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Appropriate paper-based technology (APT) is used to provide postural support for children with cerebral palsy (CP) in low-resourced settings. This pilot study aimed to evaluate the impact of APT on the children's and families' lives. A convenience sample of children with CP and their families participated. Inclusion was based on the Gross Motor Function Classification System levels IV and V. APT seating or standing frames were provided for six months. A mixed methods impact of APT devices on the children and families included the Family Impact Assistive Technology Scale for Adaptive Seating (FIATS-AS); the Child Engagement in Daily Life (CEDL) questionnaire; and a qualitative assessment from diary/log and semi-structured interviews. Ten children (median 3 years, range 9 months to 7 years). Baseline to follow-up median (IQR) FIATS-AS were: 22.7 (9.3) and 30.3 (10.2), respectively (p=.002). Similarly mean (SD) CEDL scores for "frequency" changed from 30.5 (13.2) to 42.08 (5.96) (p=.021) and children's enjoyment scores from 2.23 (0.93) to 2.91 (0.79) (p=.019). CEDL questionnaire for self-care was not discriminatory; seven families scored zero at both baseline and 6 months. Qualitative interviews revealed three key findings; that APT improved functional ability, involvement/interaction in daily-life situations, and a reduced family burden of care. APT devices used in Kenyan children with non-ambulant CP had a meaningful positive effect on both the children's and their families' lives. Assistive devices are often unobtainable for children with cerebral palsy (CP) in low-income countries. APT is a low cost and sustainable solution to make seating and standing devices for disabled children in Kenya. The regular use of a postural support device enhanced the children's motor skills, ability to function and participate in everyday activities, reduced the burden of care for the families and promoted the children's social interaction. The postural support devices were highly valued and utilised by the children and families in this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 2016 WHO launched the priority assistive products list (APL) consisting of 50 products and recommended that using this as a reference, countries should develop their own contextually relevant national APLs. This paper describes the development of Malawi's APL. Two hundred and ninety-six persons with disabilities participated in a rapid Assistive Technology Assessment (rATA) survey. Six focus group discussions (FGDs) with people with various types of disabilities were conducted. The rATA questionnaire and FGDs collected data on assistive products (APs) participants used, APs they needed and the challenges they experienced. Data collection was done in six districts spread across the three regions in Malawi. All age groups were included in the survey. Persons with disabilities aged less than 18 participated but went with their guardians. All persons who participated in this study provided consent. Survey and FGDs results were presented at an APL consensus meeting with policymakers, service providers, disabled peoples' organizations and development partners in the disability sector. Based on the results and further discussions, a consensus was reached on the priority APs for Malawi. More than a third of respondents used wheelchairs (32%), followed by auxiliary crutches (25%), walking sticks (13%), reading glasses (11%), prosthesis (10%), elbow crutches (9%) and orthosis (8%). There is also a high demand for products such as pull-up underwear (incontinence products) (79%), hearing aids (70%), reading glasses (59%) and diapers (63%). After intensive discussions during a consensus meeting, an agreement was reached on the 22 priority APs for Malawi. There is a wide range of APs being used by people with different functional limitations in Malawi. There is also a demand for APs that are not readily available. When developing an APL, the list should include products in use, those in demand, and those recommended by service providers. Following the development of the priority assistive products list (APL) by WHO, member states should develop their own contextually based APL. The development of the APL should be based on research evidence. All key stakeholders including persons with disabilities and other functional limitations, government, and development partners should participate in this process. The APL should be part of the national health system or community services. The Department of Disability and Elderly Affairs in the Ministry of Gender, Community Development, being the Government of Malawi line ministry coordinating disability issues participated actively in this study including inviting participants in the stakeholders' validation workshop. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Covid-induced lockdowns have increased the importance of technology in education. Though access to technology as well as availability of the internet remain a major concern for a lot of children in the global south, children with intellectual disabilities are disadvantaged even more as most of the e-content is developed keeping in mind the average learner. Unstructured interviews were conducted with children with intellectual disabilities studying in government schools in Haryana as well as their teachers and parents. Thematic analysis of the interviews was conducted to understand the use-patterns of mobile phones by children with intellectual disabilities. Findings suggest that these children are learning to use mobile phones on their own or with some support and are able to navigate the complexities of these smartphones quite well. They use these devices mostly for their entertainment. This paper then reflects on the need and strategies to develop these technologies in ways that they can be used as effective tools for teaching children with intellectual disabilities, especially in the inclusive education system in developing countries. The paper reflects on the need to develop technology and tools using flexible and exploratory designs to enhance the learning processes for children with intellectual disabilities from the lower income strata. This study highlights the importance of being able to use mobile phones by children with intellectual disabilities belonging to low income families. Following this, the article argues for designing of mobile phones suitable for use by children with intellectual disabilities using playfulness and explorations, and Building e-content keeping the elements of playfulness and exploration which can enhance the learnings of this group of students which is often ignored. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This review aims to examine the instruments, approaches, scales, or assessment tools used to evaluate technology acceptance, technology adoption, and usability of information and communication technologies (ICTs) for people living with dementia and their care partners. A systematic literature review was conducted. Studies that explored the use of instruments, approaches, scales, or assessment tools to evaluate the technology acceptance and usability of ICTs for people living with dementia and their care partners were identified through five databases: Medline, EMBASE, CINAHL, Web of Science, and Scopus. We included 74 out of 2182 papers. The most common scales used included the System Usability Scale (SUS) (11%), the ISONORM 9241/10 Questionnaire (4%), and the Post-Study System Usability Questionnaire (PSSUQ) (4%). Most (59%) of the included approaches, however, were bespoke (i.e., created by the authors for a particular study) and were not named. The approaches or tools used to assess technology acceptance, technology adoption, and usability of ICTs that applied to people living with dementia had an average of 15 items and used an average of 5.23 scale points. There is no clear, standardised approach for assessing the technology acceptance, technology adoption, and usability of ICTs for people living with dementia and their care partners. The findings of this review may be used by academics to design and implement improved and more consistent assessment tools to assess technology acceptance, technology adoption, and usability of ICTs for people living with dementia and their care partners. The number of ICTs for people with dementia and their care partners that can be used for rehabilitation is increasing The most commonly recognized assessment tools used in this study were the SUS, ISONORM 9241/10, and PSSUQ questionnaires. For the custom assessment tools, the average number of items included in this study was 15 with five-point bidirectional labelling. There is no clear, standardized approach for assessing the technology acceptance, technology adoption, or usability of ICTs for people with dementia and their care partners. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Computerised rehabilitation programs can be used to address cognitive deficits typically caused by multiple sclerosis (MS). However, there are still doubts on their effectiveness, due to mixed results obtained in clinical trials. The objective of this paper is to improve cognitive rehabilitation (CR) practices in MS, by presenting and assessing a MS-specific cognitive rehabilitation software. We conducted a detailed analysis of how CR is carried out in practice in MS rehabilitation centres. From the analysis, we elicited a reference CR process, and identified the essential features a software supporting the process should have. We designed and implemented MS-rehab, a novel MS-specific computerised rehabilitation system having the identified features. We experimented MS-rehab in a pilot study involving eight MS patients. To highlight the improvement with respect to the state of the art, we compared MS-rehab with available professional tools selected using well defined criteria. This paper has three main contributions: (1) the identification of a set of essential features a computerised tool for CR in MS should provide; (2) MS-rehab, a novel CR system designed for MS therapists and patients, which embodies innovative MS specific features; (3) the assessment of MS-rehab efficacy in a pilot study with MS patients. The availability of a MS-specific CR system like MS-rehab fosters the design of more rigorous clinical studies on the effectiveness of computerised rehabilitation in MS. MS-rehab demonstrated its potential and innovativeness as a tool for cognitive rehabilitation in MS. Computerized tools for cognitive rehabilitation (CR) in multiple sclerosis (MS) can be improved by a set of MS-specific features. The availability of advanced home-based cognitive rehabilitation mechanisms is fundamental for supporting standardized cognitive rehabilitation protocols in MS. A MS-specific CR system has given promising results in a pilot study involving MS patients. Hardly do state-of-the-art professional tools include all the required MS specific features. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In vocational education and training of computer literacy as part of vocational rehabilitation, learners often work on problem-solving exercises as self-study assignments, and check if their answers are correct. Sighted learners can get information on their incorrect answers by comparing their answers with the correct answers. However, learners with visual impairments largely depend on their teachers for getting this feedback. To remove this dependence, we designed a self-checking system for learners with visual impairments to verify the correctness of their answers. In this paper, we report the results of a usability study to evaluate whether learners with visual impairments can self-check spreadsheet problem-solving exercises using our system in a teacherless environment. Usability evaluation experiment was conducted using 2 × 2 crossover design with people with visual impairments (n = 11). The participants checked their answers (detected and corrected errors) after working on problem-solving exercises in two ways: (i) manually; and (ii) using our system. The system usability was evaluated by measuring Detection-And-Correction (DAC) ratio as effectiveness, time taken and the number of steps required for DAC as efficiency, and System Usability Scale score as satisfaction. The results show that all the participants could complete the DAC task by using our system, and the time required for DAC task was significantly reduced by using our system as compared to by checking manually. Our system enables learners with visual impairments to self-check problem-solving exercises answers. However, to increase the user satisfaction, the number of required keystrokes needs to be decreased. Vocational rehabilitation for learners with visual impairments to improve their computer literacy is becoming increasingly important. Learners with visual impairments have the potential to acquire computer literacy in a teacherless environment by using simple assistive software like our self-checking system. Simple assistive software for learners with visual impairments like our self-checking system may have a positive effect not only on learners with visual impairments but also on sighted people. Moreover, our system reduces the teaching load of the teachers so that they can be more effective in helping learners with visual impairments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inclusion is a core philosophy for health practitioners and human service users, and co-production is a way to achieve inclusion. Australia's assistive technology (AT) community seeks to include and amplify the voices of service and product users at multiple levels. Implementation of genuine partnerships for inclusion is however challenging. This paper describes the iterative co-design process undertaken to structure and deliver a peer-led information and support program, enabling AT users and supporters to build their AT decision making capability and share their expertise with each other and the broader community. A living labs approach was grounded in co-design principles and drew on the peer education, AT competency and capability-building knowledge base. Methods included embedding intersectional capabilities within the service, and the engagement of over 600 people in design thinking and program iterations through surveys, focus groups, journey mapping and think tanks. A national, peer-led, co-designed online community for AT users was established and has been running since 2017. The community of 5000 users contribute to a peer-led information and support initiative geared to share expertise and build AT decision making capability. Service delivery by the AT user community and for the AT user community requires a commitment to co-design, and an engagement with concepts of risk, competency, scope of practice and capability. The learnings from AT Chat have implications for AT services on this journey everywhere. Active co-design of AT services meets human rights and good practice benchmarks required by contemporary services. Foregrounding AT users within program design and delivery, brings a range of positive outcomes and possibilities for the way services are delivered. AT users have substantial untapped potential which brings tangible outcomes for other AT users, health professionals, service provider organizations and for society. Development of paid roles and pathways to recognize the skills of AT users, and indeed AT communities has potential to improve AT user self-efficacy as well as to contribute to the AT workforce. