Pinpointing elements on large tactile surfaces is challenging for individuals with blindness and visual impairment (BVI) seeking to access two-dimensional (2D) information. This is particularly evident when using 2D tactile readers, devices designed to provide 2D information using static tactile representations with audio explanations. Traditional pinpointing methods, such as sighted assistance and trial-and-error, are limited and inefficient, while alternative pinpointing user interfaces (UI) are still emerging and need advancement. To address these limitations, we develop three distinct navigation UIs using a user-centred design approach: Sonar (proximity-radar sonification), Voice (direct clock-system speech instructions), and Sonoice, a new method that combines elements of both. The navigation UIs were incorporated into the Tactonom Reader device to conduct a trial study with ten BVI participants. Our UIs exhibited superior performance and higher user satisfaction than the conventional trial-and-error approach, showcasing scalability to varied assistive technology and their effectiveness regardless of graphic complexity. The innovative Sonoice approach achieved the highest efficiency in pinpointing elements, but user satisfaction was highest with the Sonar approach. Surprisingly, participant preferences varied and did not always align with their most effective strategy, underscoring the importance of accommodating individual user preferences and contextual factors when choosing between the three UIs. While more extensive training may reveal further differences between these UIs, our results emphasise the significance of offering diverse options to meet user needs. Altogether, the results provide valuable insights for improving the functionality of 2D tactile readers, thereby contributing to the future development of accessible technology.

UNASSIGNED: As the world faces an aging population, the complexities of care management become increasingly pronounced. While technological solutions hold promise in addressing the dynamic demands of care, many nuances are to be considered in the design and implementation of active and assisted living technologies (AAL) for older adult care. This qualitative study, set in southern Spain, is positioned at the crossroads of healthcare challenges, as seen by the different actors involved in the care process and the technological solutions developed in response to these challenges. By investigating the complex landscape of caregiving and by examining the experiences and challenges faced by caregivers, healthcare professionals, and older adults, we aim to guide the development of vision-based AAL technologies that are responsive to the genuine needs of older adults and those requiring care.
UNASSIGNED: A qualitative research methodology was used in the study. In total15 in-depth interviews and five focus groups were conducted with a diverse group of stakeholders involved in the process of care provision and reception.
UNASSIGNED: While the results demonstrate that there is a readiness for technological solutions, concerns over privacy and trust highlight the need for a carefully integrated, human-centric approach to technology in caregiving.
UNASSIGNED: This research serves as a compass, guiding future discussions on the intersection of aging, technology, and care, with the ultimate goal of transforming caregiving into a collaborative and enriching journey for all stakeholders involved.

Tremor is a prevalent neurological disorder characterized by involuntary shaking or trembling of body parts. This condition impairs fine motor skills and hand coordination to varying degrees and can even affect overall body mobility. As a result, tremors severely disrupt the daily lives and work of those affected, significantly limiting their physical activity space. This study developed an innovative spatial augmented reality (SAR) system aimed at assisting individuals with tremor disorders to overcome their physical limitations and expand their range of activities. The system integrates eye-tracking and Internet of Things (IoT) technologies, enabling users to smoothly control objects in the real world through eye movements. It uses a virtual stabilization algorithm for stable interaction with objects in the real environment. The study comprehensively evaluated the system\'s performance through three experiments: (1) assessing the effectiveness of the virtual stabilization algorithm in enhancing the system\'s ability to assist individuals with tremors in stable and efficient interaction with remote objects, (2) evaluating the system\'s fluidity and stability in performing complex interactive tasks, and (3) investigating the precision and efficiency of the system in remote interactions within complex physical environments. The results demonstrated that the system significantly improves the stability and efficiency of interactions between individuals with tremor and remote objects, reduces operational errors, and enhances the accuracy and communication efficiency of interactions.

Improving the quality of life for people with vision impairments has been an important goal in the research and design of assistive devices for several decades. This paper seeks to further that goal by introducing a novel assistive technology platform that leverages real-time 3D spatial audio to promote safe and efficient navigation for people who are blind or visually impaired (PVI). The presented platform, EchoSee, uses modern 3D scanning technology on a mobile device to construct a live, digital 3D map of a user\'s environment as they move about their surroundings. Spatialized, virtual audio sources (i.e., virtual speakers) are dynamically placed within the digital 3D scan of the world, providing the navigator with a real-time 3D stereo audio \"soundscape.\" The digital 3D map, and its resultant soundscape, are continuously updated as the user moves about their environment. The generated soundscape is played back through headphones connected to the navigator\'s device. This paper details (1) the underlying technical components and how they were integrated to produce the mobile application that generates a dynamic soundscape on a consumer mobile device, (2) a methodology for analyzing navigation performance with the application, (3) the design and execution of a user study investigating the effectiveness of the presented system, and (4) a discussion of the results of that study along with a proposed future study and possible improvements. Altogether, this paper presents a novel software platform aimed at assisting individuals with vision impairments to navigate and understand spaces safely, efficiently, and independently and the results of a feasibility study analyzing the viability of the approach.

