scholarly journals Toward a Competency-based Approach to Co-designing Technologies with People with Intellectual Disability

2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (2) ◽  
pp. 1-33
Author(s):  
Andrew A. Bayor ◽  
Margot Brereton ◽  
Laurianne Sitbon ◽  
Bernd Ploderer ◽  
Filip Bircanin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Intellectual Disability ◽  
Web Application ◽  
Life Skills ◽  
People With Disabilities ◽  
Assistive Technologies ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Practical Skills ◽  
Competency Based

Ability-based design is a useful framework that centralizes the abilities (all that users can do) of people with disabilities in approaching the design of assistive technologies. However, although this framework aspires to support designing with people with all kinds of disabilities, it is mainly effective in supporting those whose abilities can be clearly defined and measured, in particular, physical and sensory attributes of ability. As a result, the ability-based design framework only provides limited guidance to design with users with intellectual disability, whose cognitive, physical, sensory, and practical abilities vary along a spectrum. In this article, we reflect on a long-term co-design study where we leveraged what we termed “competencies,” i.e., the representative practical skills people develop from their participation in life activities, in particular, mainstream technologies, such as social media and the Internet. Our reflection is based on our experience in designing SkillsTube, a web application we co-designed with young adults with intellectual disability to support them to learn life skills through videos. The app's design, which explored and leveraged their social media participation competencies, supported the fundamental participation of all participants and their peers. Their familiarity with the app's social media-inspired design features fostered confidence in their participation, usability, and engagement. Drawing on the findings and design process of the app, we discuss a Competency-based approach to designing with people with disabilities that extends upon ability-based design, by grounding it in user competencies.

The Internet of Things and Assistive Technologies for People with Disabilities

2017 ◽  
pp. 32-65
Author(s):  
Hwa Lee
Keyword(s):  
Internet Of Things ◽  
People With Disabilities ◽  
Building Blocks ◽  
Assistive Technologies ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Information Communication ◽  
Iot Applications ◽  
Recent Emergence ◽  
Recent Trends ◽  
The Internet Of Things

With the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the past two decades have seen a proliferation of Assistive Technology (AT) and its enabling impact on the lives of people with disabilities in the areas of accessing information, communication, and daily living activities. Due to recent emergence of the Internet of Things (IoT), the fields of rehabilitation, healthcare, and education are challenged to incorporate the IoT applications into current AT services. While IoT applications continue to be developed and integrated into AT, they are still at a primitive stage where clear guidelines are yet to be developed and benefits are yet to be substantiated to ensure the quality of lives of people with disabilities. This chapter provides an overview of the IoT and AT integrated applications based on the building blocks of the IoT, along with recent trends and issues relevant to accessing technology for people with disabilities.

Social Media, Surgeons, and the Internet: An Era or an Error?

2012 ◽  
Vol 78 (5) ◽  
pp. 555-558 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michelle C. Azu ◽  
Elizabeth J. Lilley ◽  
Aparna H. Kolli
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Social Networking ◽  
Care Setting ◽  
Primary Care Setting ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Research Corporation ◽  
Physician Rating ◽  
Access Information ◽  
The Impact

According to the National Research Corporation, 1 in 5 Americans use social media sites to obtain healthcare information. Patients can easily access information on medical conditions and medical professionals; however physicians may not be aware of the nature and impact of this information. All physicians must learn to use the Internet to their advantage and be acutely aware of the disadvantages. Surgeons are in a unique position because, unlike in the primary care setting, less time is spent developing a long-term relationship with the patient. In this literature review, we discuss the impact of the Internet, social networking websites, and physician rating websites and make recommendations for surgeons about managing digital identity and maintaining professionalism.

scholarly journals A Computer Mouse Using Blowing Sensors Intended for People with Disabilities

Sensors ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (21) ◽  
pp. 4638
Author(s):  
Hsin-Chuan Chen ◽  
Chiou-Jye Huang ◽  
Wei-Ru Tsai ◽  
Che-Lin Hsieh
Keyword(s):  
Pulse Width ◽  
Control Method ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Life Quality ◽  
People With Disabilities ◽  
Assistive Technologies ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Identification Rate ◽  
Computer Mouse

