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.

How well can older adults adapt to retrofitted spaces that were never designed to meet their evolving needs? Retrofitted senior living facilities often magnify safety risks that purpose-built environments are specifically designed to mitigate, forcing older adults with functional limitations to contend with bathroom spaces ill-suited to their needs. Among these, bathroom microenvironments stand out as critical zones of vulnerability, warranting immediate investigation.

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.

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.

: 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.

Cognitive decline and social isolation pose significant challenges to the well-being of people with Alzheimer's disease (AD). While recreational activities and rehabilitation playthings (RPTs) have demonstrated benefits in fostering positive emotions among this population, there remains a scarcity of playthings specifically designed to address their unique needs. This study aims to develop a conceptual framework for RPTs design to enhance emotional well-being in people living with AD. : Guided by research question construct classification, this study identified three key research questions. A systematic literature review was conducted using Scopus, Web of Science, and PubMed to address these questions. Selected articles were evaluated based on their relevance to RPTs and their focus on improving social engagement and positive emotions in individuals with AD. : Through meticulous review and analysis, fifty-seven articles were selected and systematically categorized into sub-themes include: types of RPTs, meaningful activities associated with RPTs, design characteristics, and design principles and strategies. The results are further synthesized to formulate a potential theoretical proposition for future investigation. : The proposed conceptual framework recommends that by integrating positive emotion design, compassionate design, co-creation, and suitable play experiences in RPTs design could preserve personhood and elicit positive emotions among people living with AD.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.