Disability and Rehabilitation-Assistive Technology最新文献

{"title":"Exploring technology use among older adults with intellectual disabilities: barriers, opportunities, and the role of advanced technologies.","authors":"Izaskun Álvarez-Aguado, Vanessa Vega Córdova, Felipe Muñoz La Rivera, Félix González-Carrasco, Miguel Roselló-Peñaloza, Felipe Espinosa Parra, Herbert Spencer, Maryam Farhang, Karla Campaña Vilo, Leyre Álvarez Aguado","doi":"10.1080/17483107.2025.2498566","DOIUrl":"10.1080/17483107.2025.2498566","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This study explores the experiences, perceptions, and barriers faced by older adults with intellectual disabilities in using technology. Using a qualitative approach with semi- structured interviews (<i>n</i> = 108), the research identified five central themes: barriers to access and usability, impact on autonomy and well-being, need for support and training, preferences and desired adaptations in technology, and the influence of advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence and virtual reality. Participants highlighted the challenges posed by complex interfaces, cognitive limitations, and physical accessibility issues, while also emphasizing the empowering role of technology in fostering independence, emotional well- being, and social connections. The role of caregivers emerged as critical, not only as facilitators of technological adoption but also as emotional anchors, reinforcing confidence in using these tools. Participants expressed a strong preference for user-centered designs that include visual guides, automatic reminders, and customizable features to improve accessibility and autonomy. Advanced technologies offered innovative opportunities but were hindered by cost, usability challenges, and the need for ergonomic adaptations. The findings underscore the need for inclusive policies, targeted training for caregivers, and the development of adaptive, accessible devices tailored to the needs of this population. This study provides actionable insights for improving technological accessibility and fostering greater inclusion, autonomy, and quality of life for older adults with intellectual disabilities.</p>","PeriodicalId":47806,"journal":{"name":"Disability and Rehabilitation-Assistive Technology","volume":" ","pages":"2249-2260"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144018588","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Efficacy and social validity of intervention using speech generating device and tactile symbols to develop communication and language in a child with visual impairment and additional disability.","authors":"Vineetha Sara Philip, Suryasree P K, Kripa Elizebath Santhosh","doi":"10.1080/17483107.2025.2539436","DOIUrl":"10.1080/17483107.2025.2539436","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Visual impairment (VI) can significantly hinder language development in children. While VI alone may not drastically alter the trajectory of language acquisition, the presence of additional disabilities can pose significant challenges. Despite these difficulties, augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) strategies, such as speech-generating devices (SGDs) and tactile symbols, have shown promise in supporting communication and language development in such children. This study investigated the efficacy of a targeted AAC intervention utilizing an SGD and individualized tactile symbols to enhance communication functions, receptive and expressive language skills in a non-verbal child with VI and additional disabilities. Additionally, the study explored the caregiver's satisfaction with the intervention. A longitudinal case study method was employed to meet the study purpose. A baseline assessment of communication and language skills was done prior to intervention. Intervention using SGD and tactile symbols were carried out in three phases and outcomes were measured once during the intervention phase and once again after providing intervention. The intervention, conducted over 40 sessions, yielded positive results, demonstrating a significant impact on the child's communication and language development. Notably, the child also developed meaningful speech during the intervention period. The primary caregiver rated the outcomes of the intervention as highly beneficial to the child. The study concludes that a well-structured intervention, incorporating both technological and tactile modalities, can substantially enhance the speech, language, and communication skills of children with VI and additional disabilities.</p>","PeriodicalId":47806,"journal":{"name":"Disability and Rehabilitation-Assistive Technology","volume":" ","pages":"2557-2572"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144754875","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A pilot study on mapping wheelability in urban environment.","authors":"San Hong","doi":"10.1080/17483107.2025.2539437","DOIUrl":"10.1080/17483107.2025.2539437","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Urban mobility presents distinct challenges for wheelchair users compared to pedestrians, particularly regarding surface conditions, slopes, and navigational barriers. Existing mapping systems fail to adequately represent wheelchair accessibility in urban environments.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>To develop a comprehensive methodology for mapping and visualizing wheel-accessible areas in urban environments that distinguishes between different wheelchair types and mobility capabilities.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>The study analyzed existing wheelability audits and visualization techniques to establish standardized accessibility criteria incorporating structural and functional aspects of urban spaces. The methodology was implemented through case studies in Seoul, South Korea, specifically in Daehak-dong and Mangwon-dong areas. Validation was conducted through comprehensive field evaluations and in-depth interviews with four wheelchair users representing different mobility capabilities and wheelchair types.