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explores the usability, usefulness and user experience of the Forward with Dementia website for people with dementia and family carers, and identifies strategies to improve web design for this population. The website was iteratively user-tested by 12 participants (five people with dementia, seven carers) using the Zoom platform. Data collection involved observations, semi-structured interviews and questionnaires. Integrative mixed-method data analysis was used, informed by inductive thematic qualitative analysis. Users of Version 1 of the website experienced web functionality, navigation and legibility issues. Strategies for desirable web design were identified as simplifying functions, streamlining navigation and decluttering page layouts. Implementation of strategies produced improvements in usability, user experience and usefulness in Version 2, with mean System Usability Scale scores improving from 15 to 84, and mean task completion improving from 55% to 89%. The user journey for people with dementia and carers overlapped, but each group had their own unique needs in the context of web design. The interplay between a website's content, functionality, navigation and legibility can profoundly influence user perceptions of a website. Dementia-related websites play an important role in informing audiences of management strategies, service availability and planning for the progression of dementia. Findings of this study may assist in guiding future web development targeting this population. People with cognitive impairment can provide useful feedback on design and accessibility of websites, and their input should be obtained when developing digital applications for this group. This paper provides practical suggestions for website design features to improve function, legibility and navigation of websites for older people and people living with dementia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and aim: A Society's view of disability may influence the perception and use of Assistive Technology (AT) products. Semantic cues or cultural coding provide the viewer with a series of visual stimuli to be given or ascribed meaning. Previous research has shown cognitive approaches to visual perception and assignment of meaning vary between diverse cultures. This study reviews the influence of contextual settings on perception, to provide the basis for a debate on the societal perception of communicative content (semantic/meaning) of an AT product; and, the relevance of different cultural cognitive styles. The paper explores, from a cultural viewpoint, the overall understanding of disability internationally. Method: A Semantic Differential (SD) scale was used to obtain views on the image of an attendant wheelchair from nine hundred and ninety-one (991) young adults from the United Kingdom (UK) and Pakistan (PAK), reflecting the individualist and collectivist societies, respectively. This survey follows a previous paper-based study using the same image and protocol. Comparing the two surveys, a consensus of views from the two groups was achieved. Results and conclusion: The responses from the UK group were skewed towards a negative view of disability compared to the Pakistan group. This inferred greater social stigma associated with this AT product in the UK. The combined findings from both surveys provide insights into societal perception of AT products and disability. Areas for future research are suggested, including what visual components of an AT product (graphemes) appear to be associated with positive or negative responses for collectivist and individual societal groups. Assistive Technology (AT) product designers, academics, professionals and stakeholders need to be aware of challenges which are originated from one's socio-cultural environment. AT products convey certain meanings, semantics, which are interpreted by the society and are subjective to a specific cultural setting. •For the effective communication of meanings and values an AT product relies on the visual clues and design features embedded within the design. However, there have been a limited number of studies reviewing this aspect of product semantics. •The survey and associated testing has highlighted the differences in cultural perception towards AT products and demonstrated the importance of effectively designing the semantic attributes of an AT product as well as its function. •The demonstration of the efficacy of methods within the study for exploring the interpretation of semantic attributes of AT products will help designers and developers better understand the perceptions of individual cultures and societal groups. •A better understanding of different cultures and societies will enable designers and clinicians who specify AT products to reduce AT product abandonment; and, the associated stigma around disability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The manual user-operated Arise Standing Wheelchair (SWC) is the end-result of multiple design iterations based on comments from user trials. The Arise SWC provides standing functionality, outdoor mobility, affordability, and customizability. This paper describes a user experience study of the Arise SWC's pre-commercial version. Thirty participants (N = 30, 25 Male, 5 Female) were recruited for the study. All the participants were people with spinal cord injury. The study was conducted over a period of six weeks (five participants per week) within the hospital premises under the supervision of clinical personnel. A 30 min interactive training session involved thirteen activities. During the trial period, the participants were trained to perform twenty-two activities to familiarize themselves with the SWC. The participants were also trained to perform four functional usage activities with the SWC. At the end of the study, participant responses to ten outcome measures were captured using a smiley-based Likert-scale questionnaire. A majority of the participants (93.3%) felt happy when they stood in the SWC. The majority participants (83.3%) preferred the Arise SWC over their current wheelchair. Also, 80% participants anticipated that they could get more work done at home using the standing function of the wheelchair. A one-time fitting and training ensured optimal effort for the SWC operation, correct posture, and comfortable user experience. With proper dissemination and awareness, it is believed that the Arise SWC will benefit eligible users and improve their quality of life. The Arise wheelchair provides standing functionality, outdoor mobility, affordability, and customizability. Study confirms that incorporating standing functionality can improve the quality of life for wheelchair users. The majority of users were happy, felt safe and expected to do more with the standing functionality. Study results support further testing in real world conditions beyond the hospital setting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to assess how cohabitation with a social robot for seven days night and day is perceived by elderly potential users and to suggest technological improvements for future home integration. Fifteen participants were invited to interact with Pepper®, 24 h a day and 7 days a week. Perceived utility assessment was achieved using a dedicated questionnaire. Usability assessment was carried out by measuring satisfaction with the human-robot interaction and listing malfunctions. Seventy-eight tasks out of 115 tasks were reported respectively as very high and high. On day 1, satisfaction was at its higher level with a mean of 6.8. On day 8, it maintained at 6.0 despite technical malfunctions and failures, listed with details in this paper. Acceptability was positive. Pepper was mainly considered as an assistant and a link with family and friends and never as an enemy or intruder. Pepper has proven to be potentially able to meet five needs: making the person's environment safe by alerting contact persons, reminding the user of health-related tasks, enabling "doubt removal", maintaining social relationships and following the user. Pepper is more than a "demonstration" device classified as level 6 of the nine-point Technology Readiness Level (TRL) scale for the hard and software and level 5 in behavioural terms. Once the technological locks and malfunctions have been overcome, Pepper should be applicable in the home, allowing users to test it in a more familiar environment. Pepper, a humanoid robot, has been perceived as rich in potentialities that can help and secure a fragile person. Following this experience of cohabitation with a humanoid robot, the participants were unanimous in thinking that assistive robotics is the future. To be useful, the robot's people tracking function must inevitably be improved. Pepper, the first humanoid robot ever marketed, is more than just a "demonstration"device, classified at level 6 of Technological Readiness Levels (TRL) for supporting hardware and software and level 5 in terms of behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a novel application of an assistive robotic system with virtual assistance to enhance manual performance of individuals with cerebral palsy. Cerebral palsy affects one’s voluntary motor movements resulting in limited opportunities to actively engage in physical manipulative activities that require fine motor movements and coordination. Lack of object manipulation and environmental exploration can result in further impairments such as cognitive and social delays. The proposed assistive robotic system has been developed to enhance hand movements of people with disabilities when performing a functional task colouring. This paper presents the usability testing of the effectiveness of the developed system with an individual with cerebral palsy in a set of colouring tasks. Assisted and unassisted approaches were compared and analysed through quantitative and qualitative measures. The robotic-based approach was further compared with the participant’s typical alternate access method to perform the same proposed tasks. The robotic system with virtual assistance was clinically validated to be significantly more effective, compared to both unassisted and typical approaches, by increasing the hand controllability, reducing the physical load and increasing the easiness of maintaining movements within the lines. Future studies will inform the use of the system for children with disabilities to provide them with assisted play for functional and playful activities. Implications for rehabilitation: Robotic system can enhance manual performance in individuals with disabilities. Participating in a robot-mediated play activity could increase children’s motivation and engagement. The developed robotic system can contribute to a basis for clinical and home-based implementation of the technology to promote manual play activities for children with disabilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The home-based rehabilitation of elderly patients improves their autonomy, independence and reintegration into society. Hence, a suitable environment plays an important role in rehabilitation, as do different assistance technologies. The majority of accidents at home involving elderly people occur in the bathroom. Therefore, the planning of the layout of facilities is important in this potentially dangerous area. This paper proposes an approach towards designing and optimizing the layout of facilities in the bathroom, based on logistical and nonlogistical relationships.Methodology: A fuzzy-based analytical hierarchical process (fuzzy-AHP) is then proposed for a comprehensive evaluation of the alternatives for this layout plan. This approach was applied to the home of a 71 years old female patient, who was experiencing home-based rehabilitation. After the initial designing and optimizing of the layout of the facilities in her bathroom, a plan could then be created for her particular needs.Findings: The results of this research could then enable the home-based rehabilitation of elderly patients to be more effective.Value: This paper develops a new approach to design and optimize the layout of facilities in bathroom for the elderly. Implications for Rehabilitation Develop a new approach to design and optimize the layout of facilities in bathroom.Provide a mathematical and more scientific approach to home layout design for home-based rehabilitation.Provide new opportunities for research, for both the therapist and the patient to analyse the home facility layout. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the past few years, medicine has upgraded its therapeutic techniques and practices, with the use of various modern methods that are due to advancement in technology and sciences. It is recognized that the physical health of the patients is significantly associated to their mental state, their motivation and engagement in overcoming the illness. This paper presents experimental comparison between virtual reality (VR) technology and conventional mode of therapy for physical rehabilitation among patients of neurological deficits. The objective was to explore the effectiveness of VR during physical interactions with different game-like virtual environment and potentially leading to increased mental health (i.e., lower depression, anxiety and stress), self-esteem, social support and intrinsic motivation (task-based competence, choice and interest). The study sample consisted of thirty-four subjects with Cerebral palsy (CP), Traumatic brain injury (TBI), Spinal cord injury, Stroke and Parkinson's disease; divided into two experimental groups virtual reality exercise group (n = 17), and conventional therapy group (n = 17); who have upper- or lower-limb impairment. The outcome measures revealed significant differences across pretest and post-test conditions of both the experimental groups. Findings emerged from the study showed noticeable effectiveness of virtual-reality based rehabilitation in TBI, stroke and CP patients. Relationships between study variables and demographic variables (age and gender) were also presented. This study opens the way for future researchers, psychologists, physiotherapist and other practitioners to do more extensive work in the domain of virtual reality with different sample, constructs and approaches. It has become increasing important to introduce new state-to-art technologies in domain of rehabilitation. People are reluctant to use all the traditional modes of treatment. As these conventional ways of treatment are least motivating and interesting to indulge the patients without force and burden. It is evident in the present study that addition of virtual reality-based exercise increases the self-motivated balance during functional task in contrast to conventional and task-dependent training participants. This study opens the way for future researchers to do more extensive work in this domain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose:This pilot study investigated the possible transfer effect on reading ability in children with reading difficulties after a systematic intervention to train and compensate for reading deficiencies by using applications in smartphones and tablets. The effects of using assistive technology (AT) one year after the interventions were completely studied. School related motivation, independent learning and family relations were also considered. Method:35 pupils aged 10–12 years participated. They were assessed five times with reading tests. The participants, their parents and teachers were surveyed with questionnaires regarding their experience of using AT. The data from the assessments were analyzed with pairedt-tests and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests. The data from the questionnaires were analyzed using content analysis. Results:The paper shows that using AT can create transfer effects on reading ability one year after the interventions were finished. This means that reading impaired children may develop at the same rate as non-impaired readers. Also, increased school motivation and an increase in independent learning and family effects have been shown. Conclusions:This paper provides implications in how to facilitate reading impaired pupils’ learning process and realizes the need to challenge the concept of reading to change to fit modern means of gaining information.Implications for rehabilitationChildren with reading impairment could benefit from assistive technology in regards of their reading development process and increase their chances of not falling behind peers.Assistive technology as applications in smartphones and tablets may aid children with reading impairment to have an equal platform for learning in school as their peers without reading difficulties.Assistive technology could facilitate the information gaining process and subsequently increase motivation to learn and increase interest in reading activities.Assistive technology had wider effects on its users: stigmatizing situations when leaving the classroom for special education were avoided and positive effects on family life were noted. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Background/Purpose: Visual impairment is a disability more commonly caused by diseases that lead to several disadvantages to the daily activities amongst those blind. For almost a century since the white cane was first introduced, the cane has remained as the most reliable tool for those affected by blindness. Methods: By using a combination of the capabilities of Internet of Things (IoT) and existing devices, such as mobile phones, an InWalker system is proposed to expand the functionality of the typical white cane, so as to introduce several new features that enhance the safety and confidence amongst people who are blind. As such, this paper explores the existing works and projects to comprehend the motivation and the standard practices for each proposed feature. Each of the strength and drawback has been assessed thoroughly to refine the scope of this project. Results: The proposed project, InWalker, is an intelligent system that has an embedded board system with various sensors to enhance the usability of white cane. The inputs from the sensor are processed on a microcontroller, which then pass the data to a smartphone via Bluetooth for additional features, such as global positioning system (GPS) tracking and SMS services. Conclusions: Based on the initial user testing, the proposed system has successfully fulfilled most of the users' need. Visual impairment is a disability more commonly caused by diseases that lead to several disadvantages amongst those blind. The white cane has been seen as the most reliable tool for the visual impaired. This tool could be further improved with the integration of additional sensors that works with today's mobile devices. The proposed system, InWalker, is able to improve the overall quality of life among people who are blind through several features: obstacle detection, GPS tracking and a light illumination in dark environments for increased safety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Memory impairment can necessitate use of external memory aids to preserve functional independence. As external aids can be difficult to learn and remember to use, technology may improve the efficacy of current rehabilitation strategies. We detail the iterative development of a digital application of a paper-and-pencil memory notebook. Methods: Twenty participants (aged 54+) of varying levels of cognitive ability were recruited for four iterations of usability testing (five participants per iteration). Each participant completed a series of tasks using the digital memory notebook (DMN), followed by questionnaires that assessed satisfaction (Questionnaire for User Interface Satisfaction) and usability ratings (Post-Study System Usability Questionnaire) for the application. Results and Conclusions: Between Iterations 2 and 5, participants demonstrated marked reductions in time to complete several types of tasks (e.g., add event, navigate interface) using the DMN. Participants in Iteration 5 also rated all subscales of both the usability and satisfaction questionnaires very highly. Faster task completion times were correlated with more favourable system ratings. However, neither task performance times nor system ratings were correlated with cognitive abilities, scheduling tool use or comfort with technology. Both the questionnaire and performance-based data indicate the final iteration of the DMN was easy to use. Furthermore, the application was user-friendly despite individual differences in cognitive ability, familiarity with scheduling tools and comfort with technology. Future work will demonstrate whether the DMN will support everyday retrospective and prospective memory lapses and increase the functional independence and quality of life for persons with cognitive impairment. Building on practice standards and user-centred design, the digital memory notebook (DMN) application is an "all-in-one" memory aid and organizational tool with an intuitive interface designed to help improve everyday functioning. The DMN's today page, to do list and calendar functions can support everyday prospective and retrospective memory abilities. The DMN's notes, journaling and motivational functions can support longer-term goal planning and mood management. The DMN's alarm functions can support learning to use the DMN and serve as reminders to support prospective memory and aid in activity completion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Assistive Technology (AT) product use occurs within a socio-cultural setting. The growth internationally in the AT product market suggests that designers need to be aware of the influences that diverse cultures may have on the societal perception of an AT product through its semantic attributes. The study aimed to evaluate the visual interaction with an AT product by young adults from Pakistan, a collectivist society, and the United Kingdom (UK), an individualist society. A paper-based questionnaire survey was carried out with 281 first-year undergraduate students from the UK and Pakistan to evaluate their perception towards the visual representation of a generic conventional wheelchair image. A semantics differential (SD) scale method was used involving a seven-point bipolar SD scale incorporating sixteen pairs of adjectives defining functional, meaning, and usability attributes of the product. The mean (M) and standard deviation (sd) values were obtained for each pair of adjectives and compared between both groups by employing appropriate parametric tests. The results show that having a diverse cultural background did not appear to have overtly influenced the meanings ascribed to the generic manual wheelchair, which was unexpected. The University 'Internationalist' environment may have influenced the results. Some minor but critical differences were found for some pairs of adjectives (bulky-compact, heavy-light), having p-value less than.05 (p <.05) that related to previous experience of wheelchairs and/or their use. Further studies are planned to investigate and validate outcomes with other student and non-student groups. The semantic attributes of assistive technologies highlight a number of aspects that have implications for those involved in Assistive Technology (AT) product development, manufacturing and marketing. • For online sales, the AT products rely on the web page image to communicate the purpose and attributes of the product. There are limited explorations related to the semantic/communicative attributes of AT product presented in images, as perceived by individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds. • The knowledge towards semantic meaning ascribed to the AT product is important to investigate to provide a perspective that goes beyond practical functions of the AT product towards the communicative function. • Information of comprehending semantics and significance of the AT product from a social (non-users) viewpoint may benefits manufacturers in the development of AT products that best meet the societal needs, preferences and expectations. • A model of best practice, with a focus on semantic manipulation will offer Industrial Designers (ID) internationally with the suitable process and tools to reframe perceptions of disability and enhance acceptance of AT products not only for users, but also for the society around them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Access to adaptive equipment is a crucial factor that can determine if a child or youth with disabilities is going to participate in physical activities, sports and play in different local settings. A prerequisite for success is awareness of and specific knowledge concerning the equipment and its use among relevant actors. The aim of this paper is to explore how important groups of actors working with young people with disabilities perceive their level of knowledge concerning adaptive equipment and discuss these actors' role in children and youths' opportunities to obtain relevant equipment to participate in activities. Methods: An online, population-based national survey was distributed to: (1) occupational therapists and physiotherapists, (2) teachers, and (3) leaders and coaches in sports clubs in Norway. Results: The findings generally indicate that overall knowledge concerning adaptive equipment among the three groups is limited. However, significant statistical difference is found, indicating that occupational therapists and physiotherapists have higher levels of general knowledge, about the accessibility of equipment, regulations