UNASSIGNED: The literature is scarce about virtual reality (VR) use and its integration into clinical practice. Given the growing interest toward using VR in healthcare in the UK, the aims of this survey were to explore its current use by paediatric physiotherapists in clinical practice in the UK, identify the facilitators and barriers to VR implementation in clinical practice and investigate the factors that will enhance intentions to use it in the future.
UNASSIGNED: An online survey using Assessing Determinants of Prospective Take-Up of Virtual Reality (ADOPT-VR2) was distributed to UK paediatric physiotherapists through the Association of Paediatric Chartered Physiotherapists. Descriptive statistics and regression analysis were conducted.
UNASSIGNED: Out of 128 responses, 81 UK-based paediatric physiotherapists completed the survey. The therapists worked in the National Health Service, in the private sector and education. Most of the respondents reported not using VR in clinical practice (n = 75; 93%). Only 7% of respondents reported using VR in clinical practice. Attitudes toward VR, compatibility, and the peer influence constructs of ADOPT-VR2 all significantly predicted the behavioural intention to use VR (R2 = 0.612, p = <0.001).
UNASSIGNED: This study shows that the current use of VR is limited. The findings from this study suggest that multiple factors need to be reconciled to enhance VR implementation. Specifically, therapists need to be provided with time, appropriate training, and financial and technical support. Stakeholders may also need to consider developing practical manuals to ensure therapists are implementing VR consistently and correctly.
The current use of VR in clinic is notably limited.The limited use of VR is not solely related to the lack of funds.Physiotherapists need to be provided with appropriate training, financial and technical support to facilitate VR clinical implementation.

BACKGROUND: Assistive technology is becoming increasingly accessible and affordable for supporting people with dementia and their care partners living at home, with strong potential for technology-based prompting to assist with initiation and tracking of complex, multistep activities of daily living. However, there is limited direct comparison of different prompt features to guide optimal technology design.
OBJECTIVE: Across 3 experiments, we investigated the features of tablet-based prompts that best support people with dementia to complete activities of daily living at home, measuring prompt effectiveness and gaining feedback from people with dementia and their care partners about their experiences.
METHODS: Across experiments, we developed a specialized iPad app to enable data collection with people with dementia at home over an extended experimental period. In experiment 1, we varied the prompts in a 3 (visual type: text instruction, iconic image, and photographic image) × 3 (audio type: no sound, symbolic sound, and verbal instruction) experimental design using repeated measures across multiple testing sessions involving single-step activities. In experiment 2, we tested the most effective prompt breakdown for complex multistep tasks comparing 3 conditions (1-prompt, 3-prompt, and 7-prompt conditions). In experiment 3, we compared initiation and maintenance alerts that involved either an auditory tone or an auditory tone combined with a verbal instruction. Throughout, we asked people with dementia and their care partners to reflect on the usefulness of prompting technology in their everyday lives and what could be developed to better meet their needs.
RESULTS: First, our results showed that audible verbal instructions were more useful for task completion than either tone-based or visual prompts. Second, a more granular breakdown of tasks was generally more useful and increased independent use, but this varied across individuals. Third, while a voice or text maintenance alert enabled people with dementia to persist with a multistep task for longer when it was more frequent, task initiation still frequently required support from a care partner.
CONCLUSIONS: These findings can help inform developers of assistive technology about the design features that promote the usefulness of home prompting systems for people with dementia as well as the preferences and insights of people with dementia and their care partners regarding assistive technology design.

Current research on technophobia and readiness to adopt new technology in the aging population is often limited to the context of specific technologies and treats technophobia as a unidimensional construct. In this study, we investigate the role of demographic variables and various aspects of technophobia in determining Slovenian aging adults\' readiness to adopt new technology. Partial least squares structural equation modeling revealed that age and educational level generally significantly predicted technophobia and indirectly contributed to readiness to adopt new technology via the human versus machine ambiguity dimension of technophobia. Moreover, age and human versus machine ambiguity were significant direct negative predictors of readiness to adopt new technology. Findings obtained specifically in the health sub-domain were similar. Our results have important implications for addressing the low adoption of new technology among aging adults as they provide guidance on whom should be targeted with interventions and which aspects need to be addressed.

Capturing the outcomes of assistive technology (AT) is essential to know what works and what is needed. People across the globe are working to close the gap of unmet need for AT, and to enable access to quality AT products and services. Inconsistent terminology, measures and a lack of coordinated systems prevent the sharing of knowledge, and the lack of articulated global priorities limit the usefulness of data for policymakers