Pub Date : 2022-11-03DOI: 10.1108/jet-05-2022-0042
L. Desideri, Lisa Cesario, Chiara Sidoti, Massimiliano Malavasi
PurposeIn this proof-of-concept study, the authors assessed the feasibility of using a humanoid robot controlled remotely via an immersive telepresence system to support a person with intellectual and motor disabilities performing a daily task (i.e. setting a table for lunch).Design/methodology/approachThe system involved a head-mounted display and two joysticks. A teleoperator was able to see through the video cameras of the robot and deliver the instructions verbally to the participant located in a different room. To assess the system, a baseline phase (A) was followed by an intervention (i.e. tele-operated support) phase (B) and a return to a baseline phase (A).FindingsData showed a marked increase in the average frequency of task steps correctly performed from baseline (M = 15%) to intervention (M = 93%). Accuracy reached 100% in the return to baseline.Originality/valueThese preliminary findings, along with qualitative feedback from users, suggest that an immersive telepresence system may be used to provide remote support to people with intellectual and motor disabilities.
{"title":"Immersive robotic telepresence system to support a person with intellectual and motor disabilities perform a daily task: a case study","authors":"L. Desideri, Lisa Cesario, Chiara Sidoti, Massimiliano Malavasi","doi":"10.1108/jet-05-2022-0042","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/jet-05-2022-0042","url":null,"abstract":"PurposeIn this proof-of-concept study, the authors assessed the feasibility of using a humanoid robot controlled remotely via an immersive telepresence system to support a person with intellectual and motor disabilities performing a daily task (i.e. setting a table for lunch).Design/methodology/approachThe system involved a head-mounted display and two joysticks. A teleoperator was able to see through the video cameras of the robot and deliver the instructions verbally to the participant located in a different room. To assess the system, a baseline phase (A) was followed by an intervention (i.e. tele-operated support) phase (B) and a return to a baseline phase (A).FindingsData showed a marked increase in the average frequency of task steps correctly performed from baseline (M = 15%) to intervention (M = 93%). Accuracy reached 100% in the return to baseline.Originality/valueThese preliminary findings, along with qualitative feedback from users, suggest that an immersive telepresence system may be used to provide remote support to people with intellectual and motor disabilities.","PeriodicalId":42168,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Enabling Technologies","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2022-11-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"44183232","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2022-09-30DOI: 10.1108/jet-02-2022-0017
Melike Şahinol
PurposeThis paper examines the extent to which 3D printed children's prostheses function as enabling technology. The focus lies on the experiences of children with upper limb body differences using 3D printed prostheses in the context of (posthuman) cyborg theories.Design/methodology/approachThis article is based on several years of field research applying a grounded theory approach. (Health) technology and the body are examined with special regard to the vulnerability of the technology user who is, also, the technology designer. Taking these children's particular vulnerability and sensitivity into account, the method of “cultural probes” was further developed applying distributed socio-(bio-)technical probes, which conceive soma design as the matter of a socio-material world.FindingsIt was shown that the e-NABLE device is not only a socially enabling somatechnic but can itself be limiting, vulnerable and painful for children due to its materiality. The somatechnical construction of children's bodies and identities are presented as heroic figures, which, in part, produces and experiences a corporeal being that is based on and identifies with these heroes and heroines – but may not always be in the interests of children with disabilities. In order to meet these children's needs, the author argues in line with crip technoscience that 3D printed prostheses should be co-developed with (and specifically for) them.Originality/valueThis paper is the first of its kind to consider the daily lives of children with 3D printed prostheses and their experiences as knowers and makers of such. This paper adds to the body of knowledge in the field of crip technoscience and enabling technologies.Peer reviewThe peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon 10.1108/JET-02-2022-0017