and legislation and that they are more familiar with adaptive equipment than teachers, leaders and coaches. Conclusions: A practical implication of the results is that the actors' varying knowledge and experiences need to be brought together to form a coherent picture of how the equipment will be used and by whom. This can contribute to an increased understanding concerning adaptive equipment and its importance among different actors, which could help more young people with disabilities to participate. Important actors must utilize the knowledge and experience possessed by young people with disabilities concerning adaptive equipment. Improved access to knowledge concerning adaptive equipment among important actors is required. Increased collaboration between different actors relating to adaptive equipment and participation is needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Technology holds great potential to support Deaf individuals as they age into older adulthood. However, it is unclear to what extent Deaf seniors are using technology in everyday life or whether they experience challenges in using technology. The current study explored technology use among older Deaf adults with regard to attitudes, adoption style, and frequency of use for a wide range of technologies, including assistive technologies (ATs) for persons with hearing loss and general, everyday technologies. Materials and methods: We developed a questionnaire that assessed older Deaf adults' use of and experiences with technology. The questionnaire was made available in online and paper versions. Participants (N = 109) were recruited from national conferences and organizations for the Deaf. Results: Overall, we found that the older Deaf adults were technology adopters and regularly use and feel comfortable with a variety of devices. However, we also identified a number of technologies that are not being used by this population, including an AT that appears to have become obsolete and technologies that use sound-based alerts. Conclusions: Insights on how older Deaf adults are embracing technology and which devices they are actually using can help policy makers, technology developers, and a range of aging services professionals, better meet the needs of this understudied population. Older Deaf adults use a variety of assistive and everyday technologies and must be considered as consumers and included in the design process. Older Deaf adults are generally positive in their attitudes towards technologies but they are infrequent users of potentially beneficial health technologies, highlighting opportunities for future research and development. Assistive technology for the Deaf (TTY/TTD) appears to have become obsolete with advances in modern communication technologies, which has implications for policy decisions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To investigate whether technology-assisted toilets (TATs) could be used to improve toileting hygiene and independence for geriatric rehabilitation patients. TATs are commercially available toilet seats that use a stream of warm water to clean the user, have a fan for drying and are operated by a remote control. Materials and methods: Twenty-five geriatric rehabilitation in-patients were recruited, six completed the study, and seven partially completed the study. Each participant had two trial bowel movements. One trial involved cleaning themselves with toilet paper; the other involved cleaning themselves with the TAT functions. After each trial, participants received a visual inspection for cleanliness and answered the Psychosocial Impact of Assistive Devices Scale (PIADS), a validated scale, to assess their sense of competence, adaptability and self-esteem in the bathroom. A toileting cleanliness scale, designed for this study, was completed by a nurse after TAT usage. Participants received a score from 1 (completely clean) to 4 (completely soiled) based on a visual inspection after cleaning. Results: TAT and toileting cleanliness scores were similar. PIADS scores showed a trend towards higher scores when using the TAT, but results were not statistically significant. Conclusions: TATs cleaned as well as standard toileting in geriatric rehabilitation inpatients. Participants indicated that TATs improved their sense of competence, adaptability and self-esteem. Geriatricians and rehabilitation professionals should consider prescribing TATs in their practice as an assistive device in order to promote patient independence and dignity and reduce the burden of care for patients requiring toileting assistance. Implications for rehabilitation: Technology-assisted toilets (TATs) are commercially-available toilet seats that could be used to allow rehabilitation patients to clean themselves more independently in the bathroom. Improved toileting independence can reduce burden of care of geriatric rehabilitation and reduce the impact of toileting assistance on patient dignity and self-esteem. Physiatrists should consider recommending TATs to their patients but should take into account whether a patient’s particular set of disabilities will allow them to use a TAT effectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The potential of service robots for seniors is given increasing attention as the ageing population in Western countries will continue to grow as well as the demand for home care. In order to capture the experience of living with a robot at home, a multi-perspective evaluation was conducted. Methods: Older adults (n = 10) were invited to execute an actual interaction scenario with the Care-O-bot® robot in a home-like environment and were questioned about their experiences. Additionally, interviews were conducted with the elderly participants, informal carers (n = 7) and professional caregivers (n = 11). Results: Seniors showed to be more keen to accept the robot than their caregivers and relatives. However, the robot in its current form was found to be too limited and participants wished the robot could perform more complex tasks. In order to be acceptable a future robot should execute these complex tasks based on the personal preferences of the user which would require the robot to be flexible and extremely smart, comparable to the care that is delivered by a human carer. Conclusions: Developing the functional features to perform activities is not the only challenge in robot development that deserves the attention of robot developers. The development of social behaviour and skills should be addressed as well. This is possible adopting a person-centred design approach, which relies on validation activities with actual users in realistic environments, similar to those described in this paper. Implications for rehabilitation: Attitude of older adults towards service robots Potential of service robotsfor older adults [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose:To analyse the effect of a six-month home-based phase III cardiac rehabilitation (CR) specific exercise program, performed in a virtual reality (Kinect) or conventional (booklet) environment, on executive function, quality of life and depression, anxiety and stress of subjects with coronary artery disease. Methods:A randomized controlled trial was conducted with subjects, who had completed phase II, randomly assigned to intervention group 1 (IG1), whose program encompassed the use of Kinect (n = 11); or intervention group 2 (IG2), a paper booklet (n = 11); or a control group (CG), only subjected to the usual care (n = 11). The three groups received education on cardiovascular risk factors. The assessed parameters, at baseline (M0), 3 (M1) and 6 months (M2), were executive function, control and integration in the implementation of an adequate behaviour in relation to a certain objective, specifically the ability to switch information (Trail Making Test), working memory (Verbal Digit Span test), and selective attention and conflict resolution ability (Stroop test), quality of life (MacNew questionnaire) and depression, anxiety and stress (Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale 21). Descriptive and inferential statistical measures were used, significance level was set at .05. Results:The IG1 revealed significant improvements, in the selective attention and conflict resolution ability, in comparison with the CG in the variable difference M0 − M2 (p = .021) and in comparison with the IG2 in the variable difference M1 − M2 and M0 − M2 (p = .001 andp = .002, respectively). No significant differences were found in the quality of life, and depression, anxiety and stress. Conclusions:The virtual reality format had improved selective attention and conflict resolution ability, revealing the potential of CR, specifically with virtual reality exercise, on executive function.Implications for RehabilitationIn cardiac rehabilitation, especially in phase III, it is important to develop and to present alternative strategies, as virtual reality using the Kinect in a home context.Taking into account the relationship between the improvement of the executive function with physical exercise, it is relevant to access the impact of a cardiac rehabilitation program on the executive function.Enhancing the value of the phase III of cardiac rehabilitation. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Purpose:This paper outlines the development and content validation of the power mobility training tool (PMTT), an observational tool designed to assist therapists in developing power mobility training programs for children who have multiple, severe impairments. Methods:Initial items on the PMTT were developed based on a literature review and in consultation with therapists experienced in the use of power mobility. Items were trialled in clinical settings, reviewed, and refined. Items were then operationalized and an administration manual detailing scoring for each item was created. Qualitative and quantitative methods were used to establish content validity via a 15 member, international expert panel. The content validity ratio (CVR) was determined for each possible item. Results:Of the 19 original items, 10 achieved minimum required CVR values and were included in the final version of the PMTT. Items related to manoeuvring a power mobility device were merged and an item related to the number of switches used concurrently to operate a power mobility device were added to the PMTT. Conclusions:The PMTT may assist therapists in developing training programs that facilitate the acquisition of beginning power mobility skills in children who have multiple, severe impairments.Implications for RehabilitationThe Power Mobility Training Tool (PMTT) was developed to help guide the development of power mobility intervention programs for children who have multiple, severe impairments.The PMTT can be used with children who access a power mobility device using either a joystick or a switch.Therapists who have limited experience with power mobility may find the PMTT to be helpful in setting up and conducting power mobility training interventions as a feasible aspect of a plan of care for children who have multiple, severe impairments. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Purpose: To examine the Assistive Technology Device Predisposition Assessment scale and provide evidence of validity and reliability of the Greek version.Methods: We translated and adapted the original instrument in Greek according to the most well-known guidelines recommendations. Field test studies were conducted in a rehabilitation hospital to validate the appropriateness of the final results. Ratings of the different items were statistically analyzed. We recruited 115 subjects who were administered the Form E of the original questionnaire.Results: The experimental analysis conducted revealed a three subscales structure: (i) Adaptability, (ii) Fit to Use, and (iii) Socializing. According to the results of our study the three subscales measure different constructs. Reliability measures (ICC = 0.981, Pearson's correlation = 0.963, Cronbach's α = 0.701) yielded high values. Test-retest outcome showed great stability.Conclusions: This is the first study, at least to the knowledge of the authors, which focuses merely on measuring the satisfaction of the users from the used assistive device, while exploring the Assistive Technology Device Predisposition Assessment - Device Form in such depth. According to the results, it is a stable, valid and reliable instrument and applicable to the Greek population. Thus, it can be used to measure the satisfaction of patients with assistive devices.Implications for RehabilitationThe paper explores the cultural adaptability and applicability of ATD PA – Device Form.ATD PA – Device Form can be used to assess user satisfaction by the selected assistive device.ATD PA – Device Form is a valid and reliable instrument in measuring users’ satisfaction in Greekreality. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

