Disability and Rehabilitation-Assistive Technology最新文献

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Wayfinding and navigation approaches supporting mobility for people who are blind or visually Impaired: a scoping review. 支持盲人或视障者行动的寻路和导航方法:范围审查。
IF 2.1 4区 医学
Disability and Rehabilitation-Assistive Technology Pub Date : 2026-10-01 Epub Date: 2026-06-15 DOI: 10.1080/17483107.2026.2685237
Yue Qin, Yutong Zhang, Nihal Desai, Hassan A Karimi, Kuo-Ting Huang, Na Du
{"title":"Wayfinding and navigation approaches supporting mobility for people who are blind or visually Impaired: a scoping review.","authors":"Yue Qin, Yutong Zhang, Nihal Desai, Hassan A Karimi, Kuo-Ting Huang, Na Du","doi":"10.1080/17483107.2026.2685237","DOIUrl":"10.1080/17483107.2026.2685237","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Purpose:</b> Independent mobility is crucial to the daily lives of the growing population of people who are blind or visually impaired (PBVI). Despite the rapid growth of research on assistive approaches for PBVI mobility, the limitations and challenges identified through empirical evaluations have not yet been sufficiently synthesised.</p><p><p><b>Materials and methods:</b> This paper presents a scoping review of 50 studies to examine how assistive approaches supporting PBVI wayfinding and navigation have been empirically evaluated and to conduct a thematic analysis of the limitations and challenges reported in prior work. For the purposes of this review, we use wayfinding and navigation as analytic labels: wayfinding refers primarily to activities related to route planning and environmental understanding, whereas navigation refers primarily to activities related to real-time movement during travel.</p><p><p><b>Results:</b> The review identified four recurring themes concerning the physical appearance of devices, the performance of hardware and software, the quality of interaction with users, and integration into daily life. More specifically, we summarised critical questions that highlight the aspects in which existing assistive approaches fall short compared to the expectations of users. Based on the identified themes and implications across the reviewed studies, we further developed a practical checklist of considerations to support future design and evaluation.</p><p><p><b>Conclusion:</b> Our findings reveal important gaps in current evaluation practices and unmet user needs, while also providing actionable guidance for the future design and assessment of assistive approaches for PBVI mobility. Implications for rehabilitationAssistive approaches for PBVI mobility should be selected, introduced, and evaluated according to whether they support route planning and environmental learning, real-time movement, or both.Rehabilitation practice should move beyond whether an assistive approach improves task performance and consider whether it can be learned, trusted, personalized, combined with existing mobility aids, and integrated into users' everyday travel routines.</p>","PeriodicalId":47806,"journal":{"name":"Disability and Rehabilitation-Assistive Technology","volume":" ","pages":"3511-3536"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2026-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148259889","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}
引用次数: 0
Selection trends of assistive technology devices by occupational therapists when supporting children with developmental disabilities in Japanese childcare settings. 职业治疗师在日本儿童保育环境中支持发育性残疾儿童时辅助技术设备的选择趋势。
IF 2.1 4区 医学
Disability and Rehabilitation-Assistive Technology Pub Date : 2026-10-01 Epub Date: 2026-05-31 DOI: 10.1080/17483107.2026.2680552
Yuka Hayashi, Ginga Sasaki
{"title":"Selection trends of assistive technology devices by occupational therapists when supporting children with developmental disabilities in Japanese childcare settings.","authors":"Yuka Hayashi, Ginga Sasaki","doi":"10.1080/17483107.2026.2680552","DOIUrl":"10.1080/17483107.2026.2680552","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>This study aimed to clarify the selection trends of ATDs by occupational therapists for children with developmental disabilities or developmental concerns in childcare facilities, based on the challenges of inclusive childcare in Japan. We explored variability in ATD selection across cases, the reasoning behind these selections, and alternative devices or strategies considered.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>An online questionnaire survey was conducted targeting occupational therapists in Japan. Descriptive statistics were used to calculate the selection frequency of ATDs for each case. Correspondence analysis and characteristic word extraction were used to analyse the reasons for ATD selection, and thematic analysis was used to categorise alternative devices and strategies.