{"title":"3D printed children's prostheses as enabling technology? The experience of children with upper limb body differences","authors":"Melike Şahinol","doi":"10.1108/jet-02-2022-0017","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/jet-02-2022-0017","url":null,"abstract":"PurposeThis paper examines the extent to which 3D printed children's prostheses function as enabling technology. The focus lies on the experiences of children with upper limb body differences using 3D printed prostheses in the context of (posthuman) cyborg theories.Design/methodology/approachThis article is based on several years of field research applying a grounded theory approach. (Health) technology and the body are examined with special regard to the vulnerability of the technology user who is, also, the technology designer. Taking these children's particular vulnerability and sensitivity into account, the method of “cultural probes” was further developed applying distributed socio-(bio-)technical probes, which conceive soma design as the matter of a socio-material world.FindingsIt was shown that the e-NABLE device is not only a socially enabling somatechnic but can itself be limiting, vulnerable and painful for children due to its materiality. The somatechnical construction of children's bodies and identities are presented as heroic figures, which, in part, produces and experiences a corporeal being that is based on and identifies with these heroes and heroines – but may not always be in the interests of children with disabilities. In order to meet these children's needs, the author argues in line with crip technoscience that 3D printed prostheses should be co-developed with (and specifically for) them.Originality/valueThis paper is the first of its kind to consider the daily lives of children with 3D printed prostheses and their experiences as knowers and makers of such. This paper adds to the body of knowledge in the field of crip technoscience and enabling technologies.Peer reviewThe peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon 10.1108/JET-02-2022-0017","PeriodicalId":42168,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Enabling Technologies","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2022-09-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"48995920","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2022-09-06DOI: 10.1108/jet-01-2022-0006
Elisabet M. Nilsson, J. Lundälv, Magnus Eriksson
PurposeThe purpose is to firstly, provide an example of how voices of people with various disabilities (motor, visual, hearing, and neuropsychiatric impairments) can be listened to and involved in the initial phases of a co-design process (Discover, Define). Secondly, to present the outcome of the joint explorations as design opportunities pointing out directions for future development of crisis communication technologies supporting people with disabilities in building crisis preparedness. The study was conducted during the Covid-19 pandemic.Design/methodology/approachThe study assumes a design research approach including a literature review, focus group interviews, a national online survey and collaborative (co-)design workshops involving crisis communicators and representatives of disability organisations in Sweden. The research- and design process was organised in line with the Double Diamond design process model consisting of the four phases: Discover, Define, Develop and Deliver, whereof the two first phases are addressed in this paper.FindingsThe analysis of the survey data resulted in a series of challenges, which were presented to and evaluated by crisis communicators and representatives from the disability organisations at the workshops. Seven crisis communication challenges were identified, for example, the lack of understanding and knowledge of needs, conditions and what it means to build crisis preparedness for people with disabilities, the lack of and/or inability to develop digital competencies and the lack of social crisis preparedness. The challenges were translated into design opportunities to be used in the next step of the co-design process (Develop, Deliver).Originality/valueThis research paper offers both a conceptual approach and empirical perspectives of design opportunities in crisis communication. To translate identified challenges into design opportunities starting with a “How Might We”, creates conditions for both researchers, designers and people with disabilities to jointly turn something complex, such as a crisis communication challenge, into something concrete to act upon. That is, their joint explorations do not stop by “knowing”, but also enable them to in the next step take action by developing potential solutions for crisis communication technologies for facing these challenges.