To demonstrate the potential role of virtual game personalisation for use as a therapeutic modality to improve upper extremity function in children with cerebral palsy (CP). The study tested a convenience sample of 60 typically developing children (TD) aged 6–10 years and 20 children with CP aged 7–11 years. Children participated in a single 30-min session when they played the game in accuracy mode (virtual targets are hit as they become progressively larger or smaller) or dwell mode (virtual targets are hit when the users remains on them for progressively shorter or longer durations). These two modes can be played in conventional (non-personalised), personalised and with and without arm weights conditions; weights were used for the TD group in order to ensure that game play would be sufficiently challenging as to require personalisation. We measured performance variables (frequency of changes in game level difficulty and accuracy as measured by percent success of hitting the virtual targets) in each condition and usability variables (self-reported perceived effort and enjoyment). Comparisons between the usability of the conventional and personalised conditions among typically developing children showed that although children self-reported significantly more effort while playing the personalised game, the level of enjoyment remained high (no significant differences between conventional and personalised game play conditions). In addition, comparisons between playing the personalised game with and without weights by typically developing children, indicated that percent success was significantly higher for the game played without weights, suggesting that the system is sensitive to dynamic changes in performance. Comparisons between the TD and CP groups showed that when the game was played in personalised dwell mode (hovering over the target for several seconds) children with CP progressed significantly less quickly through different difficulty levels compared to typically developing children. In contrast, no significant differences were found in accuracy mode (immediate response on target hit), between the TD and CP groups in any of the experimental conditions. The personalised game approach was shown to be enjoyable for both groups of users and able to change the level of difficulty in real time. The results suggest that this approach to gaming can provide motor challenges while preserving a high level of enjoyment. Personalised virtual therapy shows promise as a tool for upper extremity therapy for children with motor impairment. In recent years, there has been an increase in the use of assistive technologies including virtual gaming in the general area of health care and clinical practice. Virtual gaming provides an interactive, real-time experiences that are flexible and ecologically valid ways to improve specific cognitive and motor abilities. Personalisation of virtual games entails dynamic adaptation of the parameters in real time according to the user's functional level). The results have demonstrated that personalised virtual gaming is enjoyable and feasible for typically developing children and children with cerebral palsy. The results suggest that this approach to gaming can provide motor challenges while preserving a high level of enjoyment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explored the impact of assistive technology on the well-being of legally blind adults. In this mixed-method study, a convenience sample of 86 legally blind adults took an electronic survey. The questionnaire was comprised of demographics, use patterns, and an instrument called TENS-Interface that measured the impact of technology on well-being categories of autonomy, competence, and relatedness. Descriptive statistics, reliability, power analysis and bivariate correlations were calculated using SPSS statistical software. Three participants completed follow up semi-structured interviews, which were analysed for themes of technological mediation using NVivo 12 software. The TENS-Interface was validated for use with a legally blind population. Descriptive statistics showed a higher mean for autonomy than competence or relatedness. Braille was positively correlated to both autonomy and competence, while screen reader proficiency was related to competence. Daily use of social media, email, instant messaging, and video calls were correlated to relatedness. The technological devices used by interview participants were analysed for technological mediation. Training was identified as an additional theme. Recommendations for practice include providing training to legally blind adults in screen reader use and braille use to support well-being via competence and autonomy. Training is also recommended for this population in the use of social media, email, and video calls to promote well-being through opportunities for relatedness. Further research is recommended to explore instructional methods that are not only efficient, but also meaningful for older adults in the position of losing their vision. Providing access to braille instruction and braille assistive technology equipment can promote legally blind adults' well-being by supporting their basic needs for both competence and autonomy. Providing training in screen reader use can promote legally blind adults' well-being by supporting their basic need for competence. Providing training in use of email, social media, video calls, and instant messaging can promote legally blind adults' well-being by supporting their basic need for relatedness. A consideration of technological mediation can allow practitioners to make recommendations that take into account not only efficient task completion, but issues related to meaning and social context. Instruction for adults losing their vision adventitiously needs to address not only efficient task performance, but also meaning and social context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to assess wheelchair skills of persons with physical disabilities who attended the first Wheelchair Skills and Empowerment Camp in Morocco and their satisfaction with manual wheelchairs provided for the camp activities. 19 persons (13 male and 6 female) with physical disabilities took part in the project. The average time since injury or illness was 24 years. To assess wheelchair skills/user satisfaction, the researchers used the Queensland Evaluation of Wheelchair Skills test and the Quebec User Evaluation of Satisfaction with assistive Technology. Study participants improved their overall wheelchair mobility skills (p = 0.002; d = 0.20), especially their ability to ascend and descend a ramp (p = 0.012; d = 0.67). The participants reported significantly greater satisfaction with the new provided wheelchairs in comparison to their own wheelchairs in regard to five satisfaction items; i.e., ease in adjusting (p = 0.011; d = 0.96), safety and security (p = 0.014; d = 0.97), durability (p = 0.037; d = 0.81), ease to use (p = 0.045; d = 0.87), and comfort (p = 0.006; d = 1.03). Findings of this study indicate that persons with physical disabilities in Morocco need structured training in wheelchair skills and better-quality wheelchairs. The study also confirmed that community peer-based programmes in low-resource countries can play a significant role in rehabilitation of persons with physical disabilities, even many years after their injury or illness. The One World project educated local persons with disabilities and government officials about the need for buying appropriate wheelchairs and for providing them according to the World Health Organization guidelines. 19 persons who use wheelchairs participated in 6-days of wheelchair skills training sessions, which were led by three peer mentors who use a wheelchair: two with spinal cord injury, and one with polio complications. The 19 participants, who had lived with their disabilities on average for 24 years, advanced their general wheelchair mobility skills, which was assessed through a practical test. The results confirmed that community peer-based programmes in low-resource countries are important for improving wheelchair skills not only when beginning rehabilitation but even after individuals live many years with a disability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Children with physical disabilities commonly use mobility devices. There is a lack of studies on the use and impact of mobility devices on activities and participation. Research is needed on satisfaction with the service delivery process of mobility devices. To examine the use and impact of mobility devices among children with physical disabilities and the satisfaction with the properties of their mobility devices and related services. A web-based survey was sent to parents of 6 − 18 years old children with physical disabilities who used mobility devices in Iceland. The use and effectiveness of mobility devices were assessed with a questionnaire designed for this study. The satisfaction was measured with Quebec user evaluation of satisfaction with assistive technology (QUEST) 2.0. The survey was sent to 55 families and 36 replied. Most of the children used mobility devices in social activities. The number of participants who reported positive effects of devices on activities and participation, depended on environmental settings. There was no significant difference in participants' satisfaction between types of mobility devices. Also, there was no significant difference in participants' satisfaction with the properties of the device and the related service (for wheeled walkers p = 0.47, manual wheelchairs p = 0.08, powered wheelchairs p = 1.00). The results indicate the importance of mobility devices for activities and participation and can guide healthcare workers when providing mobility devices where environmental factors across settings must be kept in mind. Stakeholders should be aware of the value of satisfaction with the devices and related services. Children with physical disabilities use mobility devices across different environmental settings and need to have more than one type of equipment. This study confirms results from earlier research that mobility devices are important for the activities and participation of children with disabilities. It is important to understand how the delivery process of devices is perceived by those who receive them. High satisfaction is an indicator of high quality of service. Environmental factors across settings must be kept in mind in the delivery process of assistive devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The western world is seeking increased implementation of assistive technology (AT) to meet the challenges of an ageing population. The objective of this study is to explore perspectives on AT use among home-dwelling older adults with or without cognitive impairment. This study combines findings from a cross-sectional study with a questionnaire package (n = 83) and from qualitative individual interviews (n = 7) and is part of a larger study, the Assisted Living Project. Combining methods promotes complementary inquiries into a phenomenon. The participants already use ATs: TVs, social alarms, mobile phones, stove timers, electronic medical dispensers, PCs and tablet computers. They were both optimistic and skeptical of AT, and expressed different perspectives and expressed different perspectives on ATs in relation to usability, privacy and fear of losing personal face-to-face care. This study reveals that older adults' perspectives on AT are multifaceted and complex, and can partly be explained by the interacting factors in the HAAT model: person, technology, environment, and context. Further exploration in relation to older adults with health challenges, as well as ethical perspectives on AT implementation, is required for this group. The Norwegian Research Council, Number 47996, funds the Assisted Living Project (ALP). The study was useful in order to inform the health care services about older adults "perspectives on assistive technology". This study reveals the complexity of understanding perspectives towards and the use of assistive technology among older adults with or without cognitive impairment. This study contributes to the understanding of the interactions between the four components: humans, activities, technology and the context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although ongoing exercise is known to reduce disability in people with multiple sclerosis (MS), participation in lower-extremity exercise programs can be limited by their existing mobility impairments. Lower-extremity exoskeletons could address this problem by facilitating home and community locomotion and enhancing exercise capability but little data is available on the potential of this technology for reducing disability of people with MS. We evaluated the Keeogo™ exoskeleton for people with MS using an open-label randomised cross-over design. The trial design allowed us to quantify rehabilitation effects (tested without device) and training effects (tested with device) using functional outcomes: 6-minute walk test (6MWT), timed stair test (TST), and timed up-and-go (TUG). Baseline and post-study self-report instruments included Medical Outcomes Survey Short Form-36 (SF36), MS Walking Scale (MSWS), and others. Amount of home use was documented by daily activity log. Partial correlation analysis was used to explore the relationships between changes in functional outcomes and self-report disability, controlling for amount of home use of the device. Twenty-nine participants with MS completed the trial. Change scores for MSWS, SF36 physical function and SF36 emotional well-being correlated positively with changes in 6MWT which was explained by amount of home use. The benefits in physical functioning and emotional well-being from using the exoskeleton at home were linked to amount of device usage. Low-profile robotic exoskeletons could be used to deliver facilitated exercise while assisting with locomotor activities of daily living, such as walking and stair climbing in the home and community environment. Exoskeletons for home use may have the potential to benefit people with MS in terms of physical functioning and emotional well-being. The benefits in physical functioning and emotional well-being appeared to be linked to amount of usage. Exoskeletons might be useful for delivering facilitated exercise while assisting with walking and stair climbing in the home. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to examine a mobile device navigation application's (apps) usefulness as a guide based on the required time and accuracy of moving to a destination for community-dwelling older adults. Twelve older adults, aged ≥65 years (mean age 77.0 ± 8.0, 62% female) who used the day-care centre for older adults, based on the long-term care insurance system in Kagoshima Prefecture, participated in this study. Study participants performed a Route Navigation Task (RNT), which is a simple real-world navigation test based on the actual living environment, after a brief assessment of physical function, cognitive function, and daily living routine. RNT required that participants arrive at a destination for the shortest time, under three tasks: map-, app-, and photo-language. The order of implementation of each task, determined by one of the tasks, was randomized, with a span of a minimum 1 month between tasks. The app-task resulted in a significantly shorter amount of travel time than did the other tasks (p < 0.05). The factors considerably correlating with travel time in the app-task were walking speed, mobile device proficiency, years of mobile device use, and higher-order activities of daily living. Our findings suggested the possibility that the navigation app was useful as efficient outdoor mobility support, and healthcare providers should encourage the use of mobile devices for improving the active lifestyle of the community-dwelling older adults. The navigation apps in mobile devices are expected to be useful for community-dwelling older adults. We examined the effect of navigation app use on path execution using three tasks in RNT and what factors are associated with the ability of route navigation. A significant reduction in travel time when RNT was performed using a navigation app compared to the other two tasks (map, photo-language). Regardless of cognitive function, mobile device proficiency, and mobile device usage were associated with navigation app use. This study suggests the usefulness of a navigation application in providing route assistance to community-dwelling older adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although approximately 45% of adults with Autosomal Recessive Spastic Ataxia of Charlevoix-Saguenay (ARSACS) are permanent wheelchair users, this sub population has been less studied. The purpose of this study was to document wheelchair mobility, motor performance, and participation in a cohort of adult wheelchair users with ARSACS. We recruited 36 manual and powered wheelchair users with ARSACS, aged between 34 and 64 years, for this cross-sectional study. Participants completed measures regarding wheelchair mobility (Wheelchair Skills Test Questionnaire [WST-Q-F], Wheelchair Use Confidence Scale [WheelCon-F] and Wheelchair Outcome Measure [WhOM-F]), motor performance (Scale for the Assessment and Rating of Ataxia [SARA], Disease Severity Index for adults with ARSACS [DSI-ARSACS], Upper Extremity Performance Test for the Elderly [TEMPA], Standardised Finger to Nose Test [SFNT], grip strength, pinch strength, Lower Extremity Motor Coordination Test [LEMOCOT], Berg Balance Scale [BBS], Timed Up and Go [TUG] and 10-meter Walk Test [10mWT]), and participation (Barthel Index, LSA-F and LIFE-H). Results were compared between age groups (≤49 years and ≥50 years), types of wheelchair used, and available reference values. Correlations were computed between wheelchair mobility, upper limb function, and participation. Participants presented limitations regarding wheelchair skills, motor performance, and participation in daily activities. Despite preserved upper limb strength, wheelchair skills, upper and lower limb coordination, standing balance, and functional independence were generally more impaired after 50 years of age and among powered wheelchair users. Significant moderate correlations were found between wheelchair skills and self-efficacy, upper limb strength and coordination, and participation in daily and social activities. This study provided the first data sets describing specific characteristics of manual and powered wheelchair users with ARSACS. It supports a need to offer wheelchair skills training interventions to adults with ARSACS, which could increase their daily and social participation. Adult wheelchair users with ARSACS present with limited wheelchair skills, significantly impaired motor performance, and reduced participation that generally decreases with age. This profile may serve as comparative data for clinicians to anticipate disease progression. This study provides the first data on distinguishing characteristics between PWC users and MWC users with ARSACS. The main characteristics of PWC users include more severe functional limitations and motor impairments, as well as limited grip strength that contrasts with the general preservation of this function among other adults with ARSACS. There is a need to offer and evaluate wheelchair skills training interventions in the future for adults with ARSACS. The general preservation of grip and pinch strength observed in this population suggests a potential for improvement. Considering the associations found between wheelchair mobility and participation, such interventions may increase users' daily and social participation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Social participation is an important aspect of health and well-being across the lifespan, but older adults might encounter some barriers, which has been highlighted in the current Covid-19 pandemic situation, where technology has become the primary way to maintain contact with family and friends. In fact, technology can serve both as a facilitator and barrier to social participation in later life, and this issue needs to be further understood. To identify the barriers and facilitators encountered by older adults in using technology to promote social participation. A systematic review was conducted. Studies were included if they were peer-reviewed, written in English or French, included participants 50 years or older, included technology to promote social participation, and reported potential barriers or facilitators regarding such technologies. Four databases were included: MEDLINE, CINAHL, PsychINFO and, ERIC. Each study was reviewed by two independent reviewers. The quality of the study was appraised using the Crowe Critical Appraisal Tool. Seventeen studies were included in this report. Four main themes emerged from the data: perceived benefits of the technology, self-confidence and knowledge about using the technology efficiently and safely, affordability of the technology, and ability of the technology to adapt to the physical and cognitive declines in later life. These findings can help health care professionals to make better decisions when deciding to recommend technology for their older clients. Acceptance of technology to promote social participation in later life is a multi-complex process. There is no "one size fits all" approach, a person-centered intervention must be used. When introducing new technologies, using an adapted/tailored training approach could potentially increase self-efficacy in using technology. Rehabilitation professionals' misconceptions concerning the use of technology in later life can be a barrier to acceptance. It's important to be aware of our own believes and attitudes in this context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

FindMyApps is a web-based selection-tool and errorless learning training program to help people with mild dementia/Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) and caregivers find user-friendly apps. In preparation of a definitive trial, the impact and feasibility of the FindMyApps intervention on self-management and engagement in meaningful activities, including social participation, was explored. An exploratory pilot randomised controlled trial (trial registration approval number: NL7210) with pre/post measurements was conducted with community-dwelling people with mild dementia/MCI and their caregivers (n = 59) in the Netherlands. Dyads in the experimental group (n = 28) received training to use the tablet and FindMyApps, and the errorless learning method was taught to their caregivers. Control group dyads (n = 31) received a tablet (without FindMyApps), instructions on tablet-use and links to dementia-friendly apps. Validated instruments were used to assess person with dementia's self-management, meaningful activities and social participation, caregiver's sense of competence and both their quality of life. No statistical significant group differences on the outcomes were found. Small to moderate effect-sizes in favour of the FindMyApps group were found for self-management and social participation. Caregivers tended to have more positive care experiences. Subgroup analyses showed that people older than 70 benefitted more from FindMyApps regarding self-management and higher educated people benefitted more regarding social participation. FindMyApps is feasible for the target group and may have potential to improve self-management and social participation. For a future definitive effectiveness trial a larger sample size is recommended, as well as taking into account the possible impact of education and age. The FindMyApps program is feasible for people with dementia/MCI and may have potential to improve their self-management and social participation. Informal caregivers may develop a more positive care experience when utilizing FindMyApps to find suitable apps for self-management and social participation for the person with dementia/MCI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Converging visual behavioural and attentional allocation studies within neuroscience have shown culture influences the processing of visual information obtained from the visual field. While attending (reviewing) a visual scene, individuals from a collectivist culture attend more to the context (background) compared to those from an individualist culture who view more the focal object. This highlights the effect of cultural conditioning in terms of holistic and analytical processing of visual information. This study aimed to demonstrate these principles in the context of an assistive product, a wheelchair, highlighting the key visual elements of the form; and, how a congruent background (hospital room) or incongruent (athletics track) influenced cultural bias during visual processing and assigned meaning. A combination of research methods (Semantic Differential Scale and eye-tracking) was used to triangulate the results. A total of 126 adult student participants, (Pakistani/collectivist, n = 57) and the (UK/individualist, n = 69), viewed a visual presentation of a wheelchair with semantically congruent and then an incongruent background and responded via an online questionnaire. A sub-sample completed the survey whilst monitored via eye-tracking. Pakistani respondents used shorter and less frequent fixations on the foreground compared to the responses of their counterparts (UK respondents). The wheel of the wheelchair was highlighted as the prominent form by both groups. Results demonstrate a culture-influenced pattern of visual processing even when the product was displayed against a semantically incongruent background. The findings from this study also validate and extend the outcomes of similar studies revealing a more specific, yet consistent, cultural effect on individuals' visual perception. Finally, the efficacy of triangulated research methods in their relationship to exploring the AT product's semantics was discussed. The knowledge of AT products' semantics will be significant to investigate, for their improved social acceptance, particularly when considered from a diverse cultural standpoint. A model of best practice, focussing on semantics manipulation, will provide AT product designers, practitioners, and those involved in their marketing, Internationally, with a suitable process/tool to positively reframe the perception of these devices. Finally, this research will help product and industrial designers to consider cultural cognitive styles in the design of products for the better adoption of products within the global marketplace. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study aim was to develop and assess the measurement properties of the Functional Impact of Augmentative and Alternative Communication – Educator (FIAAC-E) scale – an educator-reported measure designed to detect change in factors associated with communicative participation in students who use augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). The study had three phases. In phase 1 (content validity), 22 content specialists independently rated the relevancy of 22 dimensions proposed for the new scale. In phase 2 (item generation, face validity), 8 educators independently completed a preliminary version of the FIAAC-E scale and flagged items that were unclear. Next, these educators adjusted the wording of unclear items during consensus-building sessions. In phase 3 (item reduction, reliability, convergent validity), 62 educators completed an online survey that included the revised FIAAC-E scale. Survey data were used to shorten the scale, estimate its reliability, and evaluate support for its convergent validity. In phase 1, the 11 dimensions ranked most highly by content specialists were selected for inclusion in the preliminary scale. In phase 2, educators reviewed 113 items and revised 33 to improve clarity. In phase 3, correlational statistics informed the selection of 77 items for the shortened scale. Subsequent data analyses indicated acceptable levels of internal consistency and test-retest reliability and support for convergent validity of the preliminary measure. The study provides emerging evidence that supports the FIAAC-E scale as a reliable way to evaluate communicative participation in children and youth who use AAC systems at school. Using a reliable means to measure the effectiveness of AAC for children and youth at school may reveal important factors that influence successful communicative, academic, and social participation in school. The FIAAC-E scale is a promising educator-reported questionnaire to inform the development of communication goals and monitor progress towards meeting these goals for students with complex communication needs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Restrictions in mobility can lead to social and health-related issues. Assistive technologies and devices can help to sustain or regain mobility in affected persons. One of the most commonly used devices is the wheelchair. Many wheelchair users experience difficulties within the provision process and with the device itself. The presented study investigated the satisfaction with the wheelchair and the corresponding provision process. A comprehensive online survey was conducted. The questionnaire surveyed the quality of wheelchairs and the corresponding provision process among wheelchair users in Germany. Descriptive methods were used to analyse the results. Sub-groups were classified according to age, sex, waiting time for wheelchair, financing and type of wheelchair. After cleaning the data, 110 datasets remained for analysis. The predominant reasons for wheelchair acquisition were independence and the replacement for a defective wheelchair. Wheelchair quality aspects as well as the corresponding provision process were rated medium. Issues were found regarding waiting times, repair services and communication between service providers. The presented results reflect issues in the quality of wheelchairs and their provision process. Inequality between different sub groups is evident. Although some results should be considered with caution due to unequal group sizes, clear trends can be seen which confirm results from other studies throughout the literature. The presented cross-sectional study results give an important overview about the user satisfaction with the quality and provision process of wheelchairs. A longitudinal study accompanying users during the provision process is being recommended as a more in-depth study. Low durability and adaptability were identified as main issues regarding wheelchair quality. Waiting times for wheelchairs were perceived as too long by the users and make up the main factor for low satisfaction with the wheelchair provision process. Reduced waiting times for wheelchairs (especially for electric wheelchairs) can improve overall satisfaction with the assistive device. Waiting times could be reduced by a more efficient application and provision process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To explore the experiences of new motorised mobility scooter users from the perspectives of the assessment and training of scooter skills. Descriptive secondary analysis of qualitative data. Community. 20 New users of motorised mobility scooters. Not applicable. Directed qualitative analysis of up to four semi-structured interviews over the course of the first year of scooter use, to identify themes and sub-themes that could inform recommendations regarding assessment and training protocols. We identified two themes. The first related to potential new content. As one example of the sub-themes, there were many excerpts that dealt with the use of skills in various combinations and permutations that were used to carry out activities during everyday life and participate in society. These excerpts suggested the importance of training skills in combination to facilitate skill transfer (or generalizability). The second theme is related to enhancements of existing content. As one example of the sub-themes, there were several excerpts that dealt with scooter security. These excerpts led to the recommendation that removing and inserting the scooter key should be added to the assessment criteria for the "turns power on and off" skill of the Wheelchair Skills Test (WST) and its questionnaire version (WST-Q). The experiences of scooter users over the first year of receiving a scooter appear to be relevant to the assessment and training of scooter skills and suggest themes for further study. Clinical trial registration number: NCT02696213 The experiences of new scooter users are highly relevant to the assessment and training of scooter skills. These experiences suggest both potential new content and enhancements of existing content to the Wheelchair Skills Program Manual. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Increasing numbers of students with disabilities are accessing higher education each year, yet little is known about their assistive technology (AT) needs and its influence on relevant outcomes. The aim of this study was to examine met/unmet AT needs on educational engagement, academic self-efficacy and well-being and the impact of AT use in the areas of competence, adaptability and self-esteem for students with disabilities in higher education in Ireland. One hundred and eleven students with disabilities completed a cross-sectional online survey comprising the College Learning Effectiveness Inventory, the Student Course Engagement Questionnaire, the Self-Efficacy for Learning Form Abridged, the Psychosocial Impact of Assistive Devices Scale, and the Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-Being Scale. AT use was found to have a positive psychosocial impact in the areas of competence, adaptability and self-esteem. Those whose AT needs were fully met scored significantly higher on academic self-efficacy, well-being, and on 4 of the 10 educational engagement subscales compared to those who had unmet AT needs. Met/unmet AT needs were not predictive of educational engagement. These findings highlight the importance of AT from both educational engagement and psychosocial perspectives for students with a wide variety of disability diagnoses. The wide-reaching benefits of AT must be considered by governmental departments when making funding allocations to disability services within higher education institutions. Students with disabilities can face many additional challenges within the higher education environment. Findings from this research show that access to appropriate assistive technology can support students' educational engagement, increase well-being and academic self-efficacy and have a positive impact in the areas of competence, adaptability and self-esteem. Disability and Assistive Technology Officers in higher education should be cognizant of both the educational and psychological benefits of assistive technology across diverse students with various disability diagnoses. Policy makers should consider the wide-reaching benefits of assistive technology when making funding allocations to higher education institutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the current state of wheelchair services in Bangalore Rural district, as provided by Bangalore Baptist Hospital, and identified areas for improvement. a cross-sectional survey was held among 50 wheelchair users. Data was collected on demographics, satisfaction, wheelchair skills and level of disability using QUEST, WST-Q and CHART-SF questionnaires. Overall satisfaction can be described as more or less satisfied, scoring 3.8 out of 5. Wheelchair users were less satisfied with the services compared to the wheelchair itself. The skills a wheelchair users had were strongly correlated with satisfaction scores (p < 0.01). Differences in satisfaction between genders were observed and related to multiple factors. Wheelchairs should be easy to use with support services being easily accessible. A wheelchair should be delivered together with a training program to provide the user with the skills to operate and maintain the wheelchair. There are gender-wise differences in satisfaction towards wheelchair services that influence satisfaction. Training of wheelchair skills should be part of the delivery process as this positively impacts satisfaction of wheelchair users and increases their independent mobility. Requirements towards a wheelchair and its support service are gender specific. Recognizing and acting upon the differing needs between male and female wheelchair users should be an integral part of a wheelchair provision service. Wheelchair users should take part in the development and implementation of novel technologies, policies and service delivery schemes as their need is not always answered. This could lead to a reduced uptake, or even failure, of innovations in (wheelchair) services. The financial situation of a wheelchair user is a factor that influences satisfaction. Therefore, empowering and/or enabling wheelchair users to take part in activities that earns them an income should be part of a wheelchair service. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is important to promote assistive technologies to improve quality of life. The proposed SmartAbility Android Application recommends assistive technologies for people with reduced physical abilities, by focussing on actions that can be performed independently. The SmartAbility Application uses Android built-in sensors, e.g., accelerometer and gyroscope and application programming interfaces (APIs) to detect physical abilities, e.g., head movements and blowing and recommend suitable assistive technologies. This is supported by a MySQL database that stores assistive technologies and mappings between abilities. The underpinning research is the SmartAbility Framework that culminates the knowledge obtained during previously feasibility trials and usability evaluations. The Application was evaluated by pupils (n = 18) at special educational needs schools with physical conditions, including cerebral palsy, autism and Noonan syndrome, and assessed through the NASA Task Load Index (TLX) and System Usability Scale (SUS). Analysis using the Adjective Rating Scale highlighted that the Application achieves "Good Usability". The SmartAbility Application demonstrates that built-in sensors of Android devices and their APIs, can detect actions that users perform, e.g., head movements and speaking. The Application contains a database where assistive technologies are mapped to physical abilities, in order to provide suitable recommendations. It will be disseminated to assistive technology charities and manufacturers and be used by healthcare professionals as part of the rehabilitation process. Future developments of SmartAbility include the creation of a second Application designed specifically to recommend assistive technologies for the education sector, based on users' physical and cognitive abilities. Assistive technology is any item, equipment or piece of software designed to increase, maintain or improve the functional capabilities of people with disabilities. SmartAbility should be introduced into rehabilitation to promote awareness of assistive technologies that are suitable for the physical abilities of the user. Our research highlighted that physical abilities can be detected using built-in sensors of Android devices, e.g. accelerometer and gyroscope. Involvement of the intended user community during evaluations is essential to ensure that a smartphone application is suitable for people with reduced physical abilities. Assistive technologies can support the rehabilitation of people with reduced physical abilities by providing increased independence and improved quality of life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To establish the reliability and construct validity of two French-Canadian versions of assessment tools for manual (MWC) and powered wheelchair (PWC) users with autosomal recessive spastic ataxia of Charlevoix-Saguenay (ARSACS): the Wheelchair Skills Test Questionnaire (WST-Q-F) version 5.0 and the Wheelchair Use Confidence Scale (WheelCon-F) Short Form. We recruited 32 MWC and PWC users with ARSACS aged between 34 and 64 years. Participants completed measures twice within 2 weeks for test–retest reliability and to determine the standard error of measurement. Construct validity was established by verifying hypothesized relationships between wheelchair use scores and other variables regarding personal factors, body functions, and activities. Participants' scores were also compared with those of MWC and PWC users with other diagnoses to explore known-groups validity. Adequate to excellent test–retest reliability values were found for all questionnaires (intraclass correlation coefficients between 0.506 and 0.995). SEMs were acceptable, ranging from 3.3 to 9.1 on the WST-Q-F and from 0.7 to 1.2 on the WheelCon-F. Moderate to excellent correlations supported construct validity for the WST-Q-F and the WheelCon-F. Compared with other populations, adults with ARSACS reported limited wheelchair skills, but similar wheelchair confidence. The WST-Q-F and the WheelCon-F have excellent test–retest reliability, acceptable measurement errors, and support for construct validity in adults with ARSACS. This study was the first to evaluate these assessment tools in this population, and the results support a need to implement wheelchair skills training interventions in this population. The WST-Q-F version 5.0 and the WheelCon-F Short Form are reliable and valid assessment tools to measure manual and powered wheelchair skills and self-efficacy in adults with autosomal recessive spastic ataxia of Charlevoix-Saguenay (ARSACS). The WST-Q-F version 5.0 and the WheelCon-F Short Form can be used to evaluate and describe wheelchair skills and wheelchair use self-efficacy in clinical practice and are recommended for future research in adults with ARSACS. These outcome tools may be especially useful to measure the effects of a wheelchair training program. