learners, including those with disabilities. A use case is presented to demonstrate the application of TUIs in universally designed learning (UDL) experiences.
The use of technology in education has evolved over the years, with the development of TUIs providing new opportunities for enhancing learning experiences. TUIs allow learners to interact with digital content in a tangible and physical way, which can enhance engagement and understanding. This MOOC aims to introduce learners to the basics of TUIs and their potential in enhancing storytelling for inclusive education. The MOOC includes both theoretical and practical elements, which enable learners to gain the knowledge and skills required to select, design, and implement TUIs for storytelling in education. The MOOC also promotes educators' competences in identifying TUI as a tool for creating accessible and engaging storytelling for all learners, including those with disabilities.
MOOC, UDL, tangible interfaces, Assistive TechnologyUniversity of Cagliari and GLIC Association, Italy (Italy) | ||||
Maria Valentina Cavarretta: A New Model of Home-Based Psychological Intervention After the COVID-19 Pandemic (Oral only) A New Model of Home-Based Psychological Intervention After the COVID-19 PandemicThroughout the COVID-19 pandemic, all psychotherapies were transferred to the home. The support of technology has made possible to extend clinical intervention in a nomadic setting.
The first part of this research will be an exploratory study and will compare the emergency management in Italy and France during the pandemic. A mixed method will be used through semi-structured interviews for the qualitative survey and a quantitative self-assessment process.
The research will then move to the intensive rehabilitation of child with neuro-developmental disorders (NDDs).
We will propose a ESDM-inspired intervention protocol implemented at home with a social robot in a feasibility study. Simple activities with a robot will stimulate the interaction between parents and child.
The appropriate protocol will be custom-made with the help of the pedopsychiatry team of the Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital. To measure their involvement in the activities, the persistence of the child’s interaction with robot will be logged by specifically designed devices.
The objective of the research is to check at which extent the artificial intelligence can be a complementary tool, without replacing human intervention.
COVID-19 pandemic, psychological distress, digital mental health, social robotic, neuro-developmental disorder, home therapy, nomadic settings, long term careCHArt, Université Paris 8-Vincennes-Saint-Denis (Italy) | Ana Geppert: Assistive Technology to Promote Participation in Sport for People with Disabilities (IOS) Assistive Technology to Promote Participation in Sport for People with Disabilities Participation in sports is identified in the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities as a fundamental right, and is facilitated by the use of specialised Assistive Products (AP). However, little is known about the role every-day AP plays in promoting sport participation. Purpose: This study explores how the 50 priority APs on the World Health Organisation’s Assistive Products List can promote participation in sports. Methods: We conducted a qualitative online survey. Participants included Assistive Product (AP) users, caregivers and coaches or teachers (n=96). Subsequently, we performed a thematic analysis for qualitative responses describing the use of APs in facilitating sport participation. Results: Our results suggest every-day APs are required for sport participation for persons with disabilities. We present a conceptual model titled Assistive Products for Participation in Sport (APPS) Model. We found persons with disability participate in a range of sports, contributing to community engagement. Conclusions: Access to every-day APs is integral to achieving rights of persons with disabilities for participation in sport.Assistive products, Assistive technology, Sport, disability, Parasport, Social inclusion,Maynooth University Assisted Living and Learning Institute / University of Iceland (Iceland) |
Coffee break
10:30 - 11:00
Session 5
11:00 - 12:30
| Track A | Track B | Track C | Track D | Inclusion Forum E | Inclusion Forum F | Inclusion Forum G | Inclusion Forum H |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Auditorium 250 | Auditorium 150 | Room 100 | Room 50 | 3.08 | 3.01 | 3.02 | 3.03 |
Assistive solutions for person-centred integrated care (STS) Chairs: Mac MacLachlan (ALL Institute, Maynooth University, IE), Michael Cooke (Maynooth University, IE) Soonjae Ahn: A Study on Standard for Safety Requirements for Care Robots (IOS) A Study on Standard for Safety Requirements for Care RobotsRecently, care robots are being developed that incorporate robotics into assistive products that focus on daily care for the physically disabled or elderly with reduced physical function. However, although care robots can reduce the physical burden of human intervention, they can also be dangerous depending on their situational awareness. This study describes a standardization that defines safety requirements for care robots and includes verification methods to test their safety requirements. As an example of the application of this standard, a standard for the safety and performance method of a feeding robot is shown. This standardization study is expected to contribute to the spread of care robots in the future.care robot, standards, requirments, agingDong-Eui University (South Korea) | User participation in design Chairs: Dominique Archambault (Université Paris 8, FR) Javier Pereira Loureiro: Learning About Assistive Technology From High School (IOS) Learning About Assistive Technology From High SchoolThis communication presents an educative and research project that has linked the creation of 3D Assistive Technology (AT) for people with disabilities with the training of students of secondary education, involved in a program called STEMBach.
Purposes: (1)to involve the students of secondary school in a research and innovation project, (2)to generate AT with a 3D printer for people with disabilities to improve their performance in activities of daily life, (3)to validate and determine the effects of AT created.
Methods: Descriptive, observational, cross-sectional design. It was performed between 2020 and 2022, with the participation of 8 students of secondary education, and 10 persons with disabilities.
The students had to obtain a set of data from people with disabilities through an interview. Subsequently, they designed the assistive technology in 3D, using the Tinkercad software, that would respond to the identified needs. The registered variables were: demographic data (gender, age, place of residence, and diagnosis), the activity with limitation identified by the person with a disability, the satisfaction with the 3D printed AT, and the matching degree between person & AT. The tools were the semi-structured interview, the Quebec User Evaluation of Satisfaction with assistive Technology (QUEST 2.0), and the form for the device of the Assistive Technology Device Predisposition Assessment (ATD PA) of the Matching Person & Technology (MPT) model. The data were registered using RedCAP, and privacy and data confidentiality were kept during the project. The professor from the university supervised all development of the research project.
Results: Ten AT were created and printed in four working groups for 10 people with disabilities. After delivering and using the assistive technology, the students implemented the outcome measures, obtaining very good results. In relation to the satisfaction of the designed AT, the mean score obtained was 4 (SD= 0.48), with a maximum of 5 points. The best-reported satisfaction was for the model cylindrical low-cost switch with 4.88 points. In general, the degree of match between the person and technology was moderately high, with a mean of 3.04 (SD= 0.56), on a maximum of 5 points.
Conclusions: The program STEMBach, with a research project in the field of assistive technology, has positive results:
• The students of secondary school acquire an awareness of the functional situation and needs of the daily life of people with disabilities.
• The design of low-cost AT with a 3D printer promotes the imagination of the students and the development of ideas to meet the needs identified by the users.
• The research project responds to the real demand of people with disabilities.
• The implementation of a structured procedure has facilitated the development of AT in which the user is the best important part, with his/her implication from the beginning, and prioritizing his/her opinions, preferences and needs.
3D printer, assistive technology, students, low-costCITIC. Talionis Research Group. Universidade da Coruña (Spain) | Digital Inclusion and Competence Development (STS) Chairs: Katerina Mavrou (European University Cyprus, CY), Evert-Jan Hoogerwerf (AAATE, IT) Eleni Theodorou: Digital Transition in Vocational Education for All: Lessons From Dig-I-Ready (Oral only) Digital Transition in Vocational Education for All: Lessons From Dig-I-ReadyThe onset of the COVID19 pandemic abruptly forced the educational sector (and many others) in Europe and beyond to move its operations entirely online for certain periods of time, during lockdowns, as well as apply a hybrid form of teaching and learning in some form of combination of offline and online mode for even longer periods of time during the duration of the pandemic. We now know that this shift exacerbated educational inequalities among social groups who have traditionally experienced the impact of the digital gap, such as students and their families from lower socioeconomic backgrounds, immigrant background, and students with disabilities. Recognizing the difficulties of educational systems in Europe to cope with these inequalities and to promote equal access to education for all during the pandemic, DIG-i-READY: Digital Readiness of Vocational Educational Institutions in an Inclusive Environment, an Erasmus+ co-funded project, aims to shift its attention to how the vocational sector in education may better respond to the inclusion of students with disabilities during extreme circumstances. In this contribution we discuss how the digital competence framework for people with disabilities in the vocational sector has developed highlighting the learner’s perspective
Digital inclusion, vocational education, digital competencesEuropean University Cyprus (Cyprus) | Universal Design in Education (UDE) across the Entire lifecycle (STS) Chairs: Gerald M. Craddock (Centre for Excellence in Universal Design, IE), Silvio Pagliara (Ausilioteca Mediterranea Onlus - GLIC Associate Board Member, IT), Donal Fitzpatrick (Centre for Excellence in Universal Design, IE) Dustin Matzel and Judith Kuhlmann: Sensitize and Qualify Teachers for Digital Accessibility (Oral only) Sensitize and Qualify Teachers for Digital AccessibilityUniversity teachers face new challenges, particularly in the context of digital teaching and learning. However, teachers often encounter obstacles in implementing digital accessibility in their teaching, including disproportionate additional time effort and technical and didactic compatibility issues. The SHUFFLE project aims to support teachers with their needs in designing accessible digital teaching through a material package based on the concept of Universal Design for Learning. The package includes checklists, guides, and a knowledge database, which cover various aspects related to accessible digital teaching. The checklists offer advice and assistance on technical and didactic requirements, and the guides provide detailed instructions for implementation. The knowledge database provides additional information on other aspects of accessible digital teaching. The materials will be available in German and English under the Creative Commons license CCBY.digital accessibility, qualify teachers, sensitize teachers, material packages, higher education, inclusion, disability, checklists, universal design for learningBielefeld University (Germany) | Innovation area sessions Mario Covarrubias: Wheelchair Controlled by Head Motion Interaction (Innovation Area Presentations) Wheelchair Controlled by Head Motion InteractionElectric wheelchairs are designed to aid paraplegics. Unfortunately, these cannot be used by persons with higher degree of impairment, such as quadriplegics, i.e. persons that, due to age or illness, cannot move any of the body parts, except of the head. Target of this project is to develop a solution able to move the wheelchair by the movement of the head. With an accelerometer which is placed on a cap, which is worn by the patient, it’s possible to obtain the
head motion recognition. By means of the accelerometer data processing, stepper motors are controlled in order to move the joystick of an electric wheelchairs.
Wheelchair prototype, Head motion, Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU), WirelessPolitecnico di Milano (Italy) - More Info | Policy sessions AAATE and UNICEF: Building AT and AAC Capacity in Eastern Europe and Central Asia (Policy Session) Building AT and AAC Capacity in Eastern Europe and Central AsiaIncreasingly countries in Eastern Europe and Central Asia are adopting policies that move away from a medical approach to disability towards a more social or human rights based approach. This involves also services for children with disabilities and their families. Early childhood intervention and inclusive education are often priority areas of intervention. AAC and AT play an important role in the development pathway of children with disabilities and capacity in providing tools to children that might benefit from them and user strategies plays a central role in making interventions aiming at inclusion and participation a success. The UNCEF office for Eastern Europe and Central Asia has developed a specific attention for AT and AAC capacity building and a framework has been developed to assess the state of the art in a country and to support the development of programmes aiming at making access to appropriate AT and proficient use a reality.
In this session we will look at that core features of the framework and discuss with key stakeholders the challenges in the different countries and how these could be addressed.
AT Capacity, AAC, East Europe, UNICEF, AAATEAAATE (Italy) - More Info | Educational Sessions David Fazio: How to Make Content Usable for People with Learning and Cognitive Disabilities (Educational Session) How to Make Content Usable for People with Learning and Cognitive DisabilitiesW3C Invited Expert, David Fazio, will present the W3C Cognitive Accessibility and Learning Disabilities Task Force, Guide on How to Make Content Usable for People with Cognitive and Learning Disabilities.
More than 200 million people around the world, approximately 3% of the global population, have an intellectual disability, according to conservative estimates.
That number is projected to increase to around 300 million by 2050.
It is essential to the economy and to society that people with intellectual, and cognitive, disabilities stay as active as possible, and participate in society for as long as possible.
The current standards of web-based applications and other digital interfaces make ICT virtually impossible to use for many people with only a mild cognitive decline, let alone more severe cases of cognitive disability.
That means more and more people are dependent on caregivers for things that they should be able to do themselves.
That increases the crippling cost of care and reduces human dignity.
People who cannot use these interfaces will have an increased feeling of disability and isolation, as they are alienated from society.
Cognitive accessibilityHelix Opportunity (United States) - More Info | Educational Sessions Karin Slegers: Involving Users in AT Design: Sharing Failures – Unconference-Style (Educational Session) Involving Users in AT Design: Sharing Failures – Unconference-StyleBased on the principles of unconferences, this session provides an open, relaxed atmosphere for participants to share experiences with involving users (e.g., clients and care professionals) in designing AT. Steering clear of a traditional lecture format, the content in this session is generated by the participants, embracing failure as a way of learning.
In small groups (cf. a World Café), participants are invited to ‘confess’ things they have done to involve users in the design process of new AT, that did not go according to plan. In current scientific practice, there is little room for sharing such failures. This is a pity, as knowing what does not work helps to prevent failures in the future. Rather than hiding failures, either epic or insignificant, this session offers an informal, constructive space for sharing and learning.
After confession, participants will collaboratively identify commonalities in the failures that were shared. This allows to understand possible causes which, in turn, helps to prevent similar failures in the future. The outcome, therefore, is a set of recommendations for preventing failures when involving users in designing AT.