{"title":"Design opportunities for future development of crisis communication technologies for marginalised groups – Co-designing with Swedish disability organisations","authors":"Elisabet M. Nilsson, J. Lundälv, Magnus Eriksson","doi":"10.1108/jet-01-2022-0006","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/jet-01-2022-0006","url":null,"abstract":"PurposeThe purpose is to firstly, provide an example of how voices of people with various disabilities (motor, visual, hearing, and neuropsychiatric impairments) can be listened to and involved in the initial phases of a co-design process (Discover, Define). Secondly, to present the outcome of the joint explorations as design opportunities pointing out directions for future development of crisis communication technologies supporting people with disabilities in building crisis preparedness. The study was conducted during the Covid-19 pandemic.Design/methodology/approachThe study assumes a design research approach including a literature review, focus group interviews, a national online survey and collaborative (co-)design workshops involving crisis communicators and representatives of disability organisations in Sweden. The research- and design process was organised in line with the Double Diamond design process model consisting of the four phases: Discover, Define, Develop and Deliver, whereof the two first phases are addressed in this paper.FindingsThe analysis of the survey data resulted in a series of challenges, which were presented to and evaluated by crisis communicators and representatives from the disability organisations at the workshops. Seven crisis communication challenges were identified, for example, the lack of understanding and knowledge of needs, conditions and what it means to build crisis preparedness for people with disabilities, the lack of and/or inability to develop digital competencies and the lack of social crisis preparedness. The challenges were translated into design opportunities to be used in the next step of the co-design process (Develop, Deliver).Originality/valueThis research paper offers both a conceptual approach and empirical perspectives of design opportunities in crisis communication. To translate identified challenges into design opportunities starting with a “How Might We”, creates conditions for both researchers, designers and people with disabilities to jointly turn something complex, such as a crisis communication challenge, into something concrete to act upon. That is, their joint explorations do not stop by “knowing”, but also enable them to in the next step take action by developing potential solutions for crisis communication technologies for facing these challenges.","PeriodicalId":42168,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Enabling Technologies","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2022-09-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"48116921","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2022-08-30DOI: 10.1108/jet-11-2021-0054
Foad Hamidi, Zulekha Karachiwalla
PurposeThe purpose of the scoping study was to understand the experiences of refugees with disabilities and their families in the US from expert service-provider perspectives, including gaps in resources and services. The authors also investigated challenges and opportunities for technology intervention in this space.Design/methodology/approachThe authors conducted semi-structured interviews with six experts who serve refugees in the United States. The authors asked them about the experiences of refugees with disabilities and their families and inquired into challenges and opportunities for technology access for this population.FindingsThe authors found that refugees and their families are significantly impacted by disabilities and mental health challenges. Additionally, while refugees have access to resources and services, they face a number of structural barriers, including the need to navigate a complex healthcare system, geographic placements that sometimes make it difficult to access employment or healthcare services, and issues with accessing public transit.Research limitations/implicationsThe main limitation of the current study is that the authors did not collect data directly from refugees with disabilities.Practical implicationsThe authors offer several directions for practical improvements based on the findings, including improving structural support for refugees with disabilities and incentivizing health care providers utilizing more culturally aware language services.Originality/valueWhile the number of refugees worldwide has doubled in the past decade and there is consensus that a significant number of refugees experience disabilities and mental health challenges, few projects have looked into the technology needs of refugees with disabilities. The exploratory study provides population-level insights on the experiences and accessibility barriers of refugees with disabilities in the United States.
{"title":"Structural accessibility barriers and service gaps facing refugees with disabilities in the United States","authors":"Foad Hamidi, Zulekha Karachiwalla","doi":"10.1108/jet-11-2021-0054","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/jet-11-2021-0054","url":null,"abstract":"PurposeThe purpose of the scoping study was to understand the experiences of refugees with disabilities and their families in the US from expert service-provider perspectives, including gaps in resources and services. The authors also investigated challenges and opportunities for technology intervention in this space.Design/methodology/approachThe authors conducted semi-structured interviews with six experts who serve refugees in the United States. The authors asked them about the experiences of refugees with disabilities and their families and inquired into challenges and opportunities for technology access for this population.FindingsThe authors found that refugees and their families are significantly