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The framework successfully categorized urban spaces into three main accessibility levels: wheelable, unsafely wheelable, and not wheelable, with subdivisions reflecting manual and electric wheelchair user capabilities. Significant discrepancies were revealed between conventional maps and actual wheelchair-accessible routes, particularly in areas with varying terrain and complex urban infrastructure.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The study demonstrates the importance of distinguishing between manual and electric wheelchair accessibility and considering temporal factors such as surface deterioration and weather conditions. The methodology provides a systematic framework for understanding and visualizing urban accessibility, serving as a foundation for comprehensive accessibility mapping systems that better serve wheelchair users' mobility needs in urban environments.</p>","PeriodicalId":47806,"journal":{"name":"Disability and Rehabilitation-Assistive Technology","volume":" ","pages":"1975-1993"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144785610","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Hands-free interaction system using eye tracking for people with physical disabilities.","authors":"Marcel Saputra, Kayne Raphael Hadipoespito, Denzel Polantika, John Reigton Hartono, Sherrane Kuo, Rinda Hedwig","doi":"10.1080/17483107.2025.2548012","DOIUrl":"10.1080/17483107.2025.2548012","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>This study presents and evaluates a hands-free eye-tracking interaction system aimed at empowering individuals with physical disabilities by facilitating inclusive digital access, in alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and 10 (Reduced Inequalities).</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>The system's performance was assessed through accuracy testing, data transmission speed measurement, and frame rate stability analysis. Eye gestures were repeatedly recorded from a single user to evaluate system accuracy and responsiveness. Additionally, usability feedback was collected from 10 participants through structured questionnaires.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Accuracy testing showed tightly clustered gaze points with an estimated accuracy of 90-95%. Data transmission was highly efficient, averaging 0.0003 s per data point, with consistently high throughput. The system maintained a stable frame rate of approximately 30 frames per second, enabling smooth real-time performance. User evaluations highlighted ease of use, comfort, responsiveness, and the potential to enable independent computer access, with high overall satisfaction ratings.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The results indicate that the proposed eye-tracking system effectively combines technical performance with user-centered design. By enabling accessible communication and interaction, it promotes digital inclusion and reduces barriers to technology for people with physical disabilities.</p><p><strong>Significance: </strong>This technology offers a practical, inclusive solution that advances health, well-being, and social equity, supporting sustainable development through enhanced accessibility and empowerment.</p>","PeriodicalId":47806,"journal":{"name":"Disability and Rehabilitation-Assistive Technology","volume":" ","pages":"2474-2487"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144875951","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Wheelchair-mounted robotic arms: a systematic review of technical design and activities of daily living outcomes.","authors":"Md Mahbubur Rahman, Nayan Banik, Md Samiul Haque Sunny, Md Ishrak Islam Zarif, David Bedolla-Martinez, Katie Schultz, Sheikh Iqbal Ahamed, Mohammad H Rahman","doi":"10.1080/17483107.2025.2547042","DOIUrl":"10.1080/17483107.2025.2547042","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>This review examines wheelchair-mounted robotic arms (WMRAs) as an emerging assistive technology that enhances independence and quality of life for individuals with upper- and lower-limb disabilities. By enabling independent performance of activities of daily living (ADLs), WMRAs hold significant promise for disability and rehabilitation. The article aims to critically evaluate the state of the art in WMRA research and development, identifying persistent challenges and highlighting promising innovations.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>The review systematically analyzes literature on WMRAs published between 2001 and 2025. The analysis emphasizes design specifications, degrees of freedom, actuation methods, control strategies, and performance evaluations. A comparative synthesis is conducted to assess how existing systems support ADL execution, while also integrating technical considerations with user-centered outcomes.</p><p><strong>Results and conclusions: </strong>The findings indicate that current WMRA designs face significant limitations, including restricted workspace coverage, inadequate gripper dexterity, suboptimal kinematic configurations, limited payload capacity, high cost, and lack of modularity. Safety mechanisms remain underdeveloped, creating barriers to broader adoption. Nevertheless, advancements in AI-driven control systems, modular design strategies, and integration with complementary assistive technologies demonstrate promising progress. The review concludes that WMRAs have substantial potential to improve autonomy and daily functioning for individuals with disabilities. Addressing technical and practical shortcomings is essential to ensure successful real-world deployment. These insights contribute to disability and rehabilitation research, as they highlight pathways to enhance accessibility, safety, and cost-effectiveness in assistive technologies that support independent living.