AT design, design process, human-centred design, design thinking, failure, Zuyd University of Applied Sciences (Netherlands) - More Info |
Shoichiro Fujisawa: About Welfare Robot Project Activities AT Tokushima Bunri University (Oral only) About Welfare Robot Project Activities AT Tokushima Bunri UniversityJapan’s society is aging substantially; it is estimated that the aging rate (the ratio of people aged ≥65 years to the total population) may reach 33.3% by 2036 and 38.4% by 2065. We are entering a super-aging society where one person is over 65 years old; consequently, the number of people requiring nursing care is expected to increase, which in turn, will increase the demand for nursing care staff. However, the turnover rate for the nursing staff is considerably high due to problems, such as a large amount of work and back pain. Therefore, current research is increasingly aimed at the development of nursing care robots to address the human resource shortage and reduce the burden of nursing care work. In the 2022 Welfare Robot Project being conducted at Tokushima Bunri University, we are exploring the role of electric wheelchairs to facilitate the mobility of people with physical disabilities and evaluate the emotions to support communication between the care staff and recipients. Wheelchair, Commumication support, Welfare Robot ProjectTokushima Bunri University (Japan) | Samuel Huyet-Blau: Eyedrone Project (Oral only) Eyedrone ProjectEyeDrone project is an Educational Learning Programme in Computer Science that takes place in INJA-Louis Braille since September 2022. As a teacher in INJA - Louis Braille (previously Institut National des Jeunes Aveugles), I teach Computer Science for visually impaired students aged between 16-18 years old. I set up a team of 6 skilled students in mathematics. We purchased a fleet of 6 programmable drones DJI TELLO EDU. Our goal is to program a drone that can replicate the guide dog's actions and perform other ones that we build by coding in Python language. By making visually impaired students coding themselves, the educational interest is major. They find their problematics and what they need for their everyday life that don't exist, they code in Python what the drone should do, and the drone describes what it sees in its frames. By making the students coding for their own purposes, they wish to learn and the synergy is on. Besides, coding in Python is an inclusive matter, as studying computing science is a major factor of integration in society, and provides attractive jobs for them in the future.Drone visually impairment students educationInstitut National des Jeunes Aveugles - Louis Braille (France) | Natasha Layton: Digital Capabilities of Older People and Uptake of Online Healthy Ageing Interventions: an Australian Study (IOS) Digital Capabilities of Older People and Uptake of Online Healthy Ageing Interventions: an Australian StudyStudy into the digital capabilities of older people and healthy ageing interventions. Reports on a pre and post study as well as a rapid evidence review, proposing a digital inclusion index.capability, digital inclusion, older, health, interventionARATA (Australia) | Maria Mouka: Accessibility and Universal Design in Higher Education Curricula: the Athena Project (Oral only) Accessibility and Universal Design in Higher Education Curricula: the Athena ProjectThis contribution aims to present a research study (work in progress) conducted under the ATHENA project, examining if and how issues of accessibility are integrated in Higher Education curricula in various European Countries across disciplines of studies. Data collection includes publicly available curricula of higher education programmes in disciplines defined by the ISCED fields of education and training 2013 (ISCED-F 2013). A fixed number of 21 bachelor’s master’s curricula and syllabi are sampled in each participating country. Two methodological approaches are applied for collection and analysis of the data collected: corpus linguistics and thematic analysis. The findings of the study are anticipated to inform the development of develop a set of recommendations on how to incorporate accessibility and Universal Design into higher education curricula through focus groups with experts from the main areas of knowledge.accessibility, universal design, higher education European University Cyprus (Cyprus) | Sara Comai: Bridge: Non-Intrusive Indoor Monitoring System for Frail Persons (Innovation Area Presentations) Bridge: Non-Intrusive Indoor Monitoring System for Frail PersonsBRIDGe is a monitoring system aimed at frail persons living independently in their own homes and caregivers to foster a sense of 'mutual tranquillity' between the monitored person and the caregivers. From non-intrusive sensor data, machine learning algorithms relate them in space and time providing complex information about the person. This information is used to estimate the Quality of Life of the monitored person and to identify any critical issues (e.g., overstaying in unsuitable environments) during daily activities. The system detects behavioural patterns, identifies possible abnormalities, sends alarm notifications, estimates important daily activities such as nutrition, hygiene and rest, assesses sleep quality and estimates bed state (agitation, heart rate and breathing).
During the forum, we will demonstrate how the service works and report on our experience monitoring frail persons (elderly, persons with mild cognitive impairment/neurodiversity) to support independent living.
Ageing, Assisted living, Smart home, Human Behavior, Human Activity Recognition, Elderly care, Elderly assistance, Fragile people, Health-related Quality of LifePolitecnico di Milano (Italy) - More Info | |||
Andrew Paice: Exploring the Potential of Conversational-Interfaces for Elderly Care: Insights From Stakeholder Workshops (IOS) Exploring the Potential of Conversational-Interfaces for Elderly Care: Insights From Stakeholder WorkshopsIn spite of the growing popularity of conversational interfaces (CIs), it is not clear whether or how local care service providers (CSPs) utilize them in their business environment. To gain a better understanding of potential CIs in use, which applications CSPs are interested in, and what requirements exist, two workshops were conducted with representative stakeholders.Conversational Interfaces, chatbot, AAL, voice assistant, AT, care Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts - iHomeLab (Switzerland) | Cognitive Disabilities and Accessibility (STS) Chairs: Susanne Dirks (Technical University Dortmund, DE), Christian Bühler (Technical University Dortmund, DE), Tomas Murillo-Morales (Johannes Kepler University Linz, AT), Klaus Miesenberger (Johannes Kepler University Linz, AT) Ann-Christine Persson: Can Time Assistive Technology Help Persons with Dementia Improve Their Daily Time Management? a Randomized Controlled Trial (Oral only) Can Time Assistive Technology Help Persons with Dementia Improve Their Daily Time Management? a Randomized Controlled TrialIntroduction: Dementia affects the ability to perform daily occupations, many of which are dependent on daily time management. The aim of this multicenter single-blinded randomized controlled intervention study was to investigate to what extent time assistive technology supports persons with dementia to achieve their time-related goals regarding the occupational performance and satisfaction with the performance.
Method:Twelve registered occupational therapists working with memory investigations in 10 different regions in Sweden recruited 73 persons with dementia and carried out data collection at baseline. Data from the primary outcome measure COPM were available for 26 participants in intervention group and 31 in control group at 3 months assessment conducted by blinded researchers.
Preliminary results suggest that time assistive technology is effective in supporting persons with mild to moderate dementia in daily time management. Thus, such intervention should be offered at an early stage of dementia when time-related impairments are observed. Further data analyses, carried out during spring 2023, will be presented at the conference. Ageing, Alzheimer’s disease, Time aid, Time orientation, Time processing abilityKarolinska Institutet (Sweden) | Lukas Baumann: Involving, Empowering and Training End Users with Disabilities to Fully Participate in the Web Accessibility Directive Objectives. First Results From the Upowerwad Project. (IOS) Involving, Empowering and Training End Users with Disabilities to Fully Participate in the Web Accessibility Directive Objectives. First Results From the Upowerwad Project.The Web Accessibility Directive (WAD) is one of the EU laws concerning accessibility. In addition to the minimum accessibility requirements, the WAD introduced a feedback mechanism so users can flag accessibility problems. Member states reports show that most websites and mobile applications could not meet all the required demands while there is almost no feedback on still existing barriers.
An ERASMUS+ funded project aims to help to bridge that gap by raising awareness and empowering and training people with disabilities to take active participation in the implementation of the WAD.
First project results help public sector bodies to improve the existing feedback mechanism and allow end-users to provide meaningful and actionable feedback on existing barriers on websites and digital apps of public sector bodies.
Furthermore, the results reinforce the need for VET courses to train people with disabilities to provide actionable feedback on web accessibility issues and first indications for its content.
Digital Participation, Digital Accessibility, Web Accessibility Directive, Feedback MechanismTU Dortmund University (Germany) | Assistive Technology and Inclusive Early Childhood Education (STS) Chairs: Lorenzo Desideri (AIAS Bologna onlus, IT), Silvio Pagliara (Ausilioteca Mediterranea Onlus - GLIC Associate Board Member, IT) Kristin Skeide Fuglerud: Drivers and Barriers for Use of Assistive Technology Among Children with Autism And/Or Intellectual Disabilities: Parents Perspective (Oral only) Drivers and Barriers for Use of Assistive Technology Among Children with Autism And/Or Intellectual Disabilities: Parents PerspectiveThe aim of this study was to detect drivers and barriers for use of assistive technology among children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and/or intellectual disabilities (ID). An online workshop with researchers and two parents produced the material.
The main driver for using AT is knowledge about its existence, its inherent possibilities, access and funding. Barriers are lack of information, accessibility, lack of knowledge in schools, lack of funding and poor retail and maintenance service. Other barriers are related to design and use-interface of AT, and lack of end-user involvement in development and implementation.
The workshop co-created an online form which subsequently will be sent to other parents, where both drivers and barriers of AT-use will be addressed. The study highlights perspectives and aspects that are important to parents and encourages researchers and AT-designer to systematically include end-users in design and implementation. Participatory design, inclusive design, assistive technology, children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and/or intellectual disabilities (ID), parents, social inclusionNorsk Regnesentral (Norway) | Daniel S. U. Tamashiro: Developing an Affordable and Lightweight Vibro-Tactile Stimulation Device for Prosthetic Use (Innovation Area Presentations) Developing an Affordable and Lightweight Vibro-Tactile Stimulation Device for Prosthetic UseAmputation rates are on the rise in Brazil, particularly for lower limb amputations. To assist with the challenges of balance and stability faced by amputees, a vibro-tactile stimulation device has been developed to provide sensory support and improve confidence while walking with a prosthetic. By incorporating biofeedback techniques into rehabilitation, this device has the potential to substantially enhance gait performance and quality of life for those with lower limb amputations.lower limb amputation, rehabilitation, biofeedback, gait The Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine Institute of the University of Sao Paulo Medical School General Hospital (IMREA-HCFMUSP) (Brazil) - More Info | |||
Ryanne Lemmens: Smart Nursing: the Use of Technology to Support Homecare Nurses with Their Care of Elderly (IOS) Smart Nursing: the Use of Technology to Support Homecare Nurses with Their Care of ElderlyThe demand for home care is increasing. Homecare nurses experience a very high workload and stress. Implementation of technology in healthcare can support the elderly as well as care providers. The aim of this study is to facilitate nursing care through the use of technology within the framework of a proper daily structure for elderly people.
A mixed method approach was applied, including a needs assessment, iterative design process of the test setup and application and a case study focused on feasibility.
143 nurses completed a questionnaire, 6 participated in the interview and 22 in focus groups. The sleep and rest pattern and activity pattern were most important for homecare nurses. A test setup was developed with technologies relevant to monitor the preferred parameters for the sleep and rest and activity patterns. A prototype of the application was developed and optimized. The test setup was installed with two patients having respectively 2 and 3 regular homecare nurses who participated in this study.
A system to give home nurses more insight about patients' daily structure is very valuable in the context of patient care and to support nurses.
homecare nurses, assistive technology, daily structure, elderly, sensors, applicationPXL University College of Applied Sciences and Arts (Belgium) | Sarah Gavra Boland: Right to Connect: Case Study Exploring the Role of Co-Researcher in the Co-Designing of an Accessible Elearning Platform. (Oral only) Right to Connect: Case Study Exploring the Role of Co-Researcher in the Co-Designing of an Accessible Elearning Platform. Introduction
There is a growing need for more people with disabilities to be co-researchers, especially in accessibility projects. People with intellectual disabilities can give us good ideas about how to make things better and work for more people. (Di Lorito, 2018) This case study talks about how people with intellectual disabilities can help with research. It tells us about the good things that can happen and some hard things. It also tells us how we can help more people become co-researchers.
Background
As a part of the European Funded Right to Connect project, a group of people with intellectual disabilities are co-designing an accessible eLearning platform and creating accessible courses to support their peers in courses exploring 'using digital technology, Internet Safety, social media and being part of our communities. The project hired co-researchers to help the team first discover more about the needs of adults with intellectual disabilities before the co-design happened. Then, the co-researcher discovered what is and is not working during the co-design. Finally, they learned more about participants’ experiences through interviews with other co-designers. (RTCN)
People with intellectual disabilities (PwID) helped make the e-learning platform from start to finish. So, when we did the research, we wanted to involve co-researchers with intellectual disabilities too. They were part of the research team and helped with the tasks. We used assistive technology to support the co-researchers’ understanding of the topics and accessible communication to ensure everyone was understood. This case study will share the tasks the co-researcher did and how they did it. It will share the positive and negative impacts for co-researchers and what the research team did to ensure the co-research was satisfied with their role.
Co-researchers with intellectual disabilities, Inclusive and Accessible ResearchSaint John of God Community Servies clg, Liffey Services (Ireland) | Hyun Ka and Jeanne Choi: Empirical Evaluation of Metaverse Accessibility for People who Use Alternative Input/Output Methods (IOS) Empirical Evaluation of Metaverse Accessibility for People who Use Alternative Input/Output MethodsMotivation: The metaverse as the next generation of the Web is becoming more prevailing by virtualizing human activities based on advanced immersive technology. It is also recognized to hold great potential to improve the quality of life for people with disabilities[1]. So, it is crucial to make sure that the metaverse platform and its contents are designed and implemented to be accessible using a wide range of alternative input/output methods. However, to the best of our knowledge so far, there has been virtually no empirical research on how accessible and challenging the current metaverse environments are for people with disabilities.
Objectives: In order to provide empirical data and viable suggestions for making the current metaverse environment more inclusive and accessible, we have examined two representative metaverse platforms from the perspective of users who rely on switch scanning interfaces and screen readers, each of which has been recognized as one of the most challenging alternative input/output methods[2], using a mixture of quantitative and qualitative assessments.