impacted by disabilities and mental health challenges. Additionally, while refugees have access to resources and services, they face a number of structural barriers, including the need to navigate a complex healthcare system, geographic placements that sometimes make it difficult to access employment or healthcare services, and issues with accessing public transit.Research limitations/implicationsThe main limitation of the current study is that the authors did not collect data directly from refugees with disabilities.Practical implicationsThe authors offer several directions for practical improvements based on the findings, including improving structural support for refugees with disabilities and incentivizing health care providers utilizing more culturally aware language services.Originality/valueWhile the number of refugees worldwide has doubled in the past decade and there is consensus that a significant number of refugees experience disabilities and mental health challenges, few projects have looked into the technology needs of refugees with disabilities. The exploratory study provides population-level insights on the experiences and accessibility barriers of refugees with disabilities in the United States.","PeriodicalId":42168,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Enabling Technologies","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2022-08-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"41818842","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2022-08-30DOI: 10.1108/jet-01-2022-0005
T. Bieling, Melike Şahinol, Robert Stock, Anna–Lena Wiechern
PurposeThis contribution shows perspectives of experts from different disciplines and professional backgrounds in order to elaborate on maker approaches such as do-it-yourself prosthetics and collaborative tools. As a result, aspects of open source practices related to medical and assistive technologies will be critically reflected upon. In addition, implications of heterogeneous interests, economic implications and everyday achievements of social material assemblages produced through participatory design research are discussed.Design/methodology/approachIn order to address an interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary perspective on the relationships between body (differences) and technology, it is necessary to bring together studies from both Science and Technology Studies (STS) and crip technoscience as well as approaches from participatory design research and practice. This challenge was addressed by a roundtable organized as part of the third network meeting of the Dis/Ability and Digital Media Research Network on 16 September 2020.FindingsAgainst the backdrop of “crip technoscience” DIY and collaborative open source practices are not only understood as valuable alternatives to standardized medical prosthetics and assistive devices. These bottom-up approaches which draw from the expert knowledge of disabled users (Hamraie and Fritsch, 2019) also facilitate devices that defy categories such as “prosthetic” or “medical aid” not only aesthetically but semantically, too.Originality/valueThe Network Dis/Abilities and Digital Media intends to integrate media and technology studies with disability studies on a theoretical level. This round table discussion delivers proof of how – on the practical level – technology and dis/ability need to be thought of as relational and co-constitutive (Mills and Sterne, 2017).
{"title":"Access and tinkering: designing assistive technologies as political practice–A discussion with Zeynep Karagöz, Thomas Miebach and Daniel Wessolek","authors":"T. Bieling, Melike Şahinol, Robert Stock, Anna–Lena Wiechern","doi":"10.1108/jet-01-2022-0005","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/jet-01-2022-0005","url":null,"abstract":"PurposeThis contribution shows perspectives of experts from different disciplines and professional backgrounds in order to elaborate on maker approaches such as do-it-yourself prosthetics and collaborative tools. As a result, aspects of open source practices related to medical and assistive technologies will be critically reflected upon. In addition, implications of heterogeneous interests, economic implications and everyday achievements of social material assemblages produced through participatory design research are discussed.Design/methodology/approachIn order to address an interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary perspective on the relationships between body (differences) and technology, it is necessary to bring together studies from both Science and Technology Studies (STS) and crip technoscience as well as approaches from participatory design research and practice. This challenge was addressed by a roundtable organized as part of the third network meeting of the Dis/Ability and Digital Media Research Network on 16 September 2020.FindingsAgainst the backdrop of “crip technoscience” DIY and collaborative open source practices are not only understood as valuable alternatives to standardized medical prosthetics and assistive devices. These bottom-up approaches which draw from the expert knowledge of disabled users (Hamraie and Fritsch, 2019) also facilitate devices that defy categories such as “prosthetic” or “medical aid” not only aesthetically but semantically, too.Originality/valueThe Network Dis/Abilities and Digital Media intends to integrate media and technology studies with disability studies on a theoretical level. This round table discussion delivers proof of how – on the practical level – technology and dis/ability need to be thought of as relational and co-constitutive (Mills and Sterne, 2017).","PeriodicalId":42168,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Enabling Technologies","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2022-08-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"43355559","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2022-08-23DOI: 10.1108/jet-01-2021-0003
