Technology and Disability - Volume 34, issue 2

Authors: Maran, Patricia Laura | Daniëls, Ramon | Slegers, Karin

Article Type: Review Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: New technologies have made rapid advances in the field of assistive technologies (AT), with Extended Reality (XR) offering promising results in supporting people with mild intellectual disabilities (ID). Yet, the design and goals of programs for people with mild ID may differ from those for people with moderate and severe ID. It remains unclear how XR technologies are used for people with moderate to severe ID. OBJECTIVE: The study we present in this paper aimed to explore what is known from the existing scientific literature about XR-based interventions for supporting people with moderate to severe …intellectual disabilities, including the features of XR content and technology that is used and factors that may impact implementation. METHODS: We conducted a scoping review, searching Cinahl, PubMed, LibSearch, and Google Scholar based on inclusion and exclusion criteria ensuring the focus on XR and moderate to severe ID. We adopted a qualitative content analysis approach to review the papers resulting from the search. RESULTS: In total, we included 16 papers in the review. Most of these focused on XR-based interventions to improve specific skills, such as navigation and daily living skills, in order to increase autonomy and independence. We found a large variety in the content and technology used in these interventions as well as in factors that the authors found to affect the implementation. These factors concern characteristics of users, of caregivers or facilitators, and of the XR environments and systems. The majority of the papers reported studies with small sample sizes, and lacked control groups and follow-up periods to measure long-term effects of XR. CONCLUSIONS: The use of XR for people with moderate to severe ID is an emerging field. Although many authors of the reviewed studies do acknowledge the potential of XR, further evidence is needed. Future research might explore the potential of XR as leisure activity, and might study in detail how features of the XR environment impact behaviour to inform professionals about how to approach their use of XR in order to meet the needs and preferences of people with moderate and severe ID. Show more

Keywords: Extended reality, virtual reality, augmented reality, mixed reality, intellectual disabilities, scoping review

DOI: 10.3233/TAD-210363

Citation: Technology and Disability, vol. 34, no. 2, pp. 53-67, 2022

Authors: Ahuja, Deepti | Sarkar, Aparna | Chandra, Sushil | Kumar, Prakash

Article Type: Review Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is characterized by difficulties in social communication, social interactions, and repetitive behaviors. The earlier the diagnosis, the sooner the intervention therapy can begin, thus, making early diagnosis an important research goal. Technological innovations have tremendous potential to assist with early diagnosis and improve intervention programs. There is a limited understanding of the Wearable Technologies (WTs) currently available for autistic individuals, and how they measure functioning in this population. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this review is to identify advancement in wearable technologies used to monitor behavioral and physiological responses in the intervention …of children with ASD. METHODS: A literature search was performed for English language articles and conference papers indexed in Science direct, PubMed, Web of science, Google scholar, ERIC, ProQuest and Cochrane in last five years (2017–2021), resulting in eighteen studies being reviewed. RESULTS: Wearable technology present a potential solution that can support and complement existing interventions. WTs measured a range of physiological and behavioural functions to objectively measure stereotypical motor movements, social function, communication, and emotion regulation in autistic youth in the context of a range of environments and activities. CONCLUSIONS: Advancement in technology that include behavioral and physiological response monitoring with wearable sensors provide the opportunity to acquire new understanding of the internal components of observable behavior of children with ASD. This could lead to better individualization of treatment and greater treatment effectiveness. Show more

Keywords: Autism Spectrum Disorder, physiological responses, autonomic responses, wearable technology, human activity monitoring, wearable sensors

DOI: 10.3233/TAD-210349

Citation: Technology and Disability, vol. 34, no. 2, pp. 69-84, 2022

Authors: Pawar, Bhavesh | Mungla, Mitesh

Article Type: Systematic Review

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The design, provision, and assessment of prosthetic arm technologies and related services are all dependent on an understanding of how prosthetic arms are used in everyday life. This research examines the scientific literature on prosthetic arm technologies and approaches that have been used to evaluate upper limb prosthetic arms in daily life use. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this review paper is to give an outline of current literature, which covers the selection, design, and choices of prosthetic arm technologies. METHODS: A structural search for the available technologies on the prosthetic arm was …carried out. A research database search was carried out in PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Crossref, Google Scholar, and questionnaires were evaluated based on available prosthetic arm technologies, material, methodology, comfortability. RESULTS: From the proposed review, it is concluded that not all prosthetic technologies suit the patients because of the difference in injuries. Every prosthetic arm technology has its advantages and limitations depending on end-user requirements and comfortability. Based on the available literature, it is observed that amputees have been given equal importance to comfortability along with functionality. Consequently, amputees may opt for a prosthetic arm technology that is easy to use and comfortable rather than an advanced technology-based prosthetic arm but less with comfortability. CONCLUSION: An attempt has been made for extensive reviews for the various types of prosthetic systems, materials, usability, methodologies, comfortability, etc. Comparative studies on various types of available prosthetic arm technologies have been also carried out with pros and cons. More specifically, the proposed paper provides a significant review of the upper limb prosthetic arm’s current developments and their impacts. Show more