The rest is in the attached file, including the above and all relevant info.assistive technology, metaverse, screen reader, switch scanning interface, accessibilityKAIST (South Korea) | Naoki Asakawa: Development of an Educational System for Blind Children Using VR Haptic Device (Oral only) Development of an Educational System for Blind Children Using VR Haptic DeviceIn education for the visually impaired, tactile perception education, which uses tactile sensation to learn shapes, etc., has become an important means of education.In this research, we propose tactile perception education using VR as a solution to these problems. By using virtual objects on VR as teaching materials for tactile perception education, we can solve the problems caused by using real objects, and a more flexible and wide-ranging education is possible. The purpose of this research is to construct a VR system that can be used in education for the visually impaired by creating an interface that enables tactile perception of virtual objects, which are necessary in tactile perception education.Visually impaired children, VR, Tactile educationKanazawa university (Japan) | ||||
Martin Černý: Evaluation of Commercially Available Fall Detection Systems (IOS) Evaluation of Commercially Available Fall Detection SystemsFalls are a serious problem in the hospital setting and home environments. However, this problem does not only affect the elderly, but also people who have had surgery, have disabling problems, have associated diagnoses (such as poor eyesight, confusion, etc.) or are dizzy or have walking aids. The aim of research was to find, compare and implement fall detectors especially for the hospital environment. This paper summarizes possible fall detectors. Various technological solutions were selected for testing, including wearable technologies as well as contactless technologies based on PIR detectors and radar-based technologies. The selected fall detectors were tested in living laboratory of VŠB - TUO and then in Hospital AGEL Třinec-Podlesí. The best result of the testing was the use of two Vayyar Home Care devices in one room, thus achieving a detection accuracy of 92.50% and a sensitivity of 92.50%.fall detector,wearable technology,contactless fall detector, UWB radar VSB - Technical University of Ostrava (Czech Republic) | Ryutaro Seki: Development of Orientation and Mobility Training System for Visually Impaired Children Using VR (IOS) Development of Orientation and Mobility Training System for Visually Impaired Children Using VROrientation and Mobility(O&M) training is a training for visually impaired children to acquire the skills necessary to walk alone. Since there are many dangers when they walk on the street, some supporters are needed to ensure the safety of visually impaired children. Since the number of supporters in Japan is not enough to carry out enough O&M training, the method to do it with less supporters are required. We have constructed a walking practice system for visually impaired children that uses a map created in a VR space and a swivel chair to move in the space. Users of the system bounce their legs up and down and rotate the chair while they are seated. Although the system succeeded to make practice under safe environment, but there are a lot of differences from the actual walking experience. We aim to construct a new system using an omnidirectional treadmill that allows users to move around in VR space by walking on the device, which enables blind children to practice walking safely.Visually impaired children, VR, Orientation and Mobility trainingKanazawa University (Japan) |
Lunch break
12:30 - 14:00
Plenary session
14:00 - 15:00
Salvatore Anzalone
Social Artificial Agents and Neurodevelopmental Disorders
(see abstract)
Room: Auditorium 250
Session 6
15:00 - 16:30
| Track A | Track B | Track C | Track D | Inclusion Forum E | Inclusion Forum F | Inclusion Forum G | Inclusion Forum H |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Auditorium 250 | Auditorium 150 | Room 100 | Room 50 | 3.08 | 3.01 | 3.02 | 3.03 |
Privacy-aware and acceptable video-based assistive technologies (STS) Chairs: Paco Flórez (Universidad de Alicante, ES), Sara Colantonio (ISTI-CNR, IT), Martin Kampel (Vienna University of Technology, AT) Martin Kampel: Blind Modalities for Human Activity Recognition (IOS) Blind Modalities for Human Activity RecognitionHuman Activity Recognition (HAR) is a field of research concerned with the extraction and analysis
of behavioral information from person-centric sensory data, enabling applications in Active Assisted
Living (AAL), healthcare monitoring, smart environments, or human-robot interaction. Yet, real-world implementations frequently fail due to privacy concerns among target users. To achieve adoption in private environments, we propose to move away from cameras and explore alternative modalities that align with target users’ needs. We present a blind modalities landscape that have technical advantages over cameras, which can extend the capabilities of HAR systems and enable new applications.Human behaviour, sensing, multimodalities, privacyVienna University of Technology (Austria) | Cognitive Disabilities and Accessibility (STS) Chairs: Susanne Dirks (Technical University Dortmund, DE), Christian Bühler (Technical University Dortmund, DE), Tomas Murillo-Morales (Johannes Kepler University Linz, AT), Klaus Miesenberger (Johannes Kepler University Linz, AT) Jennifer Gallagher and Marian McDonnell: JournalMate: an Accessible Academic Reading Tool for Third-Level Students with ADHD (IOS) JournalMate: an Accessible Academic Reading Tool for Third-Level Students with ADHDThis paper outlines the research activities undertaken to create and evaluate an accessible academic reading tool to support third-level students with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). This research project was conducted in three phases, using a User Centred design (UCD) approach. The initial research phases explored cognitive processing difficulties related to reading habits and user needs that are associated with ADHD. A series of interviews with 3 subject matter experts and 8 students with ADHD aims to identify pain points and problems hindering users from carrying out academic reading efficiently and confidently. Phase two involved ideating solutions based on data collected in the first phase, focusing on developing a learning tool. After the ideation activity, the resulting prototyped solution is evaluated by 12 users. The data gathered during this evaluation provides insight into the performance of the application and will aid in any subsequent design iteration. The output of the study is an accessible academic reading tool for third-level students with ADHD, using a user-centred design process. Future practical implications and limitations are discussed. Results will provide additional data to build on current study findings and existing theories.
attention deficit hyperactivity disorder ,ADHD, academic reading tool,User Centred design, Universal DesignInstitute of Art Design and Technology (Ireland) | Technologies to enhance Mobility, Accessibility and Participation (STS) Chairs: François Routhier (Center for interdisciplinary research in rehabilitation and social integration, CA), Krista Best (Université Laval, CA) Siny Joseph: Measuring Economic Benefits of Built Environment Accessibility Technologies for People with Disabilities (IOS) Measuring Economic Benefits of Built Environment Accessibility Technologies for People with DisabilitiesTo achieve product and opportunity parity for people with disabilities (PWDs) in the context of indoor mapping and navigation, built environment accessible technologies (BEAT) are being developed to transform every unfamiliar place to a 'familiar' place. The impact and adoption of these BEATs depends largely on clear, quantifiable tangible and intangible economic benefits accrued to the end-users and stakeholders. This paper describes and evaluates an economic survey developed to measure potential benefits in terms of quality of life and quality of work life (work productivity) by increased accessibility provisions within built environments as it relates to navigation for PWDs. Envisioned users of BEAT include those with visual or mobility impairments (blind, low vision, wheelchair users, cane users, etc.), cognitive, hearing impairments, older adults as well as other categories of PWDs including the general population with planning and navigation assistance needs.
Assistive & Accessible technology, Built environment, Indoor navigation, Economic benefitsKansas State University (United States) | Assistive Technology and Inclusive Early Childhood Education (STS) Chairs: Lorenzo Desideri (AIAS Bologna onlus, IT), Silvio Pagliara (Ausilioteca Mediterranea Onlus - GLIC Associate Board Member, IT) Jo Daems and Tessa Delien: The Design and Implementation of Technology Based Inclusive Classroom Activities in Inclusive Early Childhood Education and Care: a Pilot Study in Four European Countries (IOS) The Design and Implementation of Technology Based Inclusive Classroom Activities in Inclusive Early Childhood Education and Care: a Pilot Study in Four European CountriesAccess to inclusive and qualitative education on an equal basis is a matter of all levels of education, i.e. from the very beginning in early childhood education and care (ECEC). However, inclusive education is often not possible without access to appropriate (assistive) technologies (Hunt, 2021). In literature various opportunities and benefits of implementing ICT and AT in ECEC (e.g., developing problem-solving thinking, supporting collaborative learning and social interaction, enabling participation) are described, but also various barriers (e.g. access to technology, concerns about the negative impact of technology, digital competencies of the school team/educators, lack of knowledge of existing technologies, financial barriers, absence of ICT(-AT) policies)(Hunt, 2021; Bothelho, 2021; Blackwell, 2016; Murcia, Campbelle & Aranda, 2018; Lyons & Tredwell, 2015). Notwithstanding the opportunities, we still see limited actions by educators to integrate ICT and AT into their curriculum (Delien et al., 2022). Therefore the SKATE project aims in gearing innovative technology as resource for inclusive education. The SKATE project also aims to encourage and support educators and teachers in the use of technologies (ICT and/or AT) with the aim of increasing the quality of inclusive ECEC for all children, and in particular for children with special education needs due to disabilities.
The aim of this pilot study is to evaluate the design process, the implementation and the effects of technology based classroom activities in inclusive ECEC. The classroom activities are developed and implemented by school teams of approximately 20 local class groups spread over four European countries: Belgium, Cyprus, Italy and The Republic of North Macedonia.
Assistive technology, digital technology, inclusion, inclusive education, Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC), technology based classroom activityThomas More (Belgium) | Innovation area sessions Justin Laferrier Laferrier: Development of a Functional and Durable Prosthetic Foot for Low Income Countries (Innovation Area Presentations) Development of a Functional and Durable Prosthetic Foot for Low Income CountriesMajor advances in research and development as it pertains prosthetic feet have increased the quality of life for many individuals with amputations in the last decade. However, a negative aspect of these advancements is that the majority of end users are not able to benefit from these advances in technology. While these prosthetics are technologically impressive and work well for the small number of individuals, they fail to meet the needs of the majority of amputees worldwide. More than 80% of the world’s amputee population reside in low resource countries. Approximately 95% of these individuals do not have access to prosthetics. Research is needed in this area to promote the design and development of a cost-effective prosthetic foot that meets economic, environmental, cultural, and physical standards including durability, local availability, simple repair, local production, lightweight, biomechanically appropriate, and structural integrity in adverse climates and working conditions. Prostheses, Prosthetic Foot, Low-Income, Load-Variable, Energy Storage and ReturnJohnson and Wales University Physical Therapy Department (United States) - More Info | Policy sessions AAATE, SHAPES and SEURO: Towards a European Policy on Person-Centred Digital Technologies in Integrated Care (Policy Session) Towards a European Policy on Person-Centred Digital Technologies in Integrated CareIncreasingly trust is placed in technology to solve European challenges. A major one is the delivery of high-quality care to an ageing population in a sustainable way. Many efforts so far have met resistance among stakeholders or have to deal with different national care systems and cultures, including expectations from care receivers.
Although the European Union is active since many years in fostering technology in care, more could and should be done at policymaking level.
During the policy session we will present the document “Time for change”. The document, which was prepared by a European Think Tank on integrated care coordinated by the SHAPES project acknowledges the potential of person-centred technology to boost integrated care, but it also lists recommendations for policymakers that have the responsibility, and opportunity, to change the care landscape in Europe over the next decennia. We will discuss the document and its recommendations with a selected group of stakeholders, among which representatives of the WHO, of the European Commission, of AAATE and of EASPD.
Policy, Digital Health, Integrated Care, Connected health care, IoTAAATE (Italy) - More Info | Educational Sessions David Fazio: Cognitive Accessibility Design Workshop (Educational Session) Cognitive Accessibility Design WorkshopThis workshop will engage audience participation to co-create a website wireframe that applies principles of cognitive accessibility, published by the World Wide Web Consortium's Cognitive and Learning Disabilities Accessibility Task Force.cognitive accessibilityHelix Opportunity (United States) - More Info | Educational Sessions Fenne Verhoeven: Service Modelling for AT: Principles, Tools, and Practical Value (Educational Session) Service Modelling for AT: Principles, Tools, and Practical ValueAT can play a significant role in transferring healthcare (e.g., physical and occupational therapy) from rehabilitation clinic to home. Despite the large number of scientific publications and commercial AT-applications, uptake in daily practice lags behind. This might be caused by a focus on technological development processes, not (enough) considering insights in how both professionals and patients will experience AT in daily work practice/ life.
Service model design might contribute to creating durable AT-implementation strategies. A service model, often presented graphically, shows the interplay between service model design, technical development and business modelling. In this session, we will:
1. Show the principles of service modelling illustrated by our own XR-for-rehabilitation-cases;
2. Facilitate participants in small groups to work with one service modelling-tool (e.g., fill in a service blue print based on pre-formulated personas) regarding rehabilitation care in the home situation by XR;
3. Plenary reflect on (a) the practical application of service modelling and (b) barriers and facilitators for AT for rehabilitation.
XR,VR, rehabilitation, barriers and enablers for AT implementation, service modelling, service design, service blueprint, personasWindesheim University of Applied Sciences, Research group IT Innovations in Healthcare (Netherlands) - More Info |
Tamara Mujirishvili: Understanding User Needs, Persona Scenarios for Privacy-Preserving Visual System Development (IOS) Understanding User Needs, Persona Scenarios for Privacy-Preserving Visual System DevelopmentThe growing demand for active and assisted living (AAL) technologies to support older adults maintain their independence, health, and quality of life has led to the development of video monitoring systems. However, privacy concerns have hindered the widespread adoption of monitoring cameras in AAL contexts. To address this issue, the authors have developed privacy-preserving image filters such as blurring, pixelation, silhouette, skeleton, or avatar, which can be adjusted according to the user’s preferences. The authors employed the Goal-Directed Design persona method to identify the target user group and their needs, and conducted an ethnographic study on different stakeholders involved in the care provision process. The current stage of the design involves a usability test of the prototype in a realistic environment of a living lab setting to evaluate its effectiveness and gather feedback from the users. The study findings inform the development of a video-based AAL technological system that is tailored to the needs of the target user group and can enhance the quality of life for older adults while taking into account their privacy considerations.Active and assisted living, aging in place, independent living, lifelogging technologies, video monitoring, privacy.University of Alicante (Spain) | EA Draffan: AI Supporting AAC Pictographic Symbol Adaptations (IOS) AI Supporting AAC Pictographic Symbol AdaptationsThe phenomenal increase in technological capabilities that allow the design and train-ing of systems to cope with the complexities of natural language and visual represen-tation in order to develop other formats is remarkable. It has made it possible to make use of image to image and text to image to support those with disabilities in ways not previously explored. It has opened the world of adaptations from one picture to an-other in a design style of a user’s choosing. Automated text simplification alongside graphical symbol representations to enhance understanding of complex content is al-ready being used to support those with cognitive impairments and learning difficul-ties. Symbol sets have become embedded within applications as dictionaries and look up systems, but the need for flexibility and personalization remains a challenge. Most pictographic symbols are created over time within the bounds of a certain style and schema for particular groups such as those who use augmentative and alternative forms of communication (AAC). By using generative artificial intelligence, it is pro-posed that symbols could be produced based on the style of those already used by an individual or adapted to suit different requirements within local contexts, cultures and communities. This paper explores these ideas at the start of a small pilot study to adapt a number of open licensed symbols based on the symbol set’s original style. Once a collection has been automatically developed from image to image and text de-scriptions, potential stakeholders will evaluate the outcomes using an online voting system. Successful symbols will be made available and could potentially be added to the original symbol set offering a flexible personalized approach to AAC symbol generation hitherto not experienced by users. artificial intelligence, pictographic symbols, cognitive impairment, augmentative and alternative communication, symbol adaptationsUniversity of Southampton (United Kingdom) | Mahmut Erdemli: Uses of Wayfinding Tools by People who Are Blind and Low Vision (IOS) Uses of Wayfinding Tools by People who Are Blind and Low VisionThis paper presents the results of a research study with visually impaired participants about their experiences using wayfinding tools. The results present the accessibility issues when using wayfinding tools and assistive technology to learn about new locations.
An online survey was conducted with 10 blind and 6 low vision participants to learn their opinions, and concerns about accessibility of three types of wayfinding tools, digital maps, navigation apps and camera apps.