J. Tetley, Simon Holland, S. Caton, Glenis Donaldson, Theodoros Georgiou, F. Visi, R. Stockley
PurposeRestoration of walking ability is a key goal to both stroke survivors and their therapists. However, the intensity and duration of rehabilitation available after stroke can be limited by service constraints, despite the potential for improvement which could reduce health service demands in the long run. The purpose of this paper is to present qualitative findings from a study that explored the acceptability of a haptic device aimed at improving walking as part of an extended intervention in stroke rehabilitation.Design/methodology/approachPre-trial focus groups and post-trial interviews to assess the acceptability of Haptic Bracelets were undertaken with seven stroke survivors.FindingsFive themes were identified as impacting on the acceptability of the Haptic Bracelet: potential for improving quality of life; relationships with technology; important features; concerns; response to trial and concentration. Participants were interested in the haptic bracelet and hoped it would provide them with more confidence making them: feel safer when walking; have greater ability to take bigger strides rather than little steps; a way to combat mistakes participants reported making due to tiredness and reduced pain in knees and hips.Originality/valueHaptic Bracelets are an innovative development in the field of rhythmic cueing and stroke rehabilitation. The haptic bracelets also overcome problems encountered with established audio-based cueing, as their use is not affected by external environmental noise.Peer reviewThe peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon 10.1108/JET-01-2021-0003
{"title":"Using rhythm for rehabilitation: the acceptability of a novel haptic cueing device in extended stroke rehabilitation","authors":"J. Tetley, Simon Holland, S. Caton, Glenis Donaldson, Theodoros Georgiou, F. Visi, R. Stockley","doi":"10.1108/jet-01-2021-0003","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/jet-01-2021-0003","url":null,"abstract":"PurposeRestoration of walking ability is a key goal to both stroke survivors and their therapists. However, the intensity and duration of rehabilitation available after stroke can be limited by service constraints, despite the potential for improvement which could reduce health service demands in the long run. The purpose of this paper is to present qualitative findings from a study that explored the acceptability of a haptic device aimed at improving walking as part of an extended intervention in stroke rehabilitation.Design/methodology/approachPre-trial focus groups and post-trial interviews to assess the acceptability of Haptic Bracelets were undertaken with seven stroke survivors.FindingsFive themes were identified as impacting on the acceptability of the Haptic Bracelet: potential for improving quality of life; relationships with technology; important features; concerns; response to trial and concentration. Participants were interested in the haptic bracelet and hoped it would provide them with more confidence making them: feel safer when walking; have greater ability to take bigger strides rather than little steps; a way to combat mistakes participants reported making due to tiredness and reduced pain in knees and hips.Originality/valueHaptic Bracelets are an innovative development in the field of rhythmic cueing and stroke rehabilitation. The haptic bracelets also overcome problems encountered with established audio-based cueing, as their use is not affected by external environmental noise.Peer reviewThe peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon 10.1108/JET-01-2021-0003","PeriodicalId":42168,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Enabling Technologies","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2022-08-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"46405985","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Tammy-Ann Husselman, Sarune Savickaite, Elliot Millington, T. Arthur, Emma Hayashibara, Rebecca Taylor
{"title":"Guest editorial: Applications of virtual reality in autism research","authors":"Tammy-Ann Husselman, Sarune Savickaite, Elliot Millington, T. Arthur, Emma Hayashibara, Rebecca Taylor","doi":"10.1108/jet-06-2022-078","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/jet-06-2022-078","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":42168,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Enabling Technologies","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2022-08-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"44533342","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2022-08-09DOI: 10.1108/jet-04-2022-0032
Fiora D’amico, Filippo Boscia, Andrea Cannone, Gloria Alberti, G. Lancioni
PurposeThe study was to develop and test a new technology-aided program to support basic communication and leisure of people with extensive neuro-motor and speech impairments.Design/methodology/approachThe study was carried out according to a non-concurrent multiple baseline design across three participants. During the intervention, the participants used the new program. This relied on a smartphone, a tablet, and radio frequency identification tags, and allowed the participants to make communication and leisure choices via small hand movements. Communication choices involved the possibility of sending messages or making telephone calls to preferred persons. Leisure choices involved the possibility of accessing preferred music, comedy, and sport or television shows.FindingsDuring the intervention, the participants were highly successful in activating communication and leisure events independently. They had mean cumulative engagement times of about 7–8.5 min per 10-min session.Originality/valueThe new program is easily accessible and affordable in terms of the technology components involved and appears highly suitable and friendly for individuals who have only limited hand movement.
