The evolution of neurocognitive diseases is marked by increasingly disruptive behavioural disorders as well as sphincter troubles. To avoid being forced to use physical restraints or therapies that promote drowsiness to prevent older patients from removing their diapers, caregivers can use a onesie. However, this solution does not respect the dignity of these persons.

Assistive Technology (AT) is an umbrella term that describes the combination of devices and services used by individuals with a disability to perform tasks that might otherwise be difficult or impossible to complete due to their disability. Increasingly, Artificial Intelligence (AI) is being used in the development of innovative AT. Given the diverse applications of AI and the unique needs of people with disability, a practical approach that facilitates informed decision-making for all stakeholders while supporting choice and control for people with disability, in the AI-enabled AT space, is essential. This paper presents the ''AI-enabled AT Framework'', a tool that aims to facilitate effective decision-making, development, and assessment of AI-enabled AT. The framework was co-designed through a participatory research approach, engaging key stakeholders, including people with disabilities, carers and support people, AI and AT industry representatives, government bodies, and researchers. A multi-stage process was employed, including literature review, interviews, focus groups, and industry workshops. The AI-enabled AT Framework provides a structured, person-centered approach for assessing AI-enabled AT, incorporating six core domains: user experience, privacy and security, quality, safety, relative value, and human rights. It supports decision-making for stakeholders by providing clear evaluation criteria to assess AI-enabled AT. The framework highlights the importance of ongoing stakeholder engagement and outlines a roadmap for implementation, refinement, and adoption. The AI-enabled AT Framework offers a practical tool to enhance decision-making in the development, evaluation, and deployment of AI-enabled AT. By emphasizing co-design and stakeholder engagement, it promotes ethical, effective, and user-centered AI applications. Future research should focus on framework validation, implementation strategies, and addressing emerging challenges in AI-enabled AT adoption.

While leisure activities have been shown to have bio-psycho-social benefits for individuals with disabilities, there is a notable gap in the literature regarding the quantitative analysis of the effects of adapted hiking. This study, therefore, aims to fill this void by using standardised tools to evaluate the enhancement in quality of life and self-efficacy following a hiking experience in individuals with motor disabilities.

: Speech and language impairments, though often used interchangeably, are two very distinct types of challenges. A speech impairment may lead to impaired ability to produce speech sounds whilst communication may be affected due to lack of fluency or articulation of words. Consequently this may affect a person's ability to articulate may affect academic achievement, social development and progress in life. ChatGPT (Generative Pretrained Transformer) is an open access AI (Artificial Intelligence) tool developed by Open AI® based on Large language models (LLMs) with the ability to respond to human prompts to generate texts using Supervised and Unsupervised Machine Learning (ML) Algorithms. This article explores the current role and future perspectives of ChatGPT AI Tool for Speech-Impaired Assistance. : A cumulative search strategy using databases of PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus and grey literature was conducted to generate this narrative review. : A spectrum of Enabling Technologies for Speech & Language Impairment have been explored. Augmentative and Alternative Communication technology (AAC), Integration with Neuroprosthesis technology and Speech therapy applications offer considerable potential to aid speech and language impaired individuals. : Current applications of AI, ChatGPT and other LLM's offer promising solutions in enhancing communication in people affected by Speech and Language impairment. However, further research and development is required to ensure affordability, accessibility and authenticity of these AI Tools in clinical Practice.

In Kurt Vonnegut's novel (1985), he explores how technological development profoundly impacts human society, leading to struggles and psychological turmoil. The book delves into the complex relationship between technological progress and its effects on the human psyche. This study examines Vonnegut's perspective on the negative impacts of technology through humanistic existentialist psychology. It argues that while technology brings benefits and convenience, it also erodes emotional well-being and sense of self. By analyzing and other works, this research aims to deepen understanding of Vonnegut's concerns about the trajectory of technology and its implications for human existence. It highlights the need to balance technological innovation with ethical considerations to preserve human dignity and purpose.

People with visual impairments have difficulties in navigating indoor spaces and identifying elements of interest in the environment. There are a plethora of assistive systems that address this problem, but most of them are either expensive, depend on specialized hardware or lack intuitiveness. VIP SpaceNav is a platform for low-cost, intuitive configuration and safe navigation, intended for people with visual impairments. The system's content management system stores a 3D model of the building, together with localization information and elements of interest. The mobile application dedicated to users with visual impairments runs a localization component, as well as an obstacle detection module, providing navigation cues and information about points of interest in the vicinity, with the help of text-to-speech and audio signals. This paper presents a concept of indoor guidance for people with visual impairments and a first materialization of the prototype, based on state-of-the-art localization and spatial sounds. It also describes the piloting of the system in complex scenarios in a real building, demonstrating its potential of deployment in any indoor space, with minimal financial and time resources.