Based on the qualitative analysis, a list of thematic analysis was created to summarize the needs and barriers of vision impaired participants who uses digital maps and wayfinding tools to learn about locations.Location, Maps, WayfindingCarleton University (Canada) | Yassine Fadlaoui: Designing an Augmented Tactile Book: Designing a Multisensory Page (IOS) Designing an Augmented Tactile Book: Designing a Multisensory PageWithin the framework of the "Augmented Tactile Books" project we will present a prototype allowing to detect the position of fingers on a tactile book page. This prototype is based on capacitive effect and velostat material. Our goal is to detect gestures performed by the child on the tactile illustration. This prototype will be evaluated in the coming weeks and the results will be available at the time of the conference.Accessible Book, Visually Imapired young readers, multisensory illustrations, CHArt, Université Paris 8-Vincennes-Saint-Denis (France) | Mario Covarrubias: Social and Job Inclusion Platform for Young Students with Disabilities through VR and Ar Technologies. (Innovation Area Presentations) Social and Job Inclusion Platform for Young Students with Disabilities through VR and Ar Technologies.Social Inclusion is an important element of well-being for young students with ASD and/or Intellectual Disability (ID). Previous studies have highlighted that social inclusion is facilitated through access to education and employment. Despite this, young students with ASD and/or ID have low rates of participation in these domains, after the high school. Research has also shown that Assistive Technology (VR/AR) shows great promise in increasing participation in education and employment. The main aim of The Haptic Eye project is to create an interdisciplinary, international network which will enhance social inclusion and empowerment of young students (19 to 24 years old) with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and/or Intellectual Disability (ID) using the Assistive Technology approach through the use of VR/AR applications the students receive training session regarding the use of specific devices (e.g. 3D printers, manual and CNC mills, manual and CNC lathes, etc.) in order to increase their manual skills.Virtual Reality, Augmented Reality, Visual Impaired People, TrainingPolitecnico di Milano (Italy) - More Info | |||
Maksymilian Michał Kuźmicz : Video-Based AAL and Intimate Pictures - Criminal Liability in European, Irish, and Polish Law (IOS) Video-Based AAL and Intimate Pictures - Criminal Liability in European, Irish, and Polish Law This contribution discusses the issue of criminal liability for making and disseminating intimate pictures in the context of video-based Active and Assisted Living (AAL) technologies in European, Irish, and Polish law. While visual components, such as cameras, can provide rich information about accidents and movements, they pose privacy concerns, i.e., recording intimate situations. The article compares the regimes of criminal liability for making and disseminating intimate pictures under the EU, Irish, and Polish law, providing a checklist of rules for both AAL users and providers. The article covers the definition of intimate pictures in each jurisdiction, the conditions for criminal liability, and who may be held liable for the crime, including individuals and AAL providers as a company. By analysing and comparing the different legal frameworks, this study provides insight into the legal protection available to AAL users and the legal responsibilities of providers and developers.Active Assisted Living, criminal law, privacy, nudity, intimate pictures, European law, Irish law, Polish lawStockholm University (Sweden) | Susanne Dirks: Cognitive Accessibility of Indoor Navigation Apps (IOS) Cognitive Accessibility of Indoor Navigation AppsAdvances in smartphone technology have made it possible to develop mobile apps that assist people with cognitive or learning disabilities in navigating indoor spaces more easily and independently. This paper reviews the state of the art in smartphone-based indoor navigation for this population and describes a usability trial that was conducted with four individuals in a German city hall. The trial was based on simulated tasks that required the use of the indoor navigation app XXX, during which data about different use cases were gathered. A guided interview was conducted to gather further feedback about the accessibility and the perceived usefulness of the app. The paper highlights the potential of smartphone-based indoor navigation apps for enhancing the independence and quality of life of people with cognitive or learning disabilities. The usability trial provided insights into the effectiveness and usability of an indoor navigation app in real-world settings.Indoor navigation, Digital accessibility, People with cognitive disabilities, Smartphone-based navigation, Human-computer interaction, Usability testingTechnical University Dortmund (Germany) | Stéphane Mandigout: Social Participation and Physical Activity Incentive at Home in Stroke Survivor: Contribution of Technologies (IOS) Social Participation and Physical Activity Incentive at Home in Stroke Survivor: Contribution of TechnologiesThe purpose of this presentation is to describe how current technologies may facilite a continuity of care for stroke survivors. To respond to some of the unmet needs, we have conducted several studies aiming to better understand how to support stroke survivors as they return to home. Using various technologies and methodologies, we aim to answer different questions:
How to maintain long-term benefits, especially for maintaining activity in real-life situations? Can current technologies help us to better assess the patient at home? In the context of their physical activity? In the context of daily life? How technology can facilitate novel approaches to collect data ? Which parameter(s) are most relevant for defining exercise intensity? Can tele-rehabilitation technologies improve mobility in post-stroke patients? This work allows us to conclude that the scientific advances are very promising. The use of technology in the rehabilitation of stroke survivors at home seems to have a positive effect on their social participation. However, more work is needed to improve the level of evidence
Stroke, rehabilitation, home, energetic cost, exergame, social participationUniversité de Limoges (France) | Lorenzo Desideri: ‘Touching’ Stories: Towards the Development of Tangible User Interfaces Story-Building Authoring Tool for Inclusive Education (IOS) ‘Touching’ Stories: Towards the Development of Tangible User Interfaces Story-Building Authoring Tool for Inclusive EducationTangible User Interfaces (hereafter, TUIs) are novel forms of human-computer interactions based on the physical manipulation of everyday objects. A great potential of TUIs technologies is the possibility to personalize objects and interaction between the user and the system. The high level of platform flexibility allows, for example, a multisensory approach, that is crucial for children that have sensory limitations and disabilities. This contribution aims at presenting and discussing the development of an authoring tool for creating TUI-supported activities for inclusive digital storytelling. The authoring tool is a product of collaboration and consultation with researchers and teachers involved in the ERASMUS+ project I'M IN TALES. A preliminary usability validation study using a mixed-method approach has been conducted involving 50 educators and assistive technology professionals. The results indicate an overall acceptance of the system. The feedback provided by the participants involved will be used for the future refinement of the tool. tangible user interfaces, education, inclusion, storytelling AIAS Bologna onlus (Italy) | Elodie Draperi: Low Vision Headset for Watching Sports & Cultural Events (Innovation Area Presentations) Low Vision Headset for Watching Sports & Cultural Events2 million people in the UK are visually impaired (VI), that's about 1 out of 30. However, according to the Football Association only 1 in 3000 stadium tickets are purchased by people with sight loss.
The disparity is unsurprising, considering that the only accessibility provision for the VI at stadiums is audio commentary narrated via a set of radio headphones. Since there is no ability to see the game, very few partially sighted sports fans actually come to live games.
This is why GiveVision has adjusted its wearable low vision aid to be optimised for this use case: watching live events.
GiveVision aims to set a new "accessibility standard" for sports and cultural venues. The team is working with different partners in the UK and France to install its equipment permanently or temporarily. The tests organised have shown promising results regarding performance and user satisfaction. Their ambition is to provide this solution during the Olympics and Paralympics.
Low vision, accessibility, live events, headsetGiveVision (France) - More Info | |||
Martin Kampel: Privacy by Design Solution for Robust Fall Detection (IOS) Privacy by Design Solution for Robust Fall DetectionFalls are a leading cause of accidental deaths among the elderly population. The aim of fall
detection is to ensure quick help for fall victims by automatically informing caretakers. We present
a fall detection method based on depth-data that is able to detect falls reliably while having a low
false alarm rate. We report more then 1200 installations in care facilities which demonstrates the
maturity of the technology and acceptance of the users. We follow a privacy by design approach
by using range maps for the analysis instead of RGB images and process all the data in the sensor.
Any data transmission is consequently avoided. We evaluate our method on an extensive dataset
with 2.2 million events where more then 100.000 events are manually annotated.fall detection, privacy by design, large scale evaluationVienna University of Technology (Austria) | Benjamin Misiak: Assess Eye Tracking as a Controller’s Effect on Player’s Experience and Feel (Oral only) Assess Eye Tracking as a Controller’s Effect on Player’s Experience and FeelBecause of eye tracking’s effect on cognitive load and its simplicity of use, we hypothesized that positive effects of eye tracking as a controller would be higher for players with low focus abilities such as players coming from cognitive diversity or with low numeric literacy.
Objective: We want to verify the effects of eye tracker as a controller on player’s experience and check if these effects’ intensity are more pronounce or not on players identifying as part of cognitive diversity or with low numeric literacy.
Methods: We developed a module allowing to select, activate, move and link items on a 2d game using ET as a video game controller.
We designed two interaction solutions based on the literature and developed them both as options in a Unity3D package.
Participants will be asked about their digital literacy and difficulty to use informatics and if they identify as part of cognitive diversity.
Results: Data are currently being collected and will be ready for the conference.
eye-tracking, autism, video game, accessibility, alternative controllerCHArt (France) | Krista Best: Public Transportation Training: a Low-Tech Approach to Facilitate Using the Bus for People with Disabilities (Oral only) Public Transportation Training: a Low-Tech Approach to Facilitate Using the Bus for People with DisabilitiesPeople with disabilities face physical and societal barriers to accessing public transportation, such as using the bus. Public transportation training represents a low-tech approach to improve how people with disabilities use public transportation services (the bus) and the associated technology (using apps for route planning).
A multi-methods study was conducted in partnership with a local public transit service provider. Public transit training was completed by all participants, which integrated didactic information with practical experiences. Self-efficacy, satisfaction and community mobility were evaluated and semi-structured interviews were conducted. Data were analyzed descriptively, statistically and thematically. 12 people with disabilities experienced improvements in self-efficacy, skills and autonomy for using the bus, which in turn enhanced community mobility and social participation. Low tech training programs may enhance adoption and sustained use of technologies.Mobility, Accessibility, ParticipationUniversité Laval (Canada) | Léa Pacini: Textbook'S Accessibility for Children with Dyspraxia and Visual Disability (Oral only) Textbook'S Accessibility for Children with Dyspraxia and Visual DisabilityThe access to scholarship and to the compensation means, the materials and infrastructures remains low. The work presented in this paper is part of the project “MALIN” (MAnuels scoLaires INclusifs, ie. Inclusive Textbooks). Its purpose is to make digital textbooks more accessible. To this day, only few textbooks are adapted for children with disabilities and these process are still time- and money- consuming. The MALIN project seeks, on one hand, the automation of the process and, on the other hand, the conception of a platform allowing to choose for the most fitting adaptation depending on the user. The aim of the project is to allow for a better access of textbooks for the children with disabilities but the overall goal is to provide a way to adapt the textbooks to try to compensate the difficulties children can face at school during their learning process. The core of the project focuses first on two specific populations (dyspraxic and visually disabled people), but once expanded with other type of targeted user profiles, the created basis will make all of the students able to use the same pedagogical material.Accessibility, dyspraxia, visual disability, assistive technology, special education, single case designCNAM/INSERM (France) | ||||
Claude Vincent: Neuro Service Dogs Impacts on Community-Dwelling Persons with Mild to Moderate Dementia and Their Caregiver (IOS) Neuro Service Dogs Impacts on Community-Dwelling Persons with Mild to Moderate Dementia and Their CaregiverThere was no research data on the actual use of neurological service dogs (NSD) in 2019. The aim of the study was to explore how NSD can help caregivers and people with dementia at home, through interviews, questionnaires and activity monitors. From 2019 to 2021, 112 participants were recruited, forming 56 pairs of people with dementia and caregivers. Of those 56 pairs, 28 had a companion dog, 23 had no dog, and five had a NSD. The NSD can play five roles and tasks in the lives of people with dementia. In addition, seven benefits and five considerations were highlighted regarding the use of a NSD. Our qualitative analyzes confirm our first two hypotheses that the presence of a NSD or a companion dog 1) has a positive impact on both the person with dementia and their caregiver (e.g. reduced stress and increased independence), and 2) increases human presence around the person with dementia and opportunities for social engagement (e.g. more outings). Our quantitative analyzes do not confirm our 3rd hypothesis: NSD or companion dogs are a cost-effective or value-added alternative to not to not having a dog, both having the same benefit-cost. Finally, our 4th hypothesis is partially confirmed: level of exercise and the quality of sleep are better in the group of NSD from a qualitative point of view only.service dog, Alzheimer, dementia, living at home with caregiver, assistive doguniversité laval (Canada) | Katarina Baudin: I Know My Rights!! a Longitudinal Study of Discrimination Due to Physical Inaccessibility From the Perspective of Wheelchair Users (IOS) I Know My Rights!! a Longitudinal Study of Discrimination Due to Physical Inaccessibility From the Perspective of Wheelchair UsersIt is a global and national goal that society ensures us an equally accessible society. From the perspective of disability rights, people with mobility-related disabilities who use wheelchairs must have equal opportunities to participate in and contribute to society (WHO, UN, 2022). In accordance with the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), public buildings and places must be accessible to people using wheelchairs. A study concluded that complaints to Equality Ombudsman (DO) during 2015-2016 filed by people using mobility devices showed they were denied access to various contexts, including offices, theatres, restaurants, schools, and public transportation. Filing a complaint was a way to take action, highlight present inaccessibility, and express hope for change (Pettersson C., et al., 2022). By using an environmental framework such as the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) (WHO, 2001) is critical to align with a policy-relevant framework that can provide direction for policy change. The objective is to explore how the users of wheelchairs experience discrimination due to their inaccessibility, by using the framework of the ICF framework, among reported complaints to the DO from 2015-2022. This study´s ‘complaints about discrimination’ involves discrimination associated with one or more of the grounds of discrimination: ethnicity, disability, sex, transgender identity or expression, religion or other belief, sexual orientation, age, and sexual harassment.
The method is a document and qualitative content analysis (Bowen, 2009) in this cross-sectional study. The complaints (documents) grant us unique access to descriptions and experiences of many situations related to inaccessibility by many people using wheelchairs. Further, the ICF will be used to analyze the complaints. Preliminary results: By analyzing the documents, provides insights and increased knowledge of requirements for accessibility, the consequences of insufficient accessibility and participation difficulties, and ways to prevent discrimination in the future. Briefly, we know there is an increase in the number of complaints about discrimination across the entire period of 2015-2022. In percentage terms, age-related complaints have increased the most (121%).Paying attention to peoples’ lived perspectives has often been cited as crucial to understanding how inclusion and exclusion play out in real life (Pettersson C., et al., 2022). A more accessible world depends on the extent of our knowledge and the politics of knowing-making. Documentation of facilitators and barriers in different environments is of significant value to articulate the needs of wheelchair users and advocate for the recognition of those in needs. Wheelchairs, scooters, discrimination, mobility, ICFKarolinska Institutet (Sweden) | Evgeniya Hristova: Training Program for Children with Severe Speech and Motor Disabilities Using Eye Control (Oral only) Training Program for Children with Severe Speech and Motor Disabilities Using Eye ControlWe present a methodology and a training program with a large set of interactive activities that allow the implementation of adapted and effective individual programs for developing basic cognitive and communication competences typically partially or completely missing in children with severe speech and motor disabilities. This target group presents particular challenges to professionals due to the combination of functional disabilities that make communication and learning almost impossible without the use of high-tech AT for augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) and for alternative acomputer access.