</p>","PeriodicalId":47806,"journal":{"name":"Disability and Rehabilitation-Assistive Technology","volume":" ","pages":"2532-2556"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144974299","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Promoting adaptive and social communication skills in young adults with autism spectrum disorder using programmable toy robots with social story, a pilot study.","authors":"Simone Zorzi, Valeria Maria Tambato, Laura Berteotti","doi":"10.1080/17483107.2025.2547319","DOIUrl":"10.1080/17483107.2025.2547319","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>In the last decade, the advances in technology have included robotics as an intervention tool to promote adaptive and social communication skills in subjects with Autism spectrum disorder. The goal of this study is to promote community living skills in adolescents with ASD, using a Programmable toy robot as a model and narrative agent of a social story related to the target activity.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>The study was conducted in an Italian public Social Health Service for adolescents with Neurodevelopmental disorder and included four adolescents with severe Autism spectrum disorder. The experiment concerned the application of the Lego Boots programmable toy robot as a model used for the interpretation of a social story related to the execution of a life activity in the community (making a purchase).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A multiple A-B-A baseline experimental design across subjects was used. All participants reached the target criteria: at least 80% of the total behaviors and 100% of social communication behaviors of the purchase activity identified through the task analysis procedure.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Our results have confirmed the effectiveness of programmable toy robots modeling for teaching community living skills to adolescents with autism. They support the idea that robot-assisted intervention can combine social story with the modeling standard treatment to improve adaptive and social communication skills.</p>","PeriodicalId":47806,"journal":{"name":"Disability and Rehabilitation-Assistive Technology","volume":" ","pages":"2037-2055"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145087785","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Enhancing entrepreneurial skills of persons with disabilities (PWDs) through immersive learning in the metaverse: a design thinking approach.","authors":"Michael Agyemang Adarkwah, A Y M Atiquil Islam","doi":"10.1080/17483107.2025.2524609","DOIUrl":"10.1080/17483107.2025.2524609","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>The double threat of unequal job opportunities for persons with disabilities (PWDs) and the lack of professional training to use innovative technologies at work have led to multiple calls to promote inclusivity at work. PWDs are underrepresented in the workforce and often face discrimination by employers. One way PWDs have responded to their limited employment within organisations is by pursuing self-employment or business creation. Higher education institutions (HEIs) and technical and vocational education and training (TVET) institutions are expected to embrace new pedagogies facilitated by digital technologies to promote creativity in business among PWDs. While many studies have explored the potential of entrepreneurship education in equipping PWDs with the requisite skills and knowledge to become successful entrepreneurs, the aspect of technology has been largely overlooked. In this study, we employ a design thinking (DT) approach to propose a metaverse-based entrepreneurship education for disabilities (MEED) framework aimed at fostering inclusive innovation and entrepreneurship for vulnerable populations such as those with disabilities.<b>Results:</b> By leveraging metaverse technology based on the DT principle of empathy, entrepreneurship education for PWDs can be transformed to create lifelong learning opportunities. This approach enables seamless interactions and immersive learning experiences that support the educational needs of all learners.</p><p><strong>Implications: </strong>Different entrepreneurship learning opportunities and scenarios for different disabilities are presented. Future research areas and possible implications are also discussed.</p>","PeriodicalId":47806,"journal":{"name":"Disability and Rehabilitation-Assistive Technology","volume":" ","pages":"2103-2117"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144545493","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Exploring seamless home rehabilitation: a tool to enhance hand function through integration with ADL.","authors":"Sterre van Arum, Armağan Karahanoğlu, Kostas Nizamis, Juliet A M Haarman","doi":"10.1080/17483107.2025.2493223","DOIUrl":"10.1080/17483107.2025.2493223","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>Hand impairments greatly impact the execution of daily activities. Home rehabilitation is essential to improve functional tasks and prevent function decline, but also tends to be a lengthy process where patients lose motivation over time. In our approach, we want to bypass the need for intrinsic motivation and offer hand-function exercises that are seamlessly integrated into activities of daily living. We do this by integrating exercises with tools that are used during daily routines. In this paper, we present the design of an interactive toothbrush that integrates wrist exercises with the routine of brushing teeth: TumbleTooth.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>To assess how well the tool allows for seamless integration of the exercise and the daily activity, we performed usability tests, semi-structured interviews, and a dual task on cognitive workload. The evaluation involved two groups of ten healthy participants and two stroke survivors. For the healthy participants the tests were conducted in a lab setting, for the stroke survivors at their homes.