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Everyday information and communication technologies (EICTs) are increasingly being used in our society, for both general and health-related purposes. This study aims to compare how older adults with cognitive impairment perceive relevance and level of EICT challenge between eHealth use and general use. This cross-sectional study includes 32 participants (65–85 years of age) with cognitive impairment of different origins (due to e.g., stroke or dementia). The Short Everyday Technology Use Questionnaire+ (S-ETUQ+) was used, providing information about the relevance of EICTs and measuring the EICT level of challenge. Data were analysed with descriptive statistics, standardized z-tests and Fisher's exact tests. The significance level was set to p <.05. The result shows that the perceived amount of relevant EICTs for eHealth use was lower in all 16 EICTs compared to those of general use. About the perceived level of challenge, a significant difference was detected in one of the seven included EICTs between eHealth use and general use. In this sample, all EICTs were perceived as having lower relevance for eHealth use compared to general use, suggesting that the purpose of using an EICT affects the perceived relevance of it. Also, once an EICT is perceived as relevant and used for eHealth purposes, there seem to be little to no differences in perceived challenge compared to the same EICT used for general purposes. All stakeholders, including health care providers, need to be aware of the hindrances that come with digitalization, making it challenging to many citizens to make use of digital solutions. It is of great importance that social services including eHealth services be tailored to suit the individual/target group. Older adults may need support and an introduction to EICTs to discover the potential relevance of the specific device and/or service. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To determine the intra-rater and inter-rater reliability of the Powered Mobility Program (PMP) and the Israel Ministry of Health Powered Mobility Proficiency Test (PM-PT); to test inter-rater reliability of the Assessment of Learning Powered Mobility (ALP) tool; to determine the convergent validity of these measures for children with physical disabilities. Participants included 30 children (mean 10 years, 6 months [SD 3 years, 7 months]; range: 6–18 years) with cerebral palsy and other neuromuscular disorders. Participants were non-proficient powered wheelchair drivers. Two blinded raters assessed the driving ability by viewing videos of the participants twice as they drove a pre-designed route at ALYN Hospital, Israel. They were assessed via the PMP, ALP and PM-PT outcome measures. Intra-class correlation coefficients (ICC2,1) were used to test intra-rater and inter-rater reliability and Spearman correlation coefficients were used to assess convergent validity. The PMP intra-rater reliability revealed ICCs2,1 of coefficients were 0.97/0.98 for both raters. For the PM-PT the ICC2,1 was 0.89/0.96 for both raters. The PMP inter-rater reliability ICC2,1 was 0.94/0.87 for the two tests, for the PM-PT the ICC2,1 was 0.91/0.87 for the two tests and for the ALP the ICC2,1 was 0.83. The convergent validity between the PMP and the PM-PT was rs=0.96, between the PMP and ALP was rs=0.89 and between the PM-PT and ALP was rs=0.87. The PMP and PM-PT intra and interrater reliability were good to excellent, the ALP inter-rater reliability was good and the convergent validity between all three measures was good to excellent. There is evidence of validity and reliability for three tests of powered wheelchair proficiency (PMP, PM-PT and ALP). Children using powered mobility, aged 6–18 years, now have outcome measures with empirical evidence that was previously lacking. When time for assessment is limited, the shorter PM-PT can be used instead of the more comprehensive PMP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was conducted to determine the extent of exposure to and use of mobile devices by children (aged 0–60 months) with a diagnosed neurodevelopmental disability. A self-report survey-based design was employed. Questionnaires were administered at a tertiary care hospital in Mumbai, India The study included a convenience sample of 423 children with a neurodevelopmental disability (aged 0–60 months). The self-report survey was administered to the parents of the children. Analyses showed that 92.7% (n = 392) of all respondents have smartphones. 61% (n = 258) of the respondents stated that their children used mobile devices before 2 years of age. 58% (n = 246) of the parents gave children devices while feeding. A statistically significant difference was found in the mobile media usage between groups of children with different diagnoses (p < 0.001). Children diagnosed with ASD appeared to spend the largest amount of time on mobile media (m = 180.44 mins), as compared to children included with other diagnoses. Of the diagnosed children, only 13.4% (n = 57) of parents were informed about the possible negative effects of media use by their paediatricians. The results suggest premature mobile media habits, frequent use and lack of awareness about the effects of mobile media usage among children diagnosed with a neurodevelopmental disability. We suggest there is a need to update recommendations for caregivers on the use of mobile media by young children with disability. The usage and consequences of mobile media use differ based on the type of neurodevelopmental disorder diagnosis. Parents of children with neurodevelopmental disorders often use mobile media as a distraction while engaging in various activities themselves, this information helps identify times at which mobile media might be purposefully used by parents as distractors There is an urgent need for clinical guidelines regarding mobile media usage among young children with neurodevelopmental disorders [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Effective teaching and learning mathematics is important to achieve good results during an academic and professional career. This is especially difficult for visually impaired students because of difficulties in managing structural information included in maths formulae. The extended multimedia alternative method, including the problem of decomposition and knowledge vector, were presented and compared to the classical teaching method. A qualitative method to evaluate motivation during the process of teaching and learning maths for impaired students, which includes eleven detailed motivators, has been developed. The alternative teaching method offers statistically significant improvements in four of the eleven proposed assessment categories: success in progress – adjusting the difficulties of learning, presentation of the material, approval: group/individual and alternative presentation of mathematic materials. The experiments carried out allowed the authors to increase the knowledge about the limitations and challenges occurring in the process of maths education among visually impaired students and their motivation. Based on the experiments and research results, it can be concluded that applying the proposed method of decomposition together with evaluation procedure based on the vector of knowledge in the process of teaching and learning of mathematics by visually impaired may increase their motivation positively. The key aspects of the alternative method of presenting math formulae are included in the bellow points: • It increases the availability of materials containing structured information (mathematical formulae) for the blind. • It limits the importance of communication barriers in math education: the possibility of self-study, reducing costs – by reducing the number of individual tutorials. • It contributes to the development of universal rules for the structural presentation of information • It increases the independence of the student from the teacher. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To explore ways in which social and economic interactions are changed by access to mobile telephony. Method: This is a mixed-methods study of mobile phone use among 52 urban professionals with vision impairments in Bangalore, India. Results: Interviews and survey results indicated that mobile devices, specifically those with adaptive technology software, play a vital role as multi-purpose devices that enable people with disabilities to navigate economically and socially in an environment where accessibility remains a significant challenge. Conclusions: We found that mobile devices play a central role in enabling and sustaining weak ties, but also that these weak ties have important gender-specific implications. We found that women have less access to weak ties than men, which impacts women's access to assistive technology (AT). This has potential implications for women's sense of safety and independence, both of which are strongly related to AT access. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This report presents two cases of successful telerehabilitation delivery for patients quarantined due to COVID-19. One of the patients did not speak the therapists' language, whereas the other presented complete deafness. We assembled a telerehabilitation system using commercial applications, including a remote-control application that minimizes the need for patient's input. The telerehabilitation comprised a combination of video calls with a physical therapist and a 20-minute exercise video. The first case was of a 72-year-old man who could only speak Cantonese, a language that none of the service providers could speak, making communication difficult. Therefore, telerehabilitation was provided using Google Translate to simultaneously translate the therapist's instructions in Japanese to Cantonese. The second case involved a 49-year-old man with neurofibromatosis and complete deafness. In this case, communication during the exercise programme was achieved using 25 cue cards that were prepared in advance and used to convey instructions. The patients' satisfaction was assessed using either of a simple three-item questionnaire (Case 1) or the Telemedicine Satisfaction Questionnaire with five additional items (Case 2). In both cases, the exercise programme was successfully conducted, and the patients reported being highly satisfied with the programme. Communication barriers can impede telerehabilitation therapy; this problem is aggravated when the recipients cannot receive on-site education for device operation and exercise performance in advance due to COVID-19 restrictions. However, the use of supplementary methodologies may contribute to solving these issues, further expanding the coverage and applicability of telerehabilitation. We provided telerehabilitation for two patients with communication difficulties who were quarantined due to COVID-19. Telerehabilitation was carried out using a system with a remote-control mechanism to minimise patient input and avoid problems caused by their unfamiliarity in operating the devices. In addition, an online translation mechanism was used to overcome language differences, while cue cards were used for a patient with a hearing impairment. Telerehabilitation was performed without any technical issues. Both patients reported being highly satisfied with the intervention. This experience of providing telerehabilitation and overcoming communication difficulties may help develop a strategy to expand the coverage of telerehabilitation in the treatment of patients in isolation due to highly transmissible diseases, such as COVID-19. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Falls and related injuries are known to be the major health problem leading to disability and mortality among older adults. Identification and management of fall risks aimed to prevent falling is considered to be essential. The aim of this study was to develop a mobile application for screening and management of fall risks based for older adults. First, we determined product features based on literature reviews. Then we asked 10 experts to assess the importance of capabilities. The application was designed in Android environment based on the STEADI toolkit. Finally, the usability and satisfaction of the application were assessed among 30 older adults by means of a usability questionnaire, and the final version was modified. The experts rated the majority of feasibility features to be important. The application consisted of falls risk self-assessment, and the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test to measure individual fall risks, fall prevention education, and suggestions for training based on the individuals' level of fall risk among older adults. The results of the usability assessment showed that the users were satisfied with the application, 8.83 out of 10. The mobile application can be used to screen and manage fall risks in older adults. It may help health providers to identify older adults at low, moderate, and high risks of falls provide education and training to minimise falls and fall-related injuries. Falls are a major health problem in older people. A great proportion of falls and falls related injuries are preventable. Given the availability and accessibility of various mobile health application and the increasing mobile device usage among older adults, mobile application can be used as a platform for delivering fall prevention programmes such as education and exercise training. The mobile application may be a valuable tool in the fall prevention and their consequences either in old adult. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]