The computer is an important medium that allows people to connect to the internet. However, people with disabilities are unable to use a computer mouse and thus cannot enjoy internet benefits. Nowadays, there are various types of assistive technologies for controlling a computer mouse, but they all have some operational inconveniences. In this paper, we propose an innovative blowing-controlled mouse assistive tool to replace the conventional hand-controlled mouse. Its main contribution is that it uses microphones to induce small signals through the principle of airflow vibration, and it then converts the received signal into the corresponding pulse width. The co-design of software programming enables various mouse functions to be implemented by the identification of the blowing pulse width of multiple microphones. The proposed tool is evaluated experimentally, and the experimental results show that the average identification rate of the proposed mouse is over 85%. Additionally, compared with the other mouse assistive tools, the proposed mouse has the benefits of low cost and humanized operation. Therefore, the proposed blowing control method can not only improve the life quality of people with disabilities but also overcome the disadvantages of existing assistive tools.

scholarly journals Possibilities of using ICT for increase of customer feeling of exceptionality

2011 ◽  
Vol 59 (2) ◽  
pp. 365-370
Author(s):  
Pavel Turčínek ◽  
Arnošt Motyčka
Keyword(s):  
Web Application ◽  
Web Applications ◽  
Product Line ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Online Information ◽  
Aggregated Data ◽  
Marketing Activities ◽  
Interaction Web

Accession of the Internet undoubtedly has contributed to the shift of marketing activities. With the increasing availability and wealth of online information customers become more knowledgeable and sophisticated. If a company wants to keep its customers in long term, it must offer something more than an “ordinary” product, which has comparable substitutes in tens of other companies.At first it is necessary to identify customers behavior and thinking. Observation of his/her preferences of a demanded product line discovers products playing the key role from his/her point of view. We use methodical tools for this purpose e.g. CRM systems, Business Intelligence etc. Over gained metrics from data in data warehouses (observation subsystem) we make evaluations according to various criteria (subsystem of evaluation). In this report we methodically open up not just e.g. data mining technologies, but also based on aggregated data we infer e.g. consumer’s trends.The goal of the article is to point out suitable instruments which enable to create interaction with customers, where they’ll be able to participate in creation products of their own. The Internet seems as a perfect communication channel for this interaction. Web application will consist of solution of an observation subsystem as a database application and of evaluation subsystem as the application of a row of methods e.g. multicriteria evaluation. Web applications feedback effect leads into knowledge of selected customer’s characteristics, which enables to offer him/her among others a special line of standard products.By creating a disposable web application it’s possible e.g. to offer customers absolutely common products with different visual angle. Thanks to gained information and knowledge we divide customers into groups and then target on them specifically.

scholarly journals A Flexible 12-Lead/Holter Device with Compression Capabilities for Low-Bandwidth Mobile-ECG Telemedicine Applications

Sensors ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 18 (11) ◽  
pp. 3773 ◽  
Author(s):  
Flavio Pineda-López ◽  
Andrés Martínez-Fernández ◽  
José Rojo-Álvarez ◽  
Arcadi García-Alberola ◽  
Manuel Blanco-Velasco
Keyword(s):  
Rural Areas ◽  
Web Application ◽  
Holter Monitoring ◽  
Low Noise ◽  
Mobile Systems ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Instrumentation Amplifier ◽  
Processing Unit ◽  
Signal Compression

In recent years, a number of proposals for electrocardiogram (ECG) monitoring based on mobile systems have been delivered. We propose here an STM32F-microcontroller-based ECG mobile system providing both long-term (several weeks) Holter monitoring and 12-lead ECG recording, according to the clinical standard requirements for these kinds of recordings, which in addition can yield further digital compression at stages close to the acquisition. The system can be especially useful in rural areas of developing countries, where the lack of specialized medical personnel justifies the introduction of telecardiology services, and the limitations of coverage and bandwidth of cellular networks require the use of efficient signal compression systems. The prototype was implemented using a small architecture, with a 16-bits-per-sample resolution. We also used a low-noise instrumentation amplifier TI ADS1198, which has a multiplexer and an analog-to-digital converter (16 bits and 8 channels) connected to the STM32F processor, the architecture of which incorporates a digital signal processing unit and a floating-point unit. On the one hand, the system portability allows the user to take the prototype in her/his pocket and to perform an ECG examination, either in 12-lead controlled conditions or in Holter monitoring, according to the required clinical scenario. An app in the smartphone is responsible for giving the users a friendly interface to set up the system. On the other hand, electronic health recording of the patients are registered in a web application, which in turn allows them to connect to the Internet from their cellphones, and the ECG signals are then sent though a web server for subsequent and ubiquitous analysis by doctors at any convenient terminal device. In order to determine the quality of the received signals, system testing was performed in the three following scenarios: (1) The prototype was connected to the patient and the signals were subsequently stored; (2) the prototype was connected to the patient and the data were subsequently transferred to the cellphone; (3) the prototype was connected to the patient, and the data were transferred to the cellphone and to the web via the Internet. An additional benchmarking test with expert clinicians showed the clinical quality provided by the system. The proposed ECG system is the first step and paves the way toward mobile cardiac monitors in terms of compatibility with the electrocardiographic practice, including the long-term monitoring, the usability with 12 leads, and the possibility of incorporating signal compression at the early stages of the ECG acquisition.