The efficacious implementation of robotic assistive technologies must be built on a thorough understanding of the experiences and perceptions of all concerned interest groups, particularly those of users and their caregivers. This study provides an in-depth insight into the experiences and perceptions of users of the JACO wheelchair-mounted robotic arm and those of their caregivers.

Wearable devices have been developed to improve the outdoor mobility of blind and visually impaired (BVI) people. While the functionality of these solutions has been widely evaluated, research on user-device interaction remains scarce. This study describes the development and evaluation of the Navigation Wearable System (NavWear), a wearable device for obstacle detection to assist the outdoor mobility of BVI people.

Assistive technology (AT) can improve functional and technical capacity in the context of work for people with spinal cord injury/damage (SCI/D). This metasynthesis aimed to explore how AT is used to support the study and employment goals of people with SCI/D and their experiences of using AT for study or work. Six electronic databases (CINAHL, Embase, PsycINFO, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science) were systematically searched for qualitative studies reporting the lived experiences of people with SCI/D regarding the role of AT products in higher education or work. Twenty-three eligible studies were identified and appraised according to the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research, with relevant key findings included in this metasynthesis. Two superordinate themes were identified. depicted the enabling nature of personalised AT when successfully integrated into users' roles and environments for study or work capacity and advancement. represented the importance of self-advocacy, alongside support from educational institutions and workplaces, specialist services, and society more broadly, to ensure people's injury-related AT needs are met. Collectively, the findings highlight the interplay of personal, occupational, and environmental factors in supporting the work goals of people with SCI/D. Achieving person-AT-occupation fit within the context of the environment at all stages of AT access can be supported by self-advocacy training, specialised services and support, and inclusive workplace practices and policies.

This study investigated the awareness, preferences, and demand for smart home technology among individuals with physical disabilities.

Communication Brain-Computer Interfaces (cBCIs) are a promising tool for people with motor and speech impairment, in particular for children and young adults with communication impairments, for example due to cerebral palsy (CP). Here we aimed to create a solid basis for the user-centered design of cBCIs for children and young adults with severe CP by investigating the perspectives of their parents/caregivers and health care professionals on communication and cBCIs. We conducted an online survey on 1) current communication problems and usability of used aids, 2) interest in cBCIs, and 3) preference for specific types of cBCIs. A total of 19 parents/caregivers and 36 health care professionals who interacted directly with children and young adults (8-25 years old) with severe CP, corresponding to Gross Motor Function Classification System level IV or V, participated. Both groups of respondents indicated that motor impairment occurred the most frequently and had the greatest impact on communication. The currently used communication aids included mainly no/low-tech aids and high-tech aids. The majority of health care professionals and parents/caregivers reported an interest in cBCIs, with a slight preference for implanted electrodes over non-implanted ones, and no preference for either of the two proposed mental BCI control strategies. Results indicate that cBCIs should be considered for a subpopulation of children and young adults with severe CP, and that in the development of cBCIs for this group both visual stimuli and sensorimotor rhythms, as well as the use of implanted electrodes, should be considered.

Self-directed manual wheelchair (MWC) mobility can facilitate participation in school, sports and community activities for pediatric MWC users (PMWUs), though many rely on others for getting around. The Wheelchair Skills Training Program (WSTP) has demonstrated effectiveness in improving MWC mobility in adults with preliminary evidence in pediatrics. However, rehabilitation professionals lack time to provide sufficient training. Expanding training opportunities within the community, such as in schools, could be promising, but has not been documented. A mobility training physical education class incorporating the WSTP (), was offered at a specialized high school.

This study aimed to evaluate the alignment of Universal Design (UD) principles with hotel features while exploring the experiences and needs of various user groups. UD is crucial in public accommodations, creating environments for all to promote inclusivity and functionality. By examining facilitators and barriers, guest expectations, and potential mismatches in UD implementation, the study provides insight into the effectiveness of UD.