A very important factor for children with motor and speech impairments is the limited or missing interactions with peers and the environment, dramatically low involvement in communication, and sometimes (e.g., in less developed countries) life at a single place (sometimes an apartment). The training program aims to level up the general knowledge and respective passive and active vocabulary with the typical ones and thus provide a basis for further cognitive development. The program is in Bulgarian but is sufficiently general to be implemented in other languages. AAC, eye-gaze control, educational program for children with CCNASSIST - Assistive Technologies Foundation (Bulgaria) |
Break
16:30 - 17:00
AAATE General Assembly
17:00 - 19:00
Room: Auditorium 250
Conference Day 3
2023-09-01
Session 7
08:30 - 10:30
| Track A | Track B | Track C | Track D | Inclusion Forum E | Inclusion Forum F | Inclusion Forum G | Inclusion Forum H |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Auditorium 250 | Auditorium 150 | Room 100 | Room 50 | 3.08 | 3.01 | 3.02 | 3.03 |
Privacy-aware and acceptable video-based assistive technologies (STS) Chairs: Paco Flórez (Universidad de Alicante, ES), Sara Colantonio (ISTI-CNR, IT), Martin Kampel (Vienna University of Technology, AT) Ivo Iliev: Audio-Conversion of Biomedical Signals - a Possible Approach to Improve Remote Monitoring of Elderly and Visually Impaired People (IOS) Audio-Conversion of Biomedical Signals - a Possible Approach to Improve Remote Monitoring of Elderly and Visually Impaired PeopleIn light of the fact that cardiovascular diseases are a significant factor to mortality rates globally, it's crucial to prioritize early detection of cardiac activity abnormalities by remote patient monitoring. However, a number of studies in recent years related to the implementation of new ICT technologies in assistive systems for the elderly and visually impaired people show that not a small number of these people may have difficulties in accepting and using the new technologies mainly due to a difficulty in using small screens, buttons and navigating digital interfaces. Many of these problems can be solved by incorporating familiar elements, such as analog interfaces. This paper presents an approach based on sonification (audio-conversion) of the electrocardiographic signal, allowing the easy use of a GSM device to transmit an electrocardiogram to a doctor or medical center, in a manner identical to making a telephone conversation by pressing only one dial button. AAL, ECG sonification, older adults, blind people Technical University of Sofia (Bulgaria) | The Assistive Potential of Digital Consumer Technology (STS) Chairs: Bryan Boyle (Trinity College Dublin, IE), Sabine Lobnig (AAATE, AT), David Peter Banes (Access and Inclusion Services, GB), Fiachra O’Brolcháin (Institute of Ethics, DCU, IE) Bryan Boyle: Understanding the Potential of Home-Based Digital Voice Assistants for People with Disabilities. (IOS) Understanding the Potential of Home-Based Digital Voice Assistants for People with Disabilities.As the numbers of people with disabilities actively using technology to support their day-to-day activities increases the benefits afforded by these technologies are ever more evident (Enable Ireland & Disability Federation of Ireland, 2016). Much of the technology used by people with disabilities is often characterised as Assistive Technology (AT) which is designed and developed to address the specific needs of people with disabilities (Boot et al., 2018; Copley & Ziviani, 2004; Draffan et al., 2015). In contrast to AT which is focussed on serving the needs of people with disabilities, consumer digital technology refers to those technologies that are developed for use by the general public.
The aim of this study was to explore the assistive potential of a range of exemplar consumer digital technology, namely, digital voice assistants and internet of things.
A qualitative study was conducted in the context of a field-trial of a range of digital consumer technologies which included a Digital Voice Assistant alongside voice-operated Internet of Things technologies. This field-trial saw a total of ten participants with disabilities recruited and the technology listed above installed in their homes for a six-week period from April till June 2022. Each participant engaged in pre and post-trial, semi-structured interview. Both the pre and post interview data were analysed thematically using the method outlined by Braun and Clarke (2006).
Thematic analysis yielded three major themes; 1) how technology changes the nature of the home, 2) the joy of exploring possibilities and 3) technology as a member of the family. Further sub-themes uncovered participants’ views and perceptions as to how people with disabilities made optimal use of the technology available, the processes by which they set-up and embedded technology use in the routines of the household and ways in which technology changed their lives and the functioning of their homes.
The use of Digital Voice Assistants and other consumer Internet of Things technologies by people with disabilities is likely to increase over the forthcoming years as the inter-connectedness and assistive functionality of such devices increases. Although the development of such technology is not aimed explicitly at meeting the needs of people with disabilities and older people, developers and manufacturers of consumer technologies understand that reflecting the diversity of users will increase their market share. Furthermore, this study showed also that there are hitherto unanticipated benefits that can be accrued by people with disabilities and older people simply by making the technology available to them and supporting them to use it. As developments in networked capacities increase people with disabilities and older people will look to extend their use of voice-controlled technology for convenience, entertainment, and for connecting with real and virtual communities.
Consumer Technology, Assistive Technology, Digital Voice AssistantUniversity College Cork (Ireland) | Technologies to enhance Mobility, Accessibility and Participation (STS) Chairs: François Routhier (Center for interdisciplinary research in rehabilitation and social integration, CA), Krista Best (Université Laval, CA) Federico Pacini: Are Manual Wheelchair Users Free to Visit Natural Landscapes? (Oral only) Are Manual Wheelchair Users Free to Visit Natural Landscapes?EU's Statistics Office Eurostat suggests an estimate of 5 million wheelchair users in Europe. Among this population, this paper focuses on users able to self-propelled the wheelchair by using push-rims fitted on rear wheels and in particular the ones who are travelling around the world. Self-propelled wheelchairs are difficult to drive in off-road paths or in situation of slope greater than 8%. Electric wheelchairs are difficult to transport, and front-wheel drive kits are not suitable because of wheel slippage due to the rearward-shifted barycentre. From these problems, the idea has been the realization of an innovative kit that is plug-and-play and affects rear wheels. The kit is composed of a mechanical support, motors, control unit and a human-machine interface. The kit makes use of two motors which are pushed towards the rear wheels through a spring. Once the motors turn, rotation is transmitted to the wheels by friction. A prototype has been realized and tested.wheelchair, plug-and-play kit, AT for turismUnipi (Italy) | AT and Children's Rights (STS) Chairs: Pedro Encarnação (Universidade Católica Portuguesa, PT), Albert Cook (University of Alberta, US), Angharad Beckett (University of Leeds, GB) Angharad Beckett: Assessing the Outcomes of AT for Disabled Children/Adolescents. Is It Time for a New Approach? (Oral only) Assessing the Outcomes of AT for Disabled Children/Adolescents. Is It Time for a New Approach? In 2021 an article appeared in Resna’s ‘Assistive Technology’ journal, entitled 'Childhood and Assistive Technology: Growing with opportunity, developing with technology'. This important article was written by UNICEF’s Fernando Botelha. He argued that assistive technology (AT) is instrumental for the development and participation of disabled children, because it can enable their communication, mobility and self-care; it can support them to explore ‘the worlds of family relationships, friendships, education, play, and household tasks, enhancing their quality of life and that of their families’ (Botelha, 2021: s87). His arguments are persuasive.
In this paper we ask how it is that we assess the outcomes of AT, to ensure that disabled children and young people are experiencing the benefits Botelha describes, and, most importantly, are experiencing user-satisfaction. Our analysis is framed in relation to the GAATO (2022) report 'AT Outcomes Grand Challenge Consultation'. We are concerned with measurement of assistive technology outcomes and impact at the individual level, and the following from the report's long-list of 'challenges':
2: We do not have adequate strategies to direct data collection for research or decision making.
24: Existing outcome measures do not value both quantitative and qualitative data.
25: Existing outcome measures do not adequately capture all stakeholder perspectives on the impact of AT on the life of an AT user in a holistic way, including quality of life, wellbeing, and health.
We suggest that these can be collapsed into one challenge: to think anew about evaluation methodologies, and the design of AT outcome assessment tools (‘instruments’). We being to address this challenge by ‘assessing the assessments’ (including MPT, QUEST, PIADS, IPPA and LIFE-H) focusing on four issues: (1) accessibility and inclusivity; (2) focus; (3) process of development; (4) methodology. We identify strengths and limitations. Our analysis sets the scene for new empirical research that we are proposing, the first stage of which we will report at the AAATE Conference 2023.Assistive Technology; Outcome Assessment; Evaluation; Methodologies; User-Centred; Co-productionUniversity of Leeds (United Kingdom) | Innovation area sessions María José Santofimia Romero: A Tool for Physical Exercise and Orofacial Rehabilitation at Home for Older Adults (Innovation Area Presentations) A Tool for Physical Exercise and Orofacial Rehabilitation at Home for Older Adults Performing physical rehabilitation exercises is very commonly prescribed to a wide variety of individuals to recover from an injury or just to address the degenerative effects of time that lead to conditions such as frailty. Furthermore, physical inactivity is pointed out as one of the main risk factors underlying the most prevalent chronic conditions. Nonetheless, attending supervised rehabilitation sessions is unfeasible to many patients due to the economic cost it entails, time constraints, or just the lack of health centres nearby providing such services. The alternative is to perform such exercises at home, in an unsupervised manner. These exercises are normally prescribed on a paper sheet or leaflet or, in the best case, with a list of videos. Still, this approach presents a very low rate of adherence, and it provides no information to the specialist supervising the rehabilitation process. The Phyx.io software presented here is a system that supports at-home physical rehabilitation, enhanced with real-time monitoring. Exercises for orofacial rehabilitation and improvement of joint range of motion are provided. The system is described here is experimentally validated under the work carried out in SHAPES Pilot Theme 6.physical rehabilitation, orofacial rehablitation, cognitive exercisesUniversity of Castilla-La Mancha (Spain) - More Info | Policy sessions GAATO and the Zero Project: Scaling Innovations in AT (Policy Session) Scaling Innovations in ATBringing innovation to the market is difficult enough but most organizations and companies underestimate that a market entry of a product or service is not the end but the real beginning of a sequence of other events and processes which require resources of all kinds. Besides adequate funding, the successful acquisition of an appropriate scaling partner seems to be a big obstacle were many organizations fail.
The Zero Project detects and promotes innovations that benefit persons with and without disabilities. Some Zero Project awardees have been able to find their right scaling partner and will present their experience and highlight some of the key success factors in doing so. Other innovators will present their experiences as well.
The session is supported by GAATO who collaborates with the ZeroProject in scaling up innovations. The session will be an opportunity as well to present the ZeroProject/GAATO Sector report on Assistive Technologies.
Innovation, Scaling up, Markets for AT, ZeroProjectAAATE (Italy) - More Info | Educational Sessions Andreea Stamate: Challenges for Assistive Technologies That Target Older Adults: Using Examples From AAL Funded Projects. (Educational Session) Challenges for Assistive Technologies That Target Older Adults: Using Examples From AAL Funded Projects.Many older adults have, or may face as they advance in age, complex healthcare needs. This requires that they, or various medical staff, routinely travel to access, or deliver health services. The public sectors’ financial constraints, together with the current economic downturn are leading to increasing financial pressures which require that healthcare providers identify alternative delivery models (Currie et al., 2015). One such alternative could be provided by Assistive Technology (AT) which has advantages in terms of accessibility, richness of measurement, and cost (Germine et al., 2018). In this lecture we will focus on the opportunities and barriers of AT that provide digital assessment to monitor its users cognitively and physically. We will share some of our experiences relating to their development and field testing, using examples from AAL projects (that we have implemented) and the wider literature. Participants will engage in discussion on how to assess the value of existing solutions and on how develop proposals, and improve methodology, for new solutions that aim to monitor older adults remotely using digital devices.older adults, digital assesment, remote monitoring, AT challenges, AAL projects.Ana Aslan International Foundation (Romania) - More Info | Educational Sessions Geraldine Leader: Advancing Social Inclusion through Technology and Empowerment (A-Step) Cost Action Ca19104 (Educational Session) Advancing Social Inclusion through Technology and Empowerment (A-Step) Cost Action Ca19104Social inclusion is an important element of well-being for people with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and/or Intellectual Disability (ID). Research has highlighted that social inclusion is facilitated through access to education and employment. Despite this, people with ASD and/or ID have low rates of participation in these domains. Research has demonstrated that Assistive Technology (AT) shows great promise in increasing participation in education and employment. Notwithstanding recent technological advances, there are low rates of adoption of AT throughout Europe by service providers, educators, employers and policymakers. There are several areas of unmet need including: high abandonment rates of AT, lack of inclusion of people with ASD and/or ID in the research process, lack of interdisciplinary and intersectoral collaboration and poor match between technology and the individual with ASD and/or ID. a-STEP has built an interdisciplinary, intersectoral pan EU and beyond consortium which will enhance social inclusion of individuals with ASD and/or ID. a-STEP is Evaluating the development of novel AT by providing an interdisciplinary and intersectoral collaboration between all stakeholders using a translational approach to establish standardised practice guidelines for design, development and deployment of AT. a-STEP is also Creating knowledge, by providing a database of current AT technologies and their match to employment and educational contexts for users with ASD and/or ID. Finally, a-STEP is Promoting the adoption of evidence-based guidelines in relation to use of AT across settings and populations and propagating the use of inclusive design and rigorous research approaches. During this session a-STEP Workgroup leaders will present their findings.intellectual disorder, autism spectrum disorder, assistive technologies, social inclusionUniversity of Galway (Ireland) - More Info |
Ami Ogawa: Verification of Optimal Sensor Placement System for Gait Assessment in Living Space (Oral only) Verification of Optimal Sensor Placement System for Gait Assessment in Living SpaceThis study aims to validate our system that calculates the optimal placement of a sensor for evaluating gait in living spaces by measurement experiments conducted in actual living environments. The proposed system optimized sensor placement based on the following three evaluation criteria: (1) the system can measure walking motions, (2) the system does not interfere with the subject’s walking, and (3) the system does not cause discomfort to the occupants. As a result, our system selected the flow line spaces for the sensor’s positions in all the subjects’ houses. Although the number of measured data varied among subjects, straight walking was measured for more than 40% of the total data in all subjects. In addition, the number of data that could not be used for gait evaluation, such as dual tasks, was large, and the available data ranged from 10 to 30% of the total walking data.Optimal sensor placement, Living space, home-based sensing, physical function assessment, Non-contact sensorKeio University (Japan) | Tim Coughlan: Doing More with Dialogue: Harnessing Virtual Assistants and Artificial Intelligence to Discuss Disabilities, Provide Support and Overcome Barriers (Oral only) Doing More with Dialogue: Harnessing Virtual Assistants and Artificial Intelligence to Discuss Disabilities, Provide Support and Overcome BarriersThis presentation will highlight how conversational user interfaces such as chatbots and virtual assistants can support disabled students to talk about needs, barriers, technologies and strategies. This has great potential to tackle the administrative burden associated with assessing needs and gaining appropriate support, and the lack of support for the use of assistive technology. As artificial intelligence advances, new forms of advisors and assistants could help students to overcome a wider range of barriers due to their potential to hold an adaptable dialogue and play multiple roles in making learning more accessible.
