Time for a Change

2022 ◽  
pp. 243-263
Author(s):  
Rotem Israel Fishelson

In recent years, the use of smartphones by people with intellectual disabilities (ID) has increased, leading to the development of applications designed to ease and improve their lives and independence, and help them integrate into society. Designing applications tailored to the needs of these users is complex, particularly in terms of accessibility and usability. This chapter presents a case study of the design and development process of a dedicated application aimed at helping people with mild ID in handling cash transactions. The chapter explores the design principles of mobile interfaces for people with ID. It introduces the use of the design thinking methodology, which focuses on user-centered design and helps gain an in-depth knowledge of the end users and their needs. Based on the performed user research, recommendations for the design of such applications are highlighted.

Author(s):  
Rotem Israel Fishelson

In recent years, the use of smartphones by people with intellectual disabilities (ID) has increased, leading to the development of applications designed to ease and improve their lives and independence, and help them integrate into society. Designing applications tailored to the needs of these users is complex, particularly in terms of accessibility and usability. This chapter presents a case study of the design and development process of a dedicated application aimed at helping people with mild ID in handling cash transactions. The chapter explores the design principles of mobile interfaces for people with ID. It introduces the use of the design thinking methodology, which focuses on user-centered design and helps gain an in-depth knowledge of the end users and their needs. Based on the performed user research, recommendations for the design of such applications are highlighted.


2012 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
pp. 37-49 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stuart Wark

This article uses a descriptive case study design to examine the potential of narrative therapy as a direct intervention for adults with moderate-to-severe intellectual disabilities, autism and/or severe communication limitations. Archival clinical data on four individuals who received a form of social constructionist narrative therapy are examined for goal attainment. The data were analysed qualitatively with specific input from individuals, their families and carers. Findings indicate improvements in quality of life through reductions in situational and environmental anxieties, and in coping with grief and loss. The results suggest that narrative therapy techniques can be beneficial in assisting individuals with severe intellectual disability to achieve meaningful and persistent improvements in their life.


2020 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Shuqian Lyu

 This investigation aims to shine a light on the employment problem of people with intellectual disabilities, starting from a special perspective. This study focuses on a unique place, the Dream Café that gives jobs to teens with intellectual disabilities, including Down Syndrome and Autism. My approach to is to reveal this topic through the personal story of Hao, the main character featured in my documentary short. Both this paper and that documentary began as a Video Journalism project. The video was produced in stages – from raw concept, development and planning in the pre-production” stage, to shooting footage and recording interviews during “production”, and the scripting and video editing phase known as “post-production”.


2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Virginia Barba-Sánchez ◽  
Yolanda Salinero ◽  
Pedro Jiménez-Estevez ◽  
Esteban Galindo

In an environment characterized by high unemployment rates among people with disabilities, the objective of the present work is to analyze entrepreneurship as a labor option which fully inserts people with intellectual disabilities (PwID) into their societies. In order to carry out this research, a case study methodology based on social network analysis has been adopted, given the nature of the variables analyzed. The results indicate that the fact of having managed to start up the company has been an important source of self-confidence and inspiration, as well as increasing and intensifying the social networks of PwID involved in the entrepreneurial project.


2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexandra Terrill ◽  
Justin J. MacKenzie ◽  
Maija Reblin ◽  
Jackie Tyne Einers ◽  
Jesse Ferraro ◽  
...  

BACKGROUND Individuals with disability and their partners, who often provide care, are both at risk for depression and lower quality of life. Mobile health (mHealth) interventions are promising to address barriers for mental health care. Rehabilitation researchers and software development researchers must collaborate effectively with each other, and with clinical and patient stakeholders to ensure successful mHealth development. OBJECTIVE To aid researchers interested in mHealth software development by describing the collaborative process between a team of rehabilitation researchers, software development researchers, and stakeholders. Thus, we provide a framework (conceptual model) for other teams to replicate in order to build a web-based mHealth app for individuals with physical disability. METHODS Rehabilitation researchers, software development researchers, and stakeholders (people with physical disabilities and clinicians) are involved in an iterative software development process. The overall process to develop an mHealth intervention includes initial development meetings and a co-design method called “designbox”, in which the needs and key elements of the app are discussed. Based on the objectives outlined, a prototype is developed and goes through scoping iterations with feedback from stakeholders and end-users. The prototype is then tested by users to identify technical errors and gather feedback on usability and accessibility. RESULTS Illustrating the overall development process, we present a case study based on our experience developing an app (SupportGroove) for couples coping with spinal cord injury. Examples of how we addressed specific challenges are also included. For example, feedback from stakeholders resulted in development of app features for individuals with limited functional ability. Initial designs lacked accessibility design principles made visible by end-users. Solutions included large text, single-click, and minimal scrolling to facilitate menu navigation for individuals using eye-gaze technology. Prototype testing allowed further refinement and demonstrated high usability and engagement with activities in the app. Qualitative feedback indicated high levels of satisfaction, accessibility, and confidence in potential utility. We also present key lessons learned about working in a collaborative interdisciplinary team. CONCLUSIONS mHealth promises to help overcome barriers to mental health intervention access. However, the development of these interventions can be challenging because of the disparate and often siloed expertise required. By describing the mHealth software development process and illustrating it with a successful case study of rehabilitation researchers, software development researchers, and stakeholders collaborating effectively, our goal is to help other teams avoid challenges we faced and benefit from our lessons learned. Ultimately, good interdisciplinary collaboration will benefit individuals with disabilities and their families. CLINICALTRIAL n/a


2017 ◽  
Vol 21 (3) ◽  
pp. 203-219 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stian H Thoresen ◽  
Angela Fielding ◽  
Sue Gillieatt ◽  
Barbara Blundell ◽  
Liem Nguyen

Lao People’s Democratic Republic (PDR) has experienced significant economic growth in the last two decades. While access to education, health, and employment for people with disabilities has also improved markedly, people with intellectual disabilities are still among the most vulnerable in society. This article presents findings from a screening survey of 2469 participants, a focus group discussion with key stakeholders in intellectual disabilities, and a case study of the Association for Autism. The screening survey suggests 1.9% of working age participants (18–59) and 0.7% of children (6–17) have intellectual disabilities. The qualitative data illustrate poor understanding and stigmatization of people with intellectual disabilities, lack of services, and development of a parent association to improve the life prospects for children with autism and intellectual disabilities. People with intellectual disabilities in Lao PDR remain particularly vulnerable. Parents and other disability advocates are raising awareness and demonstrating the effectiveness of specialized services.


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