This study evaluates a parametric design tool created to support occupational therapists (OTs) in designing personalized assistive technologies (ATs). The tool enables users to modify existing three-dimensional (3D) handgrip models by integrating individual hand measurements and anthropometric data.

This article addresses the gaps in current research regarding the use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools to educate children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The proposed metrics are specifically designed to evaluate the progress of learning in AI-assisted education, considering the unique needs of this demographic. The review highlights the potential of long-term impact studies to determine the lasting effects of AI on social skills, emotional development, and overall academic achievement. The ethical considerations surrounding AI intervention in autistic education are thoroughly examined. By combining diverse methodologies utilized in existing studies, a comprehensive analysis of the challenges is presented, along with interdisciplinary approaches for improvement that can serve as a roadmap for future research. The manuscript provides innovative perspectives, bridges existing gaps, and advocates for the ethical and effective integration of AI tools in educating children with ASD.

To describe the experiences of parents who used powered mobility in children with Spinal Muscular Atrophy, SMA type I,at an early age in the natural context like a family-centered program, using inductive qualitative content analysis.

The significantly accelerated use of technology by older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic provides an ideal opportunity to link the use of technology to home safety and aging in place. Our team developed COOK (), an assistive technology for cognition. The study aimed to identify (1) usability issues of COOK for older adults living with and/or without cognitive impairments and (2) the modifications needed to improve its usability and facilitate its deployment. We conducted a mixed user-centred co-design study including (1) laboratory task scenarios and (2) real-world setting use. We also administered usability and user experience questionnaires. Qualitative deductive thematic analyses and descriptive statistical analyses were used.

The primary goal of this study is to enhance safety and accessibility for individuals using wheelchairs by enabling automatic wheelchair detection through a visual surveillance system. This contributes to the development of smart healthcare systems that facilitate autonomous navigation and improve mobility support. A novel machine learning model based on the bag-of-visual-words (BoVWs) technique was developed for wheelchair detection. The approach involves key feature extraction, visual vocabulary construction, and histogram-based image representation. A support vector machine (SVM) classifier was employed to classify images based on these features after converting them into histograms of visual words. The model was evaluated using a publicly available image dataset. : The proposed method achieved an accuracy of 98.85%, demonstrating its effectiveness in identifying wheelchairs in images. These findings highlight the potential of object detection techniques in recognizing mobility aids, contributing to improved accessibility and safety in rehabilitation and assistive technology applications.

To develop and internally validate a clinical prediction rule (CPR) for diagnosing cubital tunnel syndrome (CuTS) in wheelchair users. To the authors' knowledge, no prior diagnostic CPR for CuTS was developed.

The study aimed to evaluate the static stability and durability of five manual adult wheelchairs commonly used in India, using ISO 7176-1 and ISO 7176-8 standards. The objective was to assess whether these wheelchairs meet minimum quality requirements and to identify cost-effective options for users in India, where wheelchair breakdowns and abandonment are significant issues. Five manual wheelchairs (WC1-WC5) were tested in a newly established ISO-compliant laboratory at Mobility India, Bangalore. Static stability was assessed using ISO 7176-1, which measures tipping angles in forward, rearward, and sideways directions. Durability was evaluated using ISO 7176-8, involving multi-drum and curb-drop tests to simulate long-term use. A 100 kg test dummy was used, and failures were classified as Class I (cosmetic), Class II (repairable), or Class III (structural). Cost-effectiveness was calculated as equivalent test cycles divided by wheelchair cost. Two of the five wheelchairs (WC1 and WC2) passed durability tests. WC1, an imported active folding wheelchair, and WC2, a locally manufactured economy model, demonstrated compliance with ISO standards. WC3, WC4, and WC5 failed durability testing due to Class III failures. WC2 was the most cost-effective option to WC1. The study underscores the urgent need for regulating product quality using the recently adopted ISO 7176 standards in India to improve wheelchair quality and prevent premature failures. Locally manufactured wheelchairs like WC2, which met ISO standards and were cost-effective, should be prioritized. Regulatory bodies in India should mandate ISO testing and surveillance. Future efforts should focus on developing performance rating systems and expanding testing to include more samples and innovative designs suited to conditions witnessed in India.

Verbal communication is the most immediate way of expressing oneself and the fastest way to make a first impression on others. However, for individuals with cerebral palsy (CP), which is generally accompanied by speech impediments, verbal communication can present a major hurdle to social interactions.