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Responses were received from 75 occupational therapists, with 72 valid responses. The results showed that ATD selection tended to be relatively consistent for some cases, while it was more varied for others. The reasons for selection were categorised into six categories. Regarding alternatives other than ATDs, various support methods were considered, including adjustments to the human environment and modifications of activities.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The results suggest that the variety of support methods available to occupational therapists may influence the variability in ATD selection. The selection of ATDs was based primarily on four factors: support for sensory characteristics, visual support, calming down, and physical function. The findings suggest that occupational therapists comprehensively consider a diverse range of support methods, including ATDs, to achieve inclusion.</p>","PeriodicalId":47806,"journal":{"name":"Disability and Rehabilitation-Assistive Technology","volume":" ","pages":"3901-3918"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2026-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148139361","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}
引用次数: 0
Feasibility and preliminary effects of a wearable technology-supported multicomponent intervention on self-efficacy and quality of life in family caregivers of people with dementia. 可穿戴技术支持的多组分干预对痴呆患者家庭照护者自我效能感和生活质量的可行性和初步效果
IF 2.1 4区 医学
Disability and Rehabilitation-Assistive Technology Pub Date : 2026-10-01 Epub Date: 2026-04-28 DOI: 10.1080/17483107.2026.2661311
Ecem Özgül, Burcu Akpınar Söylemez, Özlem Küçükgüçlü, Görsev Yener
{"title":"Feasibility and preliminary effects of a wearable technology-supported multicomponent intervention on self-efficacy and quality of life in family caregivers of people with dementia.","authors":"Ecem Özgül, Burcu Akpınar Söylemez, Özlem Küçükgüçlü, Görsev Yener","doi":"10.1080/17483107.2026.2661311","DOIUrl":"10.1080/17483107.2026.2661311","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of a wearable technology-supported multicomponent intervention among family caregivers of people with dementia (PwD), and to explore its preliminary effects on self-efficacy and quality of life (QOL). A single-blind randomised controlled trial was conducted. The sample comprised 44 caregivers. The intervention group received a wearable technology-supported multicomponent program while the control group received routine care. Feasibility indicators including recruitment, adherence, retention, and participant satisfaction were monitored throughout the study. Participants in the intervention group completed a questionnaire assessing their engagement with and satisfaction with smartwatch use. In addition, three data collection tools were used: the descriptive characteristics form, the Revised Scale for Caregiving Self-Efficacy and the Short Form 36 QOL Scale. Data for feasibility outcomes were summarised descriptively, while self-efficacy and QOL outcomes were analysed using repeated measures ANOVA with effect sizes calculated. In this pilot study, feasibility indicators were acceptable and suggested that the intervention could be implemented among dementia caregivers. Exploratory analyses of self-efficacy and QOL revealed no statistically significant differences. Over time, the intervention group showed a trend towards an increase in overall self-efficacy, while the control group demonstrated a significant decline. The intervention appeared feasible and acceptable for caregivers of PwD, with high adherence and satisfaction. No statistically significant differences were observed in secondary outcomes, although caregiver self-efficacy showed a positive trend. These findings provide valuable guidance for designing future larger, longer-term, and more diverse trials to evaluate the effectiveness of wearable technology-supported interventions.</p>","PeriodicalId":47806,"journal":{"name":"Disability and Rehabilitation-Assistive Technology","volume":" ","pages":"3699-3711"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2026-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147785814","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}
引用次数: 0
Design and feasibility implementation of an interactive learning room for children with down syndrome to promote inclusive educational access in Indonesia. 为印度尼西亚唐氏综合症儿童设计并可行性实施互动式学习室,以促进全纳教育。
IF 2.1 4区 医学
Disability and Rehabilitation-Assistive Technology Pub Date : 2026-10-01 Epub Date: 2026-05-22 DOI: 10.1080/17483107.2026.2674282
Rinda Hedwig, Ade Septian Alfianto, Louis Putra Purnama, Ivan Tanra, Olifia Rombot, Jimmy Linggarjati, Savita Sondhi, Wibowo Kosasih, Evan Tanuwijaya, Kenneth Sutjiawan, Rudy Susanto, Marcel Saputra, Wishnoebroto Wishnoebroto