{"title":"Everyday technology to support basic communication and leisure of individuals with extensive neuro-motor and speech impairments","authors":"Fiora D’amico, Filippo Boscia, Andrea Cannone, Gloria Alberti, G. Lancioni","doi":"10.1108/jet-04-2022-0032","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/jet-04-2022-0032","url":null,"abstract":"PurposeThe study was to develop and test a new technology-aided program to support basic communication and leisure of people with extensive neuro-motor and speech impairments.Design/methodology/approachThe study was carried out according to a non-concurrent multiple baseline design across three participants. During the intervention, the participants used the new program. This relied on a smartphone, a tablet, and radio frequency identification tags, and allowed the participants to make communication and leisure choices via small hand movements. Communication choices involved the possibility of sending messages or making telephone calls to preferred persons. Leisure choices involved the possibility of accessing preferred music, comedy, and sport or television shows.FindingsDuring the intervention, the participants were highly successful in activating communication and leisure events independently. They had mean cumulative engagement times of about 7–8.5 min per 10-min session.Originality/valueThe new program is easily accessible and affordable in terms of the technology components involved and appears highly suitable and friendly for individuals who have only limited hand movement.","PeriodicalId":42168,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Enabling Technologies","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2022-08-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"48173064","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2022-08-02DOI: 10.1108/jet-05-2022-0037
Elliot Millington, Emma Hayashibara, T. Arthur, Tammy-Ann Husselman, Sarune Savickaite, Rebecca Taylor
PurposeThis paper aims to raise awareness of and argue for the use of participatory methods for the research and development of Virtual Reality (VR) applications designed for neurodivergent groups. This includes exploring why it is important to meaningfully include neurodivergent groups and the benefits their inclusion provide.Design/methodology/approachVR is becoming increasingly widespread as a consumer product and interventional tool. It is vital for researchers and developers to embrace best practices in these early stages of using the technology, making certain that neurodivergent people have the best possible outcomes.FindingsThe neurodivergent community is dissatisfied with many of the research directions currently being undertaken. This dissatisfaction arises from conflicting priorities between different stakeholders and the lack of input from the community. Participatory research brings neurodivergent people into the research process, whether as members of the research team or as consultants at key steps. Effective participatory research ensures that the priorities of the neurodivergent community are better incorporated in research, as well as enabling the development of more effective applications for VR.Originality/valueParticipatory methods are unutilised in the development of applications aimed for neurodivergent people. By describing their use and utility in other areas, this article aims to encourage other VR researchers to take neurodivergent people on board.