Taylor, a virtual assistant that now supports Open University UK students to disclose disabilities and ask questions about study and support, will be used to highlight some of this potential. Evaluation findings and areas for enhancement to Taylor will be described, along with areas for further exploration such as how to map disabilities and barriers to technologies and strategies, and the positioning of these innovations in relation to individual and institutional responsibilities.artificial intelligence, higher education, chatbot, virtual assistant, disability disclosureThe Open University (United Kingdom) | Mir Abolfazl Mostafavi: A Novel Geospatial Assistive Navigation Technology for a Seamless Multimodal Mobility (IOS) A Novel Geospatial Assistive Navigation Technology for a Seamless Multimodal MobilityMobility and social participation of PWD are of increasing concern in the light of major demographic
changes such as aging populations throughout the world. Undoubtedly, mobility constitutes an important
contribution to social participation and, any action seeking to reduce mobility constraints will promote
social participation and health status.The overall objective of this paper is to present the design and development of a novel geospatial assistive navigation technology to support multimodal mobility of PWD, especially those using manual
wheelchair, in urban areas. The proposed navigation technology is designed and developed based on the principles of the Disability Creation Model (DCP). The tool, which is called MobiliSIG, proposes accessible multimodal
itinararies that can be personalized and adapted to the capacity and preferences of each user.Multimodal mobility, accessibility, people with disabilitiesUniversité Laval (Canada) | Alvard Poghosyan and Armenuhi Avagyan: A Case Study That Provides an Example of AAC Enabling Children’s Rights (Oral only) A Case Study That Provides an Example of AAC Enabling Children’s RightsUNICEF Armenia initiated support to innovative national programs that contribute to the policy development toward building national ecosystems for assistive technologies (AT) and alternative augmentative communication (AAC) to meet the needs of children with disabilities. The aim is to support the functioning and meaningful participation of children with disabilities in learning and in community life from early years through adulthood. Special consideration is given to AAC as this is an emerging area in Armenia. While the mother tongue AAC low-tech solutions were in use for some time the high-tech solutions are just under development and piloting. In 2022 UNICEF Armenia contributed to the testing of the Armenian version of the AAC developed by ARMAV Continuous Education Center through US Embassy Armenia funding. This is the first Armenian language high-tech tool for tablets offered free of charge in the App Store and Play market. A team of 13 specialists from various fields collaborated to develop the App. Mariam Nersesyan, a young Armenian girl who lives in Italy and has severe motor and communication difficulties became the main consultant of the team. As a five-year user of English-speaking apps, she provided several suggestions and insightful criticism for how to make the Armenian language app better and more user-friendly. augmentative and alternative communication (AAC); social inclusion; meaningful participation in educationUNICEF (Armenia) | Federico Pacini: Smart Blankets (Innovation Area Presentations) Smart BlanketsNowadays, a consistently large number of people suffer from impairments, such as people with Cerebral Palsy, Muscular Dystrophy, etc., and this number is continuously growing due to the aging of the population. For some disorders, freedom of movement gets worse and worse. Daily actions taken for granted by most people can be difficult for others. One of them is lifting blankets on the bed. Thinking about people not able to move their upper limbs, it is impossible for them to perform such action. The possibility of performing such actions in an autonomous way gives individuals a remarkable physical and psychological sense of well-being and a relief also for caregivers. Assuming the user is still able to produce utterances, the idea is to realize a kit which allows the blankets to follow the willingness of the user. The system is enabled after an utterance is mapped to a valid command. A moving system brings the blanket to the desired position and adjusts its proximity to the user.Smart blanket, upper limb disabilities, voice recognitionUnipi (Italy) - More Info | Cristian Leorin: Seuro Tools Workshop: Co-Creating Digital Organisational Assessment Tool to Support the Transferability of Digital Health Innovations in Practice. (Educational Session) Seuro Tools Workshop: Co-Creating Digital Organisational Assessment Tool to Support the Transferability of Digital Health Innovations in Practice. The SEURO (Scaling EUROpean citizen driven transferable and transformative digital integrated health and social care) project is exploring the optimisation and transferability of digital health solutions across the European Union by developing two different digital self-assessment tools: the ProTransfer (to evaluate the readiness of local/regional organisations to transfer or adopt a digital health solution in their specific organisational context) and the ProBCF-C (a digital checklist of key actions to consider in the design, development, evaluation and commercialisation of any digital health behaviour change intervention [DHBCI]). By recognising that designing innovations for real-world applications requires considering the variability of organisational contexts in terms of structure, culture and stakeholder make-up, this workshop intends to collect feedback from participants, in a role game activity, co-creating and informing the next phase of the development of these two tools. Digital Health, Participatory design, User centred design, self-assessment tool, transferability modelAIAS Bologna (Italy) - More Info | ||
Domenico Napolitano and Anita Mollo: Legal Problems of Assistive Technologies: the Case of Inheritance Laws Addressed to Speech-Impaired People (Oral only) Legal Problems of Assistive Technologies: the Case of Inheritance Laws Addressed to Speech-Impaired PeopleIn this contribution we will focus on the conflicts deriving from the lack of coordination between technology, law and society when considering the case of inheritance laws addressed to speech-impaired people. In fact, succession law systems in the world prevent speech-impaired persons from expressing their will through speech synthesis. Through the analysis of voice technologies and the legal frameworks, we will highlight the limits of narratives of “technological enhancement” typical of AI in the face of juridical frameworks where the augmentative possibilities of those devices are not recognized and complied. We argue that this kind of contradiction exasperates the discomfort inherent speech-impairment and produces exclusion from social and juridical institutions. In response to these problems, we propose a legal framework that overcomes testamentary formalism in accordance with the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. inheritance law, speech synthesis, digital rights, technologies of humilityScuola Superiore Meridionale (Italy) | Sophie Sakka: HRI and Personality Perception: Comparison of the Personality Evaluation of a Teleoperated Humanoid Robot and Human Interlocutor (IOS) HRI and Personality Perception: Comparison of the Personality Evaluation of a Teleoperated Humanoid Robot and Human InterlocutorThis paper deals with the personality perception of a (teleoperated) humanoid robot when talking to it in a natural manner:
the wizard of Oz approach is used. The objective is to understand how a robot is perceived in order to better use robots with people with special needs for social interactions. An experiment involving 20 subjects was performed, to compare two heteroevaluation characteristics: identity perception of human beings vs. humanoid robot, and identity perception differences when interacting with a human directly or with the same human through the robot mediation. The experiment was organized in three interactions for each subject: interaction with a woman, personality evaluation, interaction with a man, personality evaluation, and interaction with a humanoid robot, personality evaluation. The evaluation uses the OCEAN inventory, French equivalent of the Big Five inventory. The results show that the subjects create for the teleoperated robot an identity of its own, which differs from the one attributed to the teleoperator. The robot was generally perceived as having less interest in art, lacking more imagination or ingenuity, being less open-minded than the human being controlling it. The perception of emotional stability is greater for the teleoperator in a robotic form: the absence of the human envelope allows a person to appear more stable. We identified two statistical groups in the robot evaluation, depending on the consideration of the robotic technology by the subjects: their perception of the robot conscientiousness, extroversion and agreeableness were separated radically: the personality attributed to the teleoperated robot varies according to the subjects, unlike the personality of the teleoperator.HRI, humanoid, personality evaluation, wizard-of-ozINSHEA (France) | Folashade Fatima Badmos: Co-Design of an Interactive Wellness Park: Ideating Designs for a Multimodal Outdoor Physical Web Installation (Oral only) Co-Design of an Interactive Wellness Park: Ideating Designs for a Multimodal Outdoor Physical Web InstallationCreating age-friendly environments is a key strategy to encourage older adults to engage in outdoor activities. Outdoor physical exercise, such as walking at a prescribed pace, is a component of rehabilitation that also has general application for wellness. Unfortunately, declines in physical and cognitive capacity due to old age make older adults more susceptible to barriers in the physical environment, which usually leads to reduced physical activity levels. Providing suitable outdoor infrastructure for older people to partake in physical activities is crucial because physical activity guidelines acknowledge the benefits of even minimal activities. We propose that smart and interactive systems in open public spaces specifically designed to engage older adults hold great potential to support outdoor physical activities and rehabilitation. Older adults and other stakeholders will participate in the proposed application's design through co-design workshops. We aim to explore the perceptions and experiences of older adults in relation to their physical activity routines and to ideate some initial design ideas for the proposed outdoor physical web interface. physical web, outdoor physical activities, older adults, participatory design, design thinking, co-design Technological University Dublin (Ireland) | Jane Seale: Developing Possibility-Focused Practices to Support Technology Related Transitions for Young People with Learning Disabilities (Oral only) Developing Possibility-Focused Practices to Support Technology Related Transitions for Young People with Learning DisabilitiesThe focus of this presentation is the support that young people with learning disabilities receive to use technologies when they leave compulsory education. I will argue that support during and after the transition from compulsory education is important because we know that that levels of digital inclusion are lower for adults with learning disabilities compared to other disabled and non-disabled groups. A common response to the digital inequalities experienced by people with learning disabilities is to turn to the Convention on the Rights of the Persons with Disabilities for indications that taking appropriate action to reduce digital exclusion is expected of those governments who sign up to the convention. It is my contention that the CRPD fails to stress the importance of ensuring that levels of access to assistive technology and related support do not reduce during or following transitions from one context to another. In this presentation I will draw on my research into how adults with learning disabilities are supported to access and use technologies to discuss the factors that influence whether and how young people with learning disabilities are supported to access and use technologies when they leave compulsory education. I will conclude the presentation by distilling a framework for ‘possibility-focused’ support practices that I suggest has the potential to facilitate technology related transitions for young people with learning disabilities.learning disabilities, transition, supportTitle (United Kingdom) | Yuko Shimomura: Walking Simulator Used Swivel Chair for Blind Children (Innovation Area Presentations) Walking Simulator Used Swivel Chair for Blind ChildrenWe are building a walking practice system for blind children. In order for blind children to walk alone, they need to be able to create a mental map in their mind. To develop this ability, we constructed a system in which a blind child walks on a road in VR. In reality, the blind child sits on a swivel chair and only moves his/her legs. However, since the blind child walks on various roads in VR, the blind child's ability to create a mental map improves. This way, the blind child is safe and only one support person is needed.
The system configuration is as follows. As input/output devices, MetaQuest2 and a microswitch for judging footsteps were used. The simulation system was built with the game engine Unity. Environmental sounds were output using the stereophonic SDK. White canes and Braille blocks were also used in VR to inform the user of the surrounding environment through sound and vibration.
We believe it is also important for children to practice walking while having fun.
Walking simulator, Blind children, Swivel chair, VRKinjo University (Japan) - More Info | |||
Acces to STEM content Chairs: Dominique Archambault (Université Paris 8, FR) Volker Sorge: Extracting Contextual Semantic From a Concordance Containing Mathematical Definition (IOS) Extracting Contextual Semantic From a Concordance Containing Mathematical DefinitionWith the increased penetration of screen reading software, effective audio rendering of equations can significantly help in making many electronic mathematics documents accessible.
However, linear syntactic rendering of equations can not only create considerable cognitive load even for relatively simple equations but in more advanced mathematical subjects the precise and correct interpretation of symbols becomes crucial.
To overcome this we propose an architecture to extract contextual semantics for formulas from the surrounding text based on the classification and analysis of concordances into valid mathematical definitions. In this paper, we have proposed a pattern matching based algorithm to extract contextual semantic from a concordance containing valid mathematical definition. This will help in contextually aware audio rendering of complex mathematical expressions instead of just syntactic rendering.Equations, Contextual Semantic, Audio RenderingProgressive Accessibility Solutions (France) | Julie Lang: Digital Assistive Technology: the Online Assistance for a Peaceful Driving in Automated and Connected Vehicles (IOS) Digital Assistive Technology: the Online Assistance for a Peaceful Driving in Automated and Connected VehiclesIn line with the progressive development of digital technologies, this article is about the conception of a digital twin - based assistant to increase the serenity of the journey of the occupants of a connected car, automated or not. Its main functions are (i) to manage the Human (driver and/or passenger) - Machine (vehicle) Interaction, (ii) to inform the occupants and support decision-making by avoiding stressful situations. This is done by appropriate prevention and remediation. We report how the virtual assistant functions for being empathetic by taking the user’s point of view, thanks to the knowledge of tasks, practices, needs and constraints ontologies instantiated by the car-user’s individual features to get her digital twin description. Based on this features model, providing assistance is to simulate online the next steps of the task realization, informing about conditions, prerequisites, post-requites and subtasks to be fulfilled. Expected results of this intelligent personalized assistance are a decrease in stress, in frequency of incident and accident situations, thanks to a monitoring, as complete as possible, of the driver's conditions, and situations dedicated to a serene driving.Digital Assistant, User Needs, Automotive User Interface, Ontologies, Digital Twin.CHArt-EPHE (France) | Reto Togni: Don’t Hold Back: Removing the Braking Component in Wheelchair Propulsion with a Steering-by-Leaning System (Oral only) Don’t Hold Back: Removing the Braking Component in Wheelchair Propulsion with a Steering-by-Leaning SystemManual Wheelchairs do not steer but are turned by braking unilaterally. Changes or adjustments of the direction of travel slow down the movement and force users to re-accelerate. The resulting energy loss contributes substantially to the inefficiency of wheelchair propulsion, is possibly hazardous to users’ health and can be frustrating.
Our steering-by-leaning system allows wheelchair users to control the direction of travel through a laterally tiltable backrest that functions as a steering wheel. We tested the system in an adapted Illinois Agility test course with 16 experienced wheelchair users as well as 15 able-bodied novices and compared it against conventional wheelchair usage. The system was able to remove the need for braking for directional control which drastically reduced the energy requirement for completion of the course.
We therefore believe that steering-by-leaning systems can make a meaningful contribution to the mobility of manual wheelchair users.
wheelchair, propulsion, steering, leaning, agility, turning, cross-slope, tiltedETH Zürich (Switzerland) | Beth Mineo: The Right to Assistive Technology and Acccessible Instructional Materials for U.S. Students Does Not Consistently Translate Into Predictable Access and Effective Use (IOS) The Right to Assistive Technology and Acccessible Instructional Materials for U.S. Students Does Not Consistently Translate Into Predictable Access and Effective UseThe United States has protected the rights of students with disabilities to access special education services since 1975, and special education law has undergone several reauthorizations since that time. Regarding assistive technology access, the law was amended in 1991 to include a definition of “assistive technology device” and “assistive technology service,” both of which are entitlements under the law when warranted by student need. These expansive definitions benefit students by reminding decision-making teams that students have a right to a broad range of equipment and a wide variety of services that influence AT assessment, acquisition, and ongoing use.
The literature abounds with examinations of factors that facilitate and limit access to assistive technology.