{"title":"Design and feasibility implementation of an interactive learning room for children with down syndrome to promote inclusive educational access in Indonesia.","authors":"Rinda Hedwig, Ade Septian Alfianto, Louis Putra Purnama, Ivan Tanra, Olifia Rombot, Jimmy Linggarjati, Savita Sondhi, Wibowo Kosasih, Evan Tanuwijaya, Kenneth Sutjiawan, Rudy Susanto, Marcel Saputra, Wishnoebroto Wishnoebroto","doi":"10.1080/17483107.2026.2674282","DOIUrl":"10.1080/17483107.2026.2674282","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>This study aims to design and evaluate the feasibility of an interactive multisensory learning room to support engagement and school readiness among children with Down syndrome (DS) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in Indonesia.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A qualitative observational design was employed involving 10 participants aged 3-15 years. The system integrates four interactive components: mimic stimulation, motor coordination, colour recognition, and auditory feedback. Participants engaged in supervised sessions lasting 30-45 minutes. Behavioural responses were assessed using a four-point Likert-type observational scale and supported by semi-structured interviews with parents, caregivers, therapists, and a primary school teacher. Since 2022, the system has been implemented twice weekly with rotating small groups, with additional observations conducted between January 2023 and June 2025.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Findings indicate that the motor coordination component significantly increased physical activity and engagement. The music and video components contributed to emotional comfort and improved willingness to participate. Sustained observations suggest consistent engagement patterns over time, supporting the system's usability and adaptability in real-world settings.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The study demonstrates the feasibility and sustainability of implementing an affordable multisensory learning environment in under-resourced contexts. The findings provide a foundation for future controlled and outcome-based studies and contribute to broader efforts toward inclusive education aligned with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 4, 9, 10, and 17.</p>","PeriodicalId":47806,"journal":{"name":"Disability and Rehabilitation-Assistive Technology","volume":" ","pages":"3795-3811"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2026-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148007113","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}
引用次数: 0
The challenges to accessing assistive technologies among donors, vendors and consumers of assistive technologies in tanzania. 坦桑尼亚辅助技术捐助者、供应商和消费者在获取辅助技术方面面临的挑战。
IF 2.1 4区 医学
Disability and Rehabilitation-Assistive Technology Pub Date : 2026-10-01 Epub Date: 2026-05-05 DOI: 10.1080/17483107.2026.2664017
Josephine C Ngonyani, Juliana Kamaghe
{"title":"The challenges to accessing assistive technologies among donors, vendors and consumers of assistive technologies in tanzania.","authors":"Josephine C Ngonyani, Juliana Kamaghe","doi":"10.1080/17483107.2026.2664017","DOIUrl":"10.1080/17483107.2026.2664017","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Purpose</b>: This study aimed to analyse the challenges of accessing assistive technology (AT) among donors, vendors, and consumers in Tanzania. <b>Materials and methods</b>: A Mixed study was conducted in Dar-es-Salaam with 207 respondents, including 200 consumers, five donors, and two vendors, selected purposively. Data collection methods included questionnaires, interviews, and observations. The data were analysed using Microsoft Forms and presented descriptively. <b>Results</b>: Findings revealed that AT is accessed through various channels such as word-of-mouth, social media, radio, television, brochures, and the internet. Some vendors brought products directly to consumers, while others relied on family members to assist with purchases. Despite these strategies, significant barriers exist. These include unreliable market information, price inflation due to middlemen, and issues with product obsolescence when items are not sold promptly. Advertising through media and hiring marketing teams were found to be costly and time-consuming. Additional challenges include the lack of accessible, centralised information, particularly on the locations of persons with disabilities (PWD) and the role of intermediary or \"bridge\" organisations that delay the process. These issues contribute to a mismatch between supply and demand: either high demand with limited supply or abundant supply with few consumers. <b>Conclusion</b>: The study concludes that existing methods for AT access lack reliable coordination among stakeholders. It further recommends establishing a centralised and coordinated system to improve access to accurate and timely information for all parties involved; donors, vendors, and consumers to ensure efficient and equitable distribution of AT in Tanzania.</p>","PeriodicalId":47806,"journal":{"name":"Disability and Rehabilitation-Assistive Technology","volume":" ","pages":"3602-3618"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2026-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147844165","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}