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Both the quantitative and qualitative data suggest a high seamlessness indication of our rehabilitation tool. Users show minimal cognitive workload while using it and appreciate the ease of use of the system.</p><p><strong>Discussion and conclusion: </strong>Our work presents design features that must be considered when designing seamless home rehabilitation devices.</p>","PeriodicalId":47806,"journal":{"name":"Disability and Rehabilitation-Assistive Technology","volume":" ","pages":"2488-2499"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144004598","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Investigating the usability of mobile technology for driving rehabilitation post-stroke: a mixed-methods analysis.","authors":"Michael Cammarata, Ruheena Sangrar, Jocelyn E Harris, Ada Tang, Brenda Vrkljan","doi":"10.1080/17483107.2025.2498568","DOIUrl":"10.1080/17483107.2025.2498568","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Stroke can have significant effects on an individual's ability to drive and remains a leading cause of driving restrictions for medical reasons. Mobile applications show promise in addressing driving-related deficits. However, there is limited research on their use for driving rehabilitation. This study explored how community-dwelling individuals with stroke and their caregivers use and perceive a specific application, DriveFocus^®, for driving rehabilitation.<b>Methods:</b> A mixed-methods study with a triangulation design was conducted, tracking the use of DriveFocus^® by <i>n</i> = 11 participant dyads (individuals with stroke and their caregivers) over four weeks. Semi-structured interviews were conducted to provide insight into participants' perceptions of the application. Analysis of the results was guided by the Model of Acceptance of Mobile Technology by Older Adults (MAMTOA).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Distinct patterns of use corresponding to the phases of the MAMTOA were identified. Two participants (<i>n</i> = 2/11) stopped using DriveFocus^® after the second week, while the remaining nine (<i>n</i> = 9/11) continued throughout the study. Initial perceptions of the applications' usefulness and participants' experiences with learning barriers influenced acceptance. Having \"tech-savvy\" family members and engaging with gamification features were crucial for sustained use. Participants highlighted the importance of occupational therapists in connecting their DriveFocus^® experience to their driving goal.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>Understanding the factors that contribute to the use and acceptance of mobile applications for driving rehabilitation by individuals with stroke plays a critical role in advancing how technology is used to address impairments post-stroke. Future research should explore clinicians' perspectives on implementing such technology in clinical practice.</p>","PeriodicalId":47806,"journal":{"name":"Disability and Rehabilitation-Assistive Technology","volume":" ","pages":"2261-2277"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144031707","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Enhancing happiness and well-being: AI-driven solutions for accessible, inclusive travel experiences for people with disabilities.","authors":"Jorge Alberto Marino-Romero, Rafael Robina-Ramírez, Juan Antonio Pavón-Pérez, Aloysius Osb Roets","doi":"10.1080/17483107.2025.2488391","DOIUrl":"10.1080/17483107.2025.2488391","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>This study explores the relationship between happiness and well-being, with a particular focus on how Artificial Intelligence (AI) serves as a catalyst for enhancing the quality of life of individuals with disabilities. The research aims to analyze the impact of personal values, social interactions, and external conditions, including AI-driven assistive technologies, on subjective well-being.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>A quantitative approach was adopted, utilizing Smart-PLS to analyze the relationships between AI-based interventions, accessibility, and well-being. The study's sample consisted of 780 employees selected randomly from 50 disability centers across Spain. Data were collected through structured surveys measuring the impact of AI-powered assistive technologies-such as smart navigation systems, virtual assistants, and personalized travel recommendations-on accessibility, autonomy, and life satisfaction in tourism settings.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Findings indicate that AI-based tools in tourism, such as smart mobility solutions, AI-powered customer service, and adaptive travel planning systems, significantly enhance the well-being of individuals with disabilities. AI fosters greater independence, reduces travel-related stress, and strengthens social connections, making tourism more inclusive and enjoyable. While economic stability and health conditions remain important, AI-driven accessibility solutions and social engagement emerged as the strongest predictors of happiness among travelers with disabilities.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The study highlights the critical role of AI-driven assistive technologies in promoting accessible tourism, emphasizing their impact on autonomy, mental well-being, and social participation. The results suggest that investing in AI-based innovations can significantly improve travel experiences for people with disabilities, fostering greater happiness and well-being in the tourism sector. However, emotional satisfaction is lacking, such as social connection, freedom and cultural immersion, which limits its impact on happiness.</p>","PeriodicalId":47806,"journal":{"name":"Disability and Rehabilitation-Assistive Technology","volume":" ","pages":"2173-2184"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144051057","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}