In 2022, we launched an extensive examination of the barriers and facilitators impacting assistive technology access in Delaware, a state in the mid-Atlantic region of the United States with a population of roughly one million people. The results reflect considerable similarity to factors reported in the literature. Overall, education personnel’s greatest resources are collaboration with one another, whereas their greatest barriers are knowledge about the marketplace and access to training and resources. There is no question that funding and administrative support also factors into both barriers and facilitators. The interviews conducted with educators will inform the development of a survey that will be distributed statewide in Fall 2023; survey results will inform an action plan designed to improve training and technology access and eliminate barriers due to misunderstand or misapplication of prevailing laws and policies.
rights, special education, barriers, facilitators, United StatesUniversity of Delaware, Center for Disabilities Studies (United States) | Daniela Bratković and Alisa Fabris: Digiacademy: an Accessible Digital Education Platform (Innovation Area Presentations) Digiacademy: an Accessible Digital Education PlatformDigi-ID PLUS is an EIT Health multidisciplinary innovation project led by Trinity College Dublin, along with EU partners in Sweden, France, Spain and Croatia. At the heart of our project is an authentic user centered and led design process.
Embedded within the project team is our Citizen Advisory Panel (CAP), individuals with intellectual disabilities and accessibility needs who are paid experts by experience users passionate about teaching and using technology to enhance their quality of life. CAPs comprise EU citizens with ID/autism, with diverse ages, gender, socioeconomic backgrounds and digital skills levels.
The project is developing an accessible digital skills e-learning video platform co created with and for people with accessibility needs to address the challenge of digital literacy and access to ensure better health, well-being and inclusion outcomes: Digi-Academy.
The programme was designed to push the co-creation process to an optimum level, through support and coaching to enable CAP members to become DigiAcademy teachers. This demonstrates the power and potential of people with intellectual disability to be the ‘face’ and ‘voice’ of our accessible education programme. DigiAcademy accessible digital skills education programme is comprised of short video tutorials on priority topics identified during the focus groups, delivered by our CAP members.
A new DigiAcademy supporter side and a preview new education topics in co development with our Citizen Advisory Panel teams will be showcased.accessibility, digital inclusion, user-centered design, eLearning platform, intellectual disabilityTrinity College Dublin (Ireland) - More Info | |||
Katsuhito Yamaguchi: On Support for Dyslexic Students in Senior-High School and Higher Education (IOS) On Support for Dyslexic Students in Senior-High School and Higher EducationA new approach to provide dyslexic students in a senior-high school or higher education with a new type of accessible textbooks is shown. It can be produced almost automatically from an original "e-born PDF" by making use of our OCR system.
DAISY, quick made, e-born PDF, dyslexiaNihon University (Japan) | Bryan Boyle: Beyond Helping: Uncovering the Ethical Considerations of Deploying Digital Voice Assistants to Support Participation by People with Disabilities and Older Citizens. (Oral only) Beyond Helping: Uncovering the Ethical Considerations of Deploying Digital Voice Assistants to Support Participation by People with Disabilities and Older Citizens.Background:
There are myriad ethical concerns relating to the use of commercially available Digital Voice Assistants (DVAs) or Smart Speakers as assistive devices for people with disabilities. The most prominent of these issues is privacy, which is our starting point; but discussions around privacy by no means exhaust the scope for ethical research. Many of the ethical issues apply equally to people with disabilities and those without, though some aspects are peculiar to persons with disabilities. It is worth bearing in mind that the use of DVAs, such as Amazon Echo, as assistive devices takes place in a political and economic context. DVAs are designed for commercial reasons by massive corporations such as Amazon, Google/Alphabet or Apple. Such devices form an important element of the development of “surveillance capitalism” in which large companies compete for people’s data in order to better attract, keep and direct users’ attention. The extent of the data gathered and the uses to which it is put is not easy to determine. This broad point applies to DVAs too: “The big tech firms are coy about exactly what they are planning to detect in our voices and why, but Amazon has a patent that lists a range of traits they might collect, including identity (“gender, age, ethnic origin, etc.”),health (“sore throat, sickness, etc.”), and feelings, (“happy, sad, tired, sleepy, excited, etc.”)” (Cox, 2019).
This paper explores several areas of ethical and philosophical consideration including, privacy, autonomy, informed consent, bias and anthromorphizing and discusses these as they relate to the use of DVA’s as assistive devices.
Conclusion:
This sketch of the ethical issues likely to arise from widespread use of commercially available DVAs in disability contexts suggests that there are a number of areas that should concern interested parties, as well as some significant benefits. If we are to maximise the benefits and minimise the harms associated with DVAs such as Amazon’s ECHO, these areas need to be explored in more detail. A fuller ethical exploration of the issues can result in ethical recommendations that will benefit users, institutional policymakers, and legislators.
Ethics, Privacy, Autonomy, Digital Voice AssistantsUniversity College Cork (Ireland) | Evert-Jan Hoogerwerf: Towards a Model for the Transfer of Technology Driven Innovation in Accessible and Inclusive Public Transport (IOS) Towards a Model for the Transfer of Technology Driven Innovation in Accessible and Inclusive Public Transport The abstract reports about work undertaken in the European TRIPS project. The authors have aimed at buiding and validating a conceptual framework model of factors that impact on the transfer of technology based innovation in accessible public transport. Accessibility, public transport, transfer of innovation, technology transferAAATE (Italy) | Thomas Westin: Personalized Assistive Technologies for Motor Impaired Students: a Case of Learning Process Mining (IOS) Personalized Assistive Technologies for Motor Impaired Students: a Case of Learning Process MiningLack of sensation, movement, or coordination, known as motor disability, presents specific challenges for students using information systems. Assistive technologies (AT) are artifacts developed to aid these students. The choice and configurations of ATs vary, and some can be expensive. To understand how these ATs, many with roots in gaming, can be used in combination to create a personalized setting, we performed a literature review and a self-experimentation study on a person with a motor disability. We used process mining tools (a sub-area of information systems), including a graphical user interface and code-based tools, to demonstrate the usability of a framework of personalized settings defined by us. Our study identifies the challenges faced by students with functional motor disabilities in using user interface elements and can provide future guidelines to design applications that support diversity.Assistive technologies, motor disability, underrepresented groups, process miningStockholm University (Sweden) | ||||
Toshihiko Komada: Multilingual Support for Accessibility in Powerpoint STEM Contents (IOS) Multilingual Support for Accessibility in Powerpoint STEM ContentsOur new add-on for PowerPoint (PPT) allows users to make efficiently/easily PPT STEM contents accessible. By making use of it, alt text/aloud reading by a TTS voice can be added to any technical part such as math expressions included in PPT slides. An accessible MP4 video for STEM education also can be produced efficiently. This add-on has been recently improved so that users can use it for multilingual PPT contents.
Online education, PowerPoint, add-on, STEMNihon University (Japan) | Ailís O’Mahony and Sinéad Clancy: Unlocking Opportunities; a Q-Methodology Informed Examination of the Ways in Which Adults with Disabilities Utilise Their Smartphones to Assist with Daily Living. (Oral only) Unlocking Opportunities; a Q-Methodology Informed Examination of the Ways in Which Adults with Disabilities Utilise Their Smartphones to Assist with Daily Living.The importance and use of assistive technology for adults with disabilities is well documented. However, there is limited research in the area of mainstream technology and adults with disabilities. The function of a smartphone and its associated
uses is progressing at a rapid rate offering features that can be essential for daily living. It is important that the research remains up to date with this rapid expansion of technology.
The aim of the study is to analyse the subjective views that adults with disability have on smartphone use, and to explore the possibility of how the use of smartphones could enhance the quality of life for adults with disabilities in Ireland. It is suggested that mixed methods research is useful when seeking to gain a better understanding when investigating complex problems in healthcare. This study is guided by the Q methodology, a mixed-methods approach.
This study suggests that the mainstream nature of the technology, the diversity of functionality and the ability to personalise a smartphone contributes to a subjective positive impact upon a person with a disabilities’ quality of life.Disability, Smartphones, Quality of LifeUniversity College Cork (Ireland) | Emilie Leblong: Robotics at the Service of Wheelchair Mobility for People with Disabilities: Story of a Clinical-Scientific Partnership (IOS) Robotics at the Service of Wheelchair Mobility for People with Disabilities: Story of a Clinical-Scientific PartnershipA partnership was set up in Rennes, France, between the clinical teams of a rehabilitation center, the Pôle St Hélier, and the researchers of a public engineering school, the INSA of Rennes.
This project resulted in the co-design of two medical devices in the field of technical aids to mobility: an electric wheelchair with sensors to detect obstacles associated with an algorithm to avoid them and a wheelchair driving simulator with the objective of facilitating learning and therefore driving safety.
Beyond the technological conception, these 2 technical aids have already been tested with users in a handicap situation and have shown their interest.
Future work will allow them to be tested in daily life with end users.
powered wheelchair, virtual reality simulator, security driving, users-centered conceptionAssociation St Hélier (France) | Accessibility of AR/VR/XR Chairs: Gottfried Zimmermann (Stuttgart Media University, DE) Deogratias Shidende: A Systematic Literature Review of Accessibility Evaluation Methods for Augmented Reality Applications (IOS) A Systematic Literature Review of Accessibility Evaluation Methods for Augmented Reality ApplicationsAugmented reality is increasingly becoming significant in people's everyday life in different sectors. Particularly to users with disabilities, augmented reality can be an instructional tool and assistive technology, making it worth a vital tool for users with disabilities. For such an important tool, it is essential to understand how these applications are evaluated in order to improve their throughput and extend their accessibility. In that regard, we conducted a systematic literature review for peer-reviewed articles published between 2012 and 2022 so that to discover which methods, metrics, and tools/techniques are employed by researchers during the accessibility evaluation of augmented reality applications. The PRISMA methodology allowed us to identify, screen, and include 60 articles from three databases. We found that most researchers use task scenarios as the method, qualitative feedback as the metric, and questionnaire as a tool to collect data for accessibility evaluation. We also discuss the conclusion, limitations, and future studies. Accessibility, Augmented Reality, Evaluation MethodsBaden-Württemberg Cooperative State University (DHBW) Heidenheim (Germany) |
Coffee break
10:30 - 11:00
Session 8
11:00 - 12:15
| Track A | Track B | Track C | Track D | Inclusion Forum E | Inclusion Forum F | Inclusion Forum G | Inclusion Forum H |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Auditorium 250 | Auditorium 150 | Room 100 | Room 50 | 3.08 | 3.01 | 3.02 | 3.03 |
Assistive Technology for neurological development (STS) Chairs: Cecília Sik Lanyi (University of Pannonia, HU), Renáta Cserjési (Eötvös Loránd University, HU) Aneta Maria Kochanowicz: The Effectiveness of Using Eye-Gaze Assistive Technology in the Verification of Diagnosis of Children with Profound Intellectual Disabilities in Poland - a Case Study (Oral only) The Effectiveness of Using Eye-Gaze Assistive Technology in the Verification of Diagnosis of Children with Profound Intellectual Disabilities in Poland - a Case StudyBACKGROUND: Thanks to eye-gaze assistive technology (EGAT), we can construct new knowledge about children with multiple disabilities. In Poland, this technology allows the verification of diagnoses (certificates) issued by psychological and pedagogical counseling centers. Due to the lack of communication with a child with cerebral palsy or a rare genetic defect (the birth defects), a diagnosis of profound intellectual disability is made.
OBJECTIVE: The subject of the presented research is to verify the level of intellectual development of children with multiple disabilities (non-speaking) aged 5-12, with the use eye-gaze assistive technology (EGAT). The diagnostic and exploratory purpose of the research is the assessment and verification of diagnoses (certificates) issued by psychological and pedagogical counseling centers in Poland.
METHODS: The PCEye Mini Track & Learn tool—Featuring Gaze Point & Gaze Viewer was used in the research. The tool allows you to record gaze&sound or only sound, playback and basic analysis of data collected during the study with heat maps and gaze plots to assess physical capabilities and cognitive understanding. The first software (eyeLearn) used in this research was created by combining academic knowledge and practitioners' experience in Poland (AssisTech). The second software (Look to Learn) examines activities in five key areas of learning and development (Tobii Dynavox). As part of the action research method, I used methodological triangulation: analysis of medical and therapy documents, the participant observation technique (explicit and structured) and “head-notes".
RESULTS: During sessions with the use of EGAT, children with multiple disabilities discover their potential for creative tasks and new ways of engaging in activities. Research has proven that the use of EGCC is an effective intervention in the diagnosis of children with complex communication and developmental needs. It shows that children's diagnoses issued by psychological and pedagogical counseling centers in Poland can be questioned. Thanks to the implementation of eye-gaze assistive technology (EGAT) and the re-diagnosis of 5 children previously diagnosed as children with profound intellectual disabilities, higher skills in speech understanding, logical thinking, visual-spatial skills and learning speed have been found.
CONCLUSIONS: In their case, the use of EGAT revealed hardly measurable acquisition and processing of information, the use of memory, thinking or visual attention (conscious, controlled, intentional vs. unconscious, automatic, reflexive). In Poland, psychological and pedagogical counseling centers should be equipped with EGAT in order to correctly diagnose children with disabilities and non-speaking children.
verification of diagnoses, profound intellectual disability, multiple disabilities, eye-gaze assistive technology (EGAT), non eye-gaze assistive technology (NEGAT), eye-gaze controlled computer (EGCC), eyeLearn, Look to Learn WSB University (Poland) | The Assistive Potential of Digital Consumer Technology (STS) Chairs: Bryan Boyle (Trinity College Dublin, IE), Sabine Lobnig (AAATE, AT), David Peter Banes (Access and Inclusion Services, GB), Fiachra O’Brolcháin (Institute of Ethics, DCU, IE) Andrea Fairman-Laferrier: Application of the Cognitive Orientation to Daily Occupational Performance Approach (Co-Op)Tm to Training in the Service Delivery of Mainstream Smart Home Technologies (Oral only) Application of the Cognitive Orientation to Daily Occupational Performance Approach (Co-Op)Tm to Training in the Service Delivery of Mainstream Smart Home TechnologiesThe Autonomy, Safety, and Social Integration via Smart Technologies (ASSIST) Project was initiated to develop an evidence-based, best-practice service delivery model for Mainstream Smart Home Technologies (MSHT). The project has been implemented in several phases and is nearing its conclusion in serving the needs of persons with complex physical disabilities. The service delivery model our team has developed includes a comprehensive assessment, technology selection, implementation, training, and follow-up. This presentation focuses primarily on the training aspect of the ASSIST Service Delivery model, which has applied the CO-OP Approach(TM). The CO-OP Approach(TM) is client-centered and enables persons to actively engage in problem-solving. Verbal self-guidance serves to aid in the generalization of skills with the support of the therapist providing the training. The session will highlight several case studies of research participants who benefitted from the CO-OP ApproachTM in effectively using MSHT in their daily lives.physical disabilities, service delivery, training, smart home technologyJohnson & Wales University / University of Pittsburgh (United States) | Robots for Children (STS) Chairs: Pedro Encarnação (Universidade Católica Portuguesa, PT), Lorenzo Desideri (AIAS Bologna onlus, IT) Ivan Traina: A Case Study of Social Robotics Addressed to Students with Autism in Upper Secondary School (Oral only) A Case Study of Social Robotics Addressed to Students with Autism in Upper Secondary SchoolThis paper presents a case study on the use of social robotics for students with autism in upper secondary school. The intervention was aimed at promoting an inclusive educational-school context using this kind of assistive technology. The use of social robot was investigated trying to answer three research questions and the method used was based on a qualitative approach (naturalistic observations) to collect information on the changes emerged following the intervention. Also, the paper includes the results achieved and further trajectories of research.Case study, social assistive robotics, students with autism, upper secondary schoolUniversity of Verona - Department of Human Sciences (Italy) Download Presentation | Accessibility of AR/VR/XR Chairs: Gottfried Zimmermann (Stuttgart Media University, DE) Noémie Kempa: Disabled People'S Needs in Virtual Reality (Oral only) Disabled People'S Needs in Virtual RealityRecent research focuses on virtual reality as a new learning medium in higher education due to the development of immersive technologies and their decreasing cost. However, if this technology represents new opportunities for learners, it also raises many questions about its usability, especially for users with disabilities.