引用次数: 0
Caregiver perspectives on daily use of technology in young children with unilateral cerebral palsy in Spain: a qualitative study. 照护者对西班牙单侧脑瘫幼儿日常使用技术的看法:一项定性研究。
IF 2.1 4区 医学
Disability and Rehabilitation-Assistive Technology Pub Date : 2026-10-01 Epub Date: 2026-05-21 DOI: 10.1080/17483107.2026.2674316
Irene González-Eiroa, Verónica Robles-García, Juliet Goldbart, Rocío Palomo-Carrión, Carmen Lillo-Navarro
{"title":"Caregiver perspectives on daily use of technology in young children with unilateral cerebral palsy in Spain: a qualitative study.","authors":"Irene González-Eiroa, Verónica Robles-García, Juliet Goldbart, Rocío Palomo-Carrión, Carmen Lillo-Navarro","doi":"10.1080/17483107.2026.2674316","DOIUrl":"10.1080/17483107.2026.2674316","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>To explore usage of available technology in daily life by children with unilateral cerebral palsy (UCP) and to examine the experiences and perspectives of their families.</p><p><strong>Material and methods: </strong>Fifteen caregivers of children with UCP aged 3-7 years participated in online semi-structured interviews. Interviews consisted of open-ended questions related to usage of technology, participation of the affected upper limb (UL) when using it and parents' perceptions when being used at home. The interviews were video-recorded and transcribed verbatim. For each interview, framework analysis was conducted by three independent coders.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The following thematic categories were extracted: (1) \"daily use of technology\", describing the kind of technology used, amount and purposes; (2) \"attitudes related to technology\" explaining children's attitudes, related to joy, and parents' attitudes, being positive when helping with the rehabilitation process, but against it for recreational purposes; (3) \"benefits to the UL using technology\", highlighting the role of technology as an element to increase spontaneous use; (4) \"barriers and limitations for technological use\", describing the barriers experienced by children with UCP in using technology.</p><p><strong>Interpretation: </strong>This qualitative study provides information about how technology is used by children with UCP and how their parents perceive that technology can help to increase spontaneous use of the affected UL. Findings highlight the role of technology as a motivational element that would allow families and professionals to encourage spontaneous use.</p>","PeriodicalId":47806,"journal":{"name":"Disability and Rehabilitation-Assistive Technology","volume":" ","pages":"3825-3838"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2026-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147989545","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}
引用次数: 0
Designing an accessible home-based muscle strengthening program for blind and low-vision adults. 为盲人和低视力的成年人设计一个方便的家庭肌肉强化计划。
IF 2.1 4区 医学
Disability and Rehabilitation-Assistive Technology Pub Date : 2026-10-01 Epub Date: 2026-05-31 DOI: 10.1080/17483107.2026.2680547
Soyoung Choi, JooYoung Seo, Ashwath Krishnan, Hyun Seo Ko
{"title":"Designing an accessible home-based muscle strengthening program for blind and low-vision adults.","authors":"Soyoung Choi, JooYoung Seo, Ashwath Krishnan, Hyun Seo Ko","doi":"10.1080/17483107.2026.2680547","DOIUrl":"10.1080/17483107.2026.2680547","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Blind and low-vision (BLV) individuals are prone to physical inactivity and sedentary behaviour, largely due to limited access to exercise opportunities in rehabilitation and community settings. However, despite these challenges, muscle strengthening intervention offers substantial health benefits for this population, including improved balance, reduced fall risk, and greater independence in daily living.</p><p><strong>Purpose: </strong>This study aimed to develop and preliminarily validate accessible instructional content for muscle strengthening exercises adapted to BLV individuals and to implement a web-based, voice command-controlled audio delivery system to support home-based exercise participation.