PROBLEMS OF INVOLVEMENT OF DISABLED PERSONS IN E. GOVERNMENT / DALYVAVIMO ELEKTRONINĖJE VALDŽIOJE PROBLEMOS

2008 ◽  
Vol 14 (2) ◽  
pp. 184-196 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eglė Kažemikaitienė ◽  
Tatjana Bilevičienė
Keyword(s):  
European Union ◽  
Sustainable Development ◽  
Information Society ◽  
New Technologies ◽  
People With Disabilities ◽  
Disabled Persons ◽  
Online Discussions ◽  
The Internet ◽  
The European Union

The European Union Sustainable Development Strategy stated that sustainable development was a long‐term European Union's strategy safeguarding clean and healthy environment and better quality of life for the present and future generations. People with disabilities are perhaps the single segment of society with the most to gain from the new technologies of the electronic age. Yet they are among the lowest rates of use of these technologies. As a result, the potential benefits of computers and the Internet to the disability community are a long way from being realized. Computer technology and the Internet have a tremendous potential to broaden the lives and increase the independence of people with disabilities. Those who have difficulty leaving their homes can now log in and order groceries, shop for appliances, research health questions, participate in online discussions, catch up with friends, or make new ones. Development of information society is one of main three Lithuanian state priorities stated in State long‐term strategy. It fits aims of the European Union. Lithuanian information society development's aims are coordinated with norms of Lisbon strategy and initiative “e‐Europe – information society for all”. It is quite important that disabled persons could use IT opportunities. Research presents analysis of the main state Internet sites with purpose to establish how these sites are fitted to demands of disabled persons. Santrauka Europos Sąjungos darnaus vystymosi strategijos pagrindą sudaro aplinkosauga, ekonominis ir socialinis vystymasis, siekiant sukurti sveiką aplinką ir geresnę gyvenimo kokybę dabartinėms ir ateinančioms kartoms. Pereinant prie informacinės visuomenės, gausi informacia tampa prieinama naujais, įvairiais formatais ir gali būti pateiktas nepriklausomai nuo vietos ir laiko bei pritaikoma pagal atskirų asmenų poreikius ir reikalavimus. Informacinės visuomenės kūrimas yra pirmasis iš trijų Lietuvos valstybės prioritetų, įtvirtintų Valstybės ilgalaikės raidos strategijoje, tai atitinka Europos Sąjungos siekius. Lietuvos informacinės visuomenės plėtros tikslai yra suderinti su Lisabonos strategija bei iniciatyvos „e-Europe – informacinė visuomenė visiems“ nuostatomis bei reikalavimais. Tobulinant e. valdžią, svarbu skatinti paslaugų teikimą elektroniniais būdais, užtikrinti gyventojams galimybę naudotis šiomis paslaugomis. Sprendžiant šį uždavinį, svarbu užtikrinti prieigą prie šiuolaikinių technologijų visiems norintiesiems. Lygių galimybių principo įgyvendinimas socialinės atskirties gyventojų grupėms turi užtikrinti galimybę rinktis ir paveikti svarbiausius gyvenimo sprendimus. Žmonės, kurie negali naudotis informacinėmis technologijomis, praranda galimybę gauti tam tikrą informaciją ir viešąsias paslaugas. Neįgalusis dėl nepritaikytos fizinės aplinkos dažnai neturi galimybių pasinaudoti sveikajai visuomenės daliai prieinama informacija ir pasiekti informacijos šaltinį. Viena iš svarbių prielaidų neįgaliųjų atskirčiai mažinti yra interneto informacinės aplinkos pritaikymas žmonėms, turintiems negalią. Straipsnyje pateikiama svarbiausių Lietuvos valstybinio valdymo institucijų interneto svetainių analizė siekiant nustatyti, kaipšios svetainės yra pritaikytos neįgaliesiems.