Keywords: Prosthetic rehabilitation, electroencephalography, electromyography, brain-computer interface, prosthetic limb

DOI: 10.3233/TAD-210353

Citation: Technology and Disability, vol. 34, no. 2, pp. 85-99, 2022

Authors: Fernández Batanero, José María | Rueda Montenegro, Marta | Cerero Fernández, José | García Alonso, Santiago

Article Type: Systematic Review

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The presence of students with hearing impairment in the university context has increased in recent years. OBJETIVE: The aim of this study is to provide the academic community with an overview of research on ICT as a support for students with hearing impairment in higher education settings. METHOD: The data were obtained through a systematic literature review, covering the period from 2010 to 2020, in three leading scientific databases in the world of education (Web of Science, Scopus and ERIC). The sample consisted of 17 studies out of an initial 190. Through …a descriptive and quantitative methodology, the most significant bibliometric data are presented, and by means of bibliometric maps, a methodology based on co-word analysis, clustering techniques and visualisation techniques is applied in order to determine the fields of study and research. RESULTS: The findings show a lack of research that addresses the use of ICT for students with hearing impairment, as well as the effectiveness of these tools. CONCLUSIONS: It is necessary to approach research from a systemic and holistic perspective in order to improve the education of these students. Show more

Keywords: Hearing impairment, higher education, inclusive education, Information and Communications Technology

DOI: 10.3233/TAD-220372

Citation: Technology and Disability, vol. 34, no. 2, pp. 101-111, 2022

Authors: Judge, Simon | Hayton, Nicola

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Voice banking allows those living with Motor Neurone Disease (MND) to create a personalised synthetic voice. Little is known about how best to support this process. OBJECTIVE: To review a dedicated voice banking service with the aim of informing service development. METHOD: A service review of existing health records from neurological services in Sheffield, UK, carried out retrospectively and covering 2018 and 2019. Case notes were reviewed to extract information about use of communication aids, offer of voice banking, and use of synthesised speech. Responses to a routine follow up survey were …also collated. RESULTS: Less than half of the clients whose notes were reviewed had been informed about voice banking, one in four had completed the voice banking process, around half were using communication aids, and one in ten were using their personalised synthetic voice on a communication aid. The time taken to complete the process had a large variation. Those completing the process viewed the personalised voices positively and all were used when created. Support from professionals was noted by some as being key. CONCLUSIONS: Voice banking services should be more widely promoted to ensure that individuals can consider voice banking prior to changes in their speech. Research studies should inform how and when those living with MND are introduced to voice banking. Show more

Keywords: Augmentative communication, communication aid, speech synthesis, motor neurone disease

DOI: 10.3233/TAD-210366

Citation: Technology and Disability, vol. 34, no. 2, pp. 113-122, 2022

Authors: Roggeman, Stijn | Firouzi, Mahyar | Lefeber, Nina | De Keersmaecker, Emma | Cuypers, Lotte | Swinnen, Eva | Joos, Erika | Schiltz, Marc | Hatem, Samar M.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Walking difficulties put an individual at high risk of falling, institutionalisation and even death. The use of robotical rehabilitation or assistive devices for walking has gained considerable interest as a means of improving patients’ gait abilities. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this research was to examine patients’ intrinsic motivation to train with a wearable hip exoskeleton (Honda Walking Assist). METHODS: Rehabilitation patients (stroke, medullar lesion, orthopaedic surgery) and elderly (> 65 yrs) with walking difficulties were recruited for this study (n = 23). Each walked …with the Honda Walking Assist for 30 minutes during one therapy session and completed the Intrinsic Motivation Inventory (IMI) afterwards. RESULTS: All participants presented with high scores on the IMI, in particular for the items ‘interest/enjoyment’ (median: 43; 25 th –75 th perc.: 37–46; maximal score: 49), ‘perceived competence of walking’ (35 [31–38]; max. score 42) and ‘value/usefulness’ (44 [35–49]; max. score 49). CONCLUSIONS: This robotic exoskeleton for assisted walking was considered a valuable device by the majority of participants, eliciting a high degree of motivation and enjoyment. Show more

Keywords: Robotics, exoskeleton, motivation, stroke, geriatrics, walking

DOI: 10.3233/TAD-210362

Citation: Technology and Disability, vol. 34, no. 2, pp. 123-131, 2022