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Our study process involved three key steps: 1) development of instructional scripts by exercise specialists, who selected and described muscle strengthening exercises appropriate for BLV individuals; 2) evaluation and refinement of these scripts based on feedback from 277 BLV adults, who assessed whether they could understand and follow the exercises using the instructional scripts alone <i>via</i> an online survey; and 3) development of a web-based, voice command-controlled audio player that delivers the instructions as audio guidance for BLV users.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Scripts for 25 muscle strengthening exercises demonstrated acceptable cognitive load and supported independent practice among BLV participants. Additionally, the developed audio player system was assessed by a blind software developer as having a high level of accessibility. However, further evaluation with BLV end users is required in future studies.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Our findings highlight the significance of systematically designed exercise instructions and accessible system interfaces in developing effective home-based exercise programs for the BLV population.</p>","PeriodicalId":47806,"journal":{"name":"Disability and Rehabilitation-Assistive Technology","volume":" ","pages":"3889-3900"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2026-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148139359","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}
引用次数: 0
Design and development of a dual-power stroke lever-propelled wheelchair in limited resource setting: a pilot user evaluation. 有限资源环境下双动力行程杠杆推动轮椅的设计与开发:试点用户评估。
IF 2.1 4区 医学
Disability and Rehabilitation-Assistive Technology Pub Date : 2026-10-01 Epub Date: 2026-07-03 DOI: 10.1080/17483107.2026.2693986
Antony Julius, Anjan Kumar Dash, Jenarthanan Mugundhu Poornachari
{"title":"Design and development of a dual-power stroke lever-propelled wheelchair in limited resource setting: a pilot user evaluation.","authors":"Antony Julius, Anjan Kumar Dash, Jenarthanan Mugundhu Poornachari","doi":"10.1080/17483107.2026.2693986","DOIUrl":"10.1080/17483107.2026.2693986","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Aim: </strong>This study presents the design and development of a lever-propelled wheelchair with a novel propulsion system aimed at reducing user effort and fatigue by improving propulsion efficiency and ergonomics. A cost-effective and user-friendly prototype was developed to benefit individuals with lower limb disabilities, particularly those in low-income settings.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A descriptive review of the literature and patents was conducted to identify the current advancements in wheelchair design and features. Essential features from the tricycle and lever-propelled wheelchairs are considered in the prototype design, in adherence to the WHO wheelchair standards. A CAD model was designed based on these standards and considering the low-cost manufacturing process to match the low-resource setting. The prototype was then fabricated using the standard manufacturing process.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Trials were conducted with 25 unimpaired participants following a brief familiarisation and training session. Participants performed repeated propulsion trials along a predefined outdoor course involving straight-line motion, turning, and braking. User feedback on ease of use, comfort, safety, and propulsion effectiveness was collected using the Quebec User Evaluation of Satisfaction with Assistive Technology (QUEST 2.0).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Based on the participants trials, received positive feedback, which provides preliminary support for the developed wheelchairs propulsion mechanism, stability, and overall build quality. The user provides feedback on ease of use because of the dual-power stroke mechanism, which reduces a significant amount of user effort in propelling the wheelchair, manufactured in limited-resource settings.</p>","PeriodicalId":47806,"journal":{"name":"Disability and Rehabilitation-Assistive Technology","volume":" ","pages":"3919-3933"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2026-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148377424","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}
引用次数: 0
Assistive technology: simulation-based evaluation of a smart portable toilet to enhance personal control among individuals with autism and disabilities. 辅助技术:基于模拟的智能移动厕所评估,以增强自闭症和残疾人士的个人控制。
IF 2.1 4区 医学
Disability and Rehabilitation-Assistive Technology Pub Date : 2026-10-01 Epub Date: 2026-06-17 DOI: 10.1080/17483107.2026.2689531
Budor H Saigh