Getting acquainted with social networks and apps: Social Media in 2017

2017 ◽  
Vol 34 (10) ◽  
pp. 1-6
Author(s):  
Katie Elson Anderson
Keyword(s):  
Social Networks ◽  
Social Media ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Assistive Technologies ◽  
High Tech ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Persons With Disabilities ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Past ◽  
Current Trends

Purpose This paper aims to review the literature on assistive technologies used in libraries and in schools, as portrayed on blogs, wikis and the internet, in the past year to highlight new trends. Design/methodology/approach Reports from blogs, internet sources and databases in the past year on the topic were read dealing with practical examples of assistive technologies in libraries and the education sector. Findings Assistive technologies are used to aid persons with disabilities, to make them more productive. The technologies can be low- or high-tech, depending on use and information available on new improvements and augmentative technologies being used. Originality/value This paper presents an overview of the past year and the current trends in the use of assistive technologies in libraries and schools worldwide.

scholarly journals Challenges facing online research: Experiences from research concerning cyber-victimisation of people with disabilities

2017 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhraa A. Alhaboby ◽  
James Barnes ◽  
Hala Evans ◽  
Emma Short
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Social Identity ◽  
Support Groups ◽  
Chronic Conditions ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
People With Disabilities ◽  
Future Research ◽  
The Internet ◽  
The Impact

The victimisation of people living with disabilities and chronic conditions is a documented phenomenon. It ranges from harassment incidents to disability hate crimes, and causes physical, mental and psychosocial consequences. The Internet has further reshaped this phenomenon which lead to “cyber-victimisation” experiences, with no less impact upon victims. This methodology paper focuses mainly on the challenges and implications of using online methods in a UK-based study exploring the impact of cyber-victimisation on people coping with disabilities and chronic conditions. Mixed-method design was adopted via an online-survey followed by in-depth interviewing of victims. Online recruitment was through victim-support groups, patient-support groups, and social media. Out of 80 organisations and charities approached, 51(63.8%) gatekeepers helped to reach participants. Recruitment and data collection process was challenged by four overarching themes: 1) social identity in online support groups, 2) the role of online gatekeepers, 3) the contradictory role of social media, and 4) promoting inclusivity. These challenges were theorised from the perspective of the Social Identity Theory. Representing self as a victim and/or a disabled-person had its implications on virtual groups’ membership, social media use, gatekeepers’ decisions and subsequent participation. Some identity aspects were highlighted as positive points to improve engagement with research. In conclusion, the Internet has aggravated the vulnerability of people with disabilities, but it also has a huge potential in researching sensitive topics with this group. Future research in the cyberspace should acknowledge the challenges of online identities of disabled victimised people, and focus on positive identity aspects to facilitate the research process and encourage collaborative participation at early stages of research.

scholarly journals How Did Reciprocity Evolve in Online Communication? Turnout of Reciprocal Altruism

2020 ◽  
Vol 16 (2) ◽  
pp. 103-113
Author(s):  
Cyntia Valociková ◽  
Jolán Velencei
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
International Research ◽  
Online Communication ◽  
Reciprocal Altruism ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Personal Resources ◽  
Research Project ◽  
Different Types ◽  
Large Investment

Why do we help strangers on the Internet? Sharing our experience, knowledge, or information does not involve a large investment of energy, yet users often expect to be rewarded for sharing their personal resources. Economics and other disciplines call this type of exchange reciprocal altruism. The present research introduces different types of altruism and then deals with reciprocal altruism. It describes how this form of selflessness can appear in social media. The aim of the research is to create an overview of Hungarian and international research, which is the first step of a long-term, comprehensive research project.

The Internet of Things and Assistive Technologies for People with Disabilities

2017 ◽  
pp. 161-187 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hwa Lee
Keyword(s):  
Internet Of Things ◽  
People With Disabilities ◽  
Building Blocks ◽  
Assistive Technologies ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Information Communication ◽  
Iot Applications ◽  
Recent Emergence ◽  
Recent Trends ◽  
The Internet Of Things

With the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the past two decades have seen a proliferation of Assistive Technology (AT) and its enabling impact on the lives of people with disabilities in the areas of accessing information, communication, and daily living activities. Due to recent emergence of the Internet of Things (IoT), the fields of rehabilitation, healthcare, and education are challenged to incorporate the IoT applications into current AT services. While IoT applications continue to be developed and integrated into AT, they are still at a primitive stage where clear guidelines are yet to be developed and benefits are yet to be substantiated to ensure the quality of lives of people with disabilities. This chapter provides an overview of the IoT and AT integrated applications based on the building blocks of the IoT, along with recent trends and issues relevant to accessing technology for people with disabilities.

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