Our research is part of the JENII project (Digital Twin in Higher Education), funded by ANR (National Research Agency), which aims to develop a training offer via immersive and collaborative environments. We aim to include the diversity of user abilities and preferences in the design of serious virtual reality games. Our aim is to develop solutions that can be used by as many people as possible.
In order to offer a solution that is as close as possible to the users' needs, we have oriented our methodology towards a user-centered approach. the starting point of our approach is to identify the current uses of virtual reality users, in particulat the disabled ones, and their needs in relation to possible usability issues of the system. This will allow us to guide the design of the system and to prioritize our actions.
virtual reality, human centered design, users needs, disabilitiescnam (France) | Innovation area sessions María José Santofimia Romero: Smart Mirrors as a Tool for Social Inclusion of Older Adults (Innovation Area Presentations) Smart Mirrors as a Tool for Social Inclusion of Older Adults This article presents the overall architecture designed, under the SHAPES project, intended to simplify the process, for older adults, to use video call services both, as a meant to tackle loneliness and isolation and as a way to contact with health care services. In this case, the video call service has been embedded in a tool for at-home physical rehabilitation. This tool includes the functionality for contact the physiotherapist. Smart mirror, video call, older adultsUniversity of Castilla-La Mancha (Spain) - More Info | Policy sessions Tone Øderud: The Role of Women in Fostering Equitable Access to AT: Key Considerations in the Context of Service Development, Creative Problem-Solving, Research and Innovation The Role of Women in Fostering Equitable Access to AT: Key Considerations in the Context of Service Development, Creative Problem-Solving, Research and InnovationAssistive Technology services and supports are developing at a different pace across the globe, influenced by economic, sociopolitical and legacy issue. Women have and continue to play a key role in defining and delivering AT services, as well as in guiding and informing the research agenda and in the development of innovative solutions. This session will explore the role of women and gender across a diverse range of contexts, reflecting on both the challenges and opportunities which women are addressing now, as well as considering those which need to be addressed in the future.
A diverse panel of speakers will contribute to this session, and active audience participation is welcomerole of womenCHArt, Université Paris 8-Vincennes-Saint-Denis (France) - More Info | Educational Sessions Nadine Auer: Applying Accessibility Maturity Models to Measure the Accessibility of Organizations (Educational Session) Applying Accessibility Maturity Models to Measure the Accessibility of OrganizationsThere have been a number of attempts on measuring the level of accessibility for organizations, assessing their structure, processes and products. A tool, that is increasingly used to measure and optimize processes in organizations in the last years is called “maturity model”. A maturity model comprises a series of stages and describes a desired development path for a specific object. Maturity models found their way also into the areas of accessibility. Since 2005, there have been 25 maturity models for accessibility published, 6 of them targeting specifically higher education institutions (HEI). These maturity models not only differ in their target group, but also in their structure, the number of levels that can be achieved, and the indicators (also called “metrics”), which measure the accessibility of an organization.
This Educational Session will focus on both: (1) sample accessibility maturity models that form systems of metrics, and (2) individual metrics and their relevance to accessibility of organizations. Session participants will get an introduction on existing maturity models in the field and will apply a first version of a sample accessibility maturity model for HEI hands-on. In a discussion, we will talk about our experiences with the sample maturity model as well as discuss the metrics used to measure accessibility.Accessibility Maturity Model, Higher EducationStuttgart Media University (Germany) - More Info | Educational Sessions Helianthe Kort: Assistive Technologies for Older Adults to Age-in-Place; Gaining Knowledge About the Criteria (Educational Session) Assistive Technologies for Older Adults to Age-in-Place; Gaining Knowledge About the CriteriaThe utilization of various assistive technologies (AT) by older adults has become increasingly prevalent in facilitating the concept of ageing in place (AiP). These ATs can be employed to support both instrumental and digital daily activities, as well as social connectedness, within the constructs of "my home, my castle" or "comfortable living as long as possible". This workshop aims to delve into these two proposed constructs of AiP, allowing participants to identify and describe criteria that can be used to assess the safety and effectiveness of technology for active assisted living and aging in place. Such criteria may include acceptability, accessibility, integration, and appropriate use of the technology. The workshop is an integral activity within the WHO-ISG project on AT for ageing adults.AiP; Gerontechnology; AT criteriaUtrecht University of Applied Sciences. (Netherlands) - More Info |
Tom Griffiths: Eye-Gaze Control for Children with Cerebral Palsy: Contribution of Functional Vision Skills (Oral only) Eye-Gaze Control for Children with Cerebral Palsy: Contribution of Functional Vision SkillsChildren with cerebral palsy (CP) are often considered good candidates for the use of eye-gaze technology to access computers and other assistive technologies. At present, little is known about the skills needed to control this technology, which can make it difficult for clinicians to make decisions, or to manage expectations around progress. This group of children have a higher incidence of vision disorders, including those related to functional vision – how a child functions in vision related activities. These skills (in particular target fixation and gaze switching) are similar to those required to make use of eye-gaze technology. The session will include presentation of experimental work with a group of children with CP, looking at the contribution of three factors (developmental level, functional vision skills and previous eye-gaze experience) to children’s performance in an eye-gaze task. The session will examine the results, providing some insight into the interplay between these factors and their impact on children’s overall performance with the technology. Implications for clinical practice will be discussed.cerebral palsy; functional vision; eye-gaze accessUniversity of Dundee (United Kingdom) | Sabine Lobnig: Accessible Consumer Electronics Are Essential to Closing the Gap in Assistive Technology Provision (IOS) Accessible Consumer Electronics Are Essential to Closing the Gap in Assistive Technology ProvisionEstimates by the World Health Authority suggest that 1 billion people do not have access to the assistive technologies they require. Over the past decade, the design of products that empower people with a disability has shifted from specialized and dedicated products designed only for those with a disability to features and functions integrated into cost-effective consumer technologies for the benefit of all. The opportunity for expansion of the availability of such technologies is at risk of being ignored as a result of models of delivery that are founded in medical devices, and which have failed to reflect trends in our understanding of technology and the choices and preferences expressed by persons with a disability. This research undertaken suggests that the opportunities of such expansion offer significant benefits to people with a disability and better both economic and social return on investment for authorities. Assistive Technology, Accessible Technology, Consumer Technologies, Provision, Policy, Funding AAATE (Austria) | Joel D'Rosario: A Role-Based Investigation of Socially Assistive Robots in a Paediatric Rehabilitation Clinic (Oral only) A Role-Based Investigation of Socially Assistive Robots in a Paediatric Rehabilitation ClinicIn the area of health care, Socially Assistive Robots (SARs) are a quickly evolving technology offering a wide variety of use cases, augmenting and advancing health care delivery. A common focus of SAR research is looking into what can be done with them and what benefits can be observed from their use.
To better understand and utilise this technology, partnered with a major hospital, we propose a study investigating SARs from a role-based perspective. Extending from understanding what roles can be fulfilled by SARs to what roles are most appropriate and offer the greatest benefit in specific health care contexts.Socially assistive robots, paediatric rehabilitation, rehabilitation robotics, hospitalsSwinburne University of Technology (Australia) | Patricia Piskorek and Kathy-Ann Heitmeier: Re-Conceptualizing Disability Simulations: a Guided Strategies-Based Approach (Oral only) Re-Conceptualizing Disability Simulations: a Guided Strategies-Based Approach
This paper examines approaches to developing disability simulations for the higher education context, that can help improve the design of learning materials for persons with disabilities. Simulations have been somewhat controversial as an empathy-building tool, and as an instrument for enhancing knowledge about disabilities, and changing attitudes towards the experience of disability. This research focuses on the use of: (i) guided, (ii) strategies-based; and (iii) task-based approaches to conceptualise simulations for a proposed platform for higher education teachers to have virtual encounters with students with disabilities. In combining these three aspects, a four-step design pattern for simulations was created that can be used to develop a games-based simulation that can teach users how to work together with students with disabilities to create a more effective teaching and learning environment.Digital Accessibility, Higher Education, SimulationsStuttgart Media University (Germany) | María José Santofimia Romero: Smart Mirrors: the Definitive Enabler for Active and Healthy Ageing (Innovation Area Presentations) Smart Mirrors: the Definitive Enabler for Active and Healthy AgeingThe smart mirror we will presenting is a hardware device equipped with different intearcting interfaces such as touch scree, RFID reader, communications, speakers, or video and voice input devices. This platform is equipped with a set of services which, among the most relevant ones include: video call service, physical and cognitive exerces, reminders, data collector withouth requiring user intervention from smartbands, digital scales, fall detectors, smart home and appliances, etc. smart mirror, smart homes, active and healthy ageingUniversity of Castilla-La Mancha (Spain) - More Info | |||
Kinga Nedda Pete: Virtual Reality Based Intervention to Improve Neurocognitive Function in Post-Covid Syndrome: Preliminary Results (Oral only) Virtual Reality Based Intervention to Improve Neurocognitive Function in Post-Covid Syndrome: Preliminary ResultsLongitudinal studies indicate that various persisting deficits of neurocognitive functions can be observed following COVID-19 infection, commonly described as post-COVID sequelae. Neurocognitive deficits can significantly affect patients’ psychological status and quality of life. The main focus of this research is to present the protocol of a 6 week long virtual reality based cognitive intervention developed for post-COVID patients and to showcase the preliminary results. We hypothesize that: (1.) neurocognitive performance, subjective cognitive functions, VR game scores, health status and quality of life will significantly improve throughout the programme and (2.) the increase will be significantly higher in the intervention group compared to the control group.
Our sample consists of 15 adult post-COVID patients who took part in VR intervention and 15 matched post-COVID adult patients who did not take part in the intervention. Neuropsychological tests and self-report scales were administered pre-, and post-intervention alongside with performance data in VR games.
The study is still undergoing, therefore results will be presented at the STS.
virtual reality, post-COVID, neurocognitive functionsELTE Eötvös Loránd University (Hungary) | Hiroyuki Kawabe: Japanese Braille Translation Using Deep Learning - Conversion From Phonetic Characters (Kana) to Homonymic Characters (Kanji) - (IOS) Japanese Braille Translation Using Deep Learning - Conversion From Phonetic Characters (Kana) to Homonymic Characters (Kanji) - A blind student writes and submits reports in Braille word processor, which is difficult for teachers to read. This study’s purpose is to make a translator from Braille into mixed Kana-Kanji sentences for such teachers. Because Kanji has homonyms, it is not always possible to get correct results when converting. To overcome this difficulty, we used deep learning for translation.
We built a training dataset composed from 15,000 pairs of Braille codes and mixed Kana-Kanji sentences, and a validation dataset. In training, we got an accuracy of 0.906 and a good Bleu score of 0.600. In validation, we found 5 mistaken words in selecting homonymous Kanji by examining translation mistakes from 100 pairs of the verification sentences.
The choice of homonymous Kanji depends on the context. For decreasing such type of errors, it is necessary to introduce of translation of paragraphs by increasing the scale of the network model in deep learning, and to expand the network structure.
Japanese braille, homonym, translation system, deep learningKinjo University (Japan) | Mutsuhiro Nakashige: Vocal Behavior Acquisition with a Toy Operating by Sound Detection (IOS) Vocal Behavior Acquisition with a Toy Operating by Sound DetectionThe purpose of this theme is to elicit spontaneous speech in children with special needs, to increase the variation of speech, and to enable them to communicate their thoughts to others. We are developing educational materials for intellectually disabled children who are unable to use language well to interact with others. We have devised a system that works with thier favorite toys only when he speaks. By training with it, we aim to shorten the time required to acquire vocalization skills.Mastering vocalization with toys, Special needs education, Voice detection equipment.Shonan Institute of Technology (Japan) | Gottfried Zimmermann: Making 360-Degree Interactive Content Less Inaccessible – Authoring Guidelines and Lessons Learned (Oral only) Making 360-Degree Interactive Content Less Inaccessible – Authoring Guidelines and Lessons Learned360-degree immersive environments are increasingly employed for learning content at schools and Higher Education institutions. However, there is a lack of specific guidance for content authors on how to make 360-degree content accessible. In a quick heuristic study, we applied the “functional performance” criteria of EN 301 549 to 360-degree learning content in ThingLink. As a result, we found issues with keyboard access, missing alternative texts for images and audio descriptions for videos, missing captions for videos, and some contrast issues. We present these findings and a new set of guidelines for ThingLink authors that we derived from the study. We conclude with lessons learned.360-degree content, VR guidelines, EN 301 549 functional performance criteria, ThingLinkStuttgart Media University (Germany) | ||||
Loes Bulle-Smid: The Use of Extended Reality (XR) in Rehabilitation for Patients with Acquired Brain Injury: a Scoping Review (IOS) The Use of Extended Reality (XR) in Rehabilitation for Patients with Acquired Brain Injury: a Scoping ReviewThis scoping review presents studies reporting the use of XR in rehabilitation for patients with acquired brain injury. We followed the Arksey and O’malley framework and the PRISMA-ScR guideline. Both healthcare and technological databases were searched. This review consists of three sub-questions, therapy objectives, outcomes of reported XR interventions, and lessons learned on using XR in rehabilitation. Extended reality, Acquired Brain Injury, Scoping Review, RehabilitationWindesheim university of applied sciences (Netherlands) |
Break
12:15 - 12:30
Final plenary session
12:30 - 13:30
Round table: Assuring Universal Access to AT: The Way Forward
Diamond Award, Best Paper Award and Conference Closing
Room: Auditorium 250
Rooms for tracks :
- Plenary sessions - Auditorium 250 - First/second floor
- Track A - Auditorium 250 - First/second floor
- Track B - Auditorium 150 - First/second floor
- Track C - Room 100 - Ground floor
- Track C - Room 50 - Ground floor
- Inclusion forum E - Room 3.07 - Third floor
- Inclusion forum F - Room 3.02 - Third floor
- Inclusion forum G - Room 3.08 - Third floor