{"title":"Neurodivergent participatory action research for Virtual Reality (VR)","authors":"Elliot Millington, Emma Hayashibara, T. Arthur, Tammy-Ann Husselman, Sarune Savickaite, Rebecca Taylor","doi":"10.1108/jet-05-2022-0037","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/jet-05-2022-0037","url":null,"abstract":"PurposeThis paper aims to raise awareness of and argue for the use of participatory methods for the research and development of Virtual Reality (VR) applications designed for neurodivergent groups. This includes exploring why it is important to meaningfully include neurodivergent groups and the benefits their inclusion provide.Design/methodology/approachVR is becoming increasingly widespread as a consumer product and interventional tool. It is vital for researchers and developers to embrace best practices in these early stages of using the technology, making certain that neurodivergent people have the best possible outcomes.FindingsThe neurodivergent community is dissatisfied with many of the research directions currently being undertaken. This dissatisfaction arises from conflicting priorities between different stakeholders and the lack of input from the community. Participatory research brings neurodivergent people into the research process, whether as members of the research team or as consultants at key steps. Effective participatory research ensures that the priorities of the neurodivergent community are better incorporated in research, as well as enabling the development of more effective applications for VR.Originality/valueParticipatory methods are unutilised in the development of applications aimed for neurodivergent people. By describing their use and utility in other areas, this article aims to encourage other VR researchers to take neurodivergent people on board.","PeriodicalId":42168,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Enabling Technologies","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2022-08-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"49659408","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2022-08-02DOI: 10.1108/jet-05-2022-0038
Sarune Savickaite, Tammy-Ann Husselman, Rebecca Taylor, Elliot Millington, Emma Hayashibara, T. Arthur
PurposeRecent work could further improve the use of VR technology by advocating the use of psychological theories in task design and highlighting certain properties of VR configurations and human – VR interactions. The variety of VR technology used in the trials prevents us from establishing a systematic relationship between the technology type and its effectiveness. As such, more research is needed to study this link, and our piece is an attempt to shed a spotlight on the issue.Design/methodology/approachTo explore recent developments in the field, the authors followed the procedures of scoping review by Savickaite et al. (2022) and included publications from 2021 to 2022.FindingsIn this updated analysis, it was clear that the research themes emerging over the last two years were similar to those identified previously. Social training and intervention work still dominates the research area, in spite of recent calls from the autism community to broaden the scientific understanding of neurodivergent experiences and daily living behaviours. Although, autism is often characterised by difficulties with social interactions, it is just one part of the presentation. Sensory differences, motor difficulties and repetitive behaviours are also important facets of the condition, as well as various wider aspects of health, wellbeing and quality of life. However, many of these topics appear to be understudied in research on VR applications for autism.Originality/valueVR stands out from other representational technologies because of its immersion, presence and interactivity and has grown into its own niche. The question of what constitutes a truly immersive experience has resurfaced. We can no longer deny that VR has established itself in autism research. As the number of studies continues to grow, it is a perfect time to reconsider and update our notion of definitions of immersion and its reliance on hardware.
{"title":"Applications of virtual reality (VR) in autism research: current trends and taxonomy of definitions","authors":"Sarune Savickaite, Tammy-Ann Husselman, Rebecca Taylor, Elliot Millington, Emma Hayashibara, T. Arthur","doi":"10.1108/jet-05-2022-0038","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/jet-05-2022-0038","url":null,"abstract":"PurposeRecent work could further improve the use of VR technology by advocating the use of psychological theories in task design and highlighting certain properties of VR configurations and human – VR interactions. The variety of VR technology used in the trials prevents us from establishing a systematic relationship between the technology type and its effectiveness. As such, more research is needed to study this link, and our piece is an attempt to shed a spotlight on the issue.Design/methodology/approachTo explore recent developments in the field, the authors followed the procedures of scoping review by Savickaite et al. (2022) and included publications from 2021 to 2022.FindingsIn this updated analysis, it was clear that the research themes emerging over the last two years were similar to those identified previously. Social training and intervention work still dominates the research area, in spite of recent calls from the autism community to broaden the scientific understanding of neurodivergent experiences and daily living behaviours. Although, autism is often characterised by difficulties with social interactions, it is just one part of the presentation. Sensory differences, motor difficulties and repetitive behaviours are also important facets of the condition, as well as various wider aspects of health, wellbeing and quality of life. However, many of these topics appear to be understudied in research on VR applications for autism.Originality/valueVR stands out from other representational technologies because of its immersion, presence and interactivity and has grown into its own niche. The question of what constitutes a truly immersive experience has resurfaced. We can no longer deny that VR has established itself in autism research. As the number of studies continues to grow, it is a perfect time to reconsider and update our notion of definitions of immersion and its reliance on hardware.","PeriodicalId":42168,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Enabling Technologies","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2022-08-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"41897802","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
京公网安备 11010802042870号
京ICP备2023020795号-1
扫码关注我们
求助内容：
应助结果提醒方式：