{"title":"Assistive technology: simulation-based evaluation of a smart portable toilet to enhance personal control among individuals with autism and disabilities.","authors":"Budor H Saigh","doi":"10.1080/17483107.2026.2689531","DOIUrl":"10.1080/17483107.2026.2689531","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Toileting is a fundamental activity of daily living that presents significant challenges in bed-based care, particularly for individuals with mobility limitations and neurodevelopmental or intellectual disabilities. Despite its importance, assistive toileting has received limited attention at early design and feasibility stages.</p><p><p>This study evaluates the technical feasibility of a bed-deployable, plumbing-independent automated toileting concept using simulation-based methods and structured expert appraisal. A mixed-methods approach was employed, including computer-aided design (CAD), quasistatic finite element analysis (FEA), controller timing simulations, and qualitative flow coverage assessments. An interdisciplinary expert panel (n = 15) provided structured feedback on system architecture and technical plausibility.</p><p><p>Simulation results indicate that the proposed system architecture can execute the intended operational sequence and integrate key subsystems within a controlled virtual environment. Expert feedback identified design considerations and areas requiring further investigation but does not represent real-world performance or validated outcomes.</p><p><p>This study is positioned as a preliminary feasibility investigation and provides a structured, standards-aware framework for early-stage evaluation of assistive toileting systems. Findings are based on simulation and expert perception and do not reflect clinical effectiveness or user outcomes. Future work should include physical prototyping, standardized bench testing, and empirical validation with end users to assess safety, usability, and real-world performance.</p>","PeriodicalId":47806,"journal":{"name":"Disability and Rehabilitation-Assistive Technology","volume":" ","pages":"4027-4039"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2026-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148273408","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}
引用次数: 0
Preventing seat belt unbuckling in an individual with autism and ADHD: a case study. 防止自闭症和多动症患者解开安全带:一个案例研究。
IF 2.1 4区 医学
Disability and Rehabilitation-Assistive Technology Pub Date : 2026-10-01 Epub Date: 2026-08-12 DOI: 10.1080/17483107.2026.2714645
Aman Agrawal, Hana Shah, Marc Arel, Michael DeDonno
{"title":"Preventing seat belt unbuckling in an individual with autism and ADHD: a case study.","authors":"Aman Agrawal, Hana Shah, Marc Arel, Michael DeDonno","doi":"10.1080/17483107.2026.2714645","DOIUrl":"10.1080/17483107.2026.2714645","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Vehicular accidents are a leading cause of mortality among adolescents and young adults. The American Academy of Paediatrics (AAP) advocates for seatbelt use to reduce injuries and fatalities. Individuals with special needs, including attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and developmental disabilities, present unique transportation safety challenges like frequent unbuckling. Despite increasing availability and use of aftermarket products designed to prevent unbuckling, their real-world effectiveness remains understudied.</p><p><strong>Purpose: </strong>This proof-of-concept single-case observational study describes the use of a customizable, malleable seatbelt cover in a 19-year-old female with ADHD and ASD who faced challenges with safe vehicular transport.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Data were collected in April 2025 across three conditions, where the subject was secured in the backseat with a seatbelt. She either: (i) rode with the parent driver (control), (ii) rode alongside a 1:1 behaviour therapist with the parent driver, or (iii) rode with the parent driver andseatbelt cover in place. Primary outcomes measured included unbuckling frequency over the approximately 25-minute car ride. In total, 8 rides occurred per condition.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Results revealed elimination of unbuckling events while the modifiable seatbelt cover was in place. The control condition yielded frequent unbuckling (mean: 5 events per ride), while the presence of a 1:1 therapist reduced these behaviors (mean: 0.75 events per ride). These exploratory findings show that utilizing the seatbelt cover and behavioral strategies together may reduce harmful unbuckling behaviours in individuals with ASD.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Further research assessing the generalizability of these interventions and risks/benefits of such aftermarket products is needed to prevent injury and death.</p>","PeriodicalId":47806,"journal":{"name":"Disability and Rehabilitation-Assistive Technology","volume":" ","pages":"4062-4070"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2026-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148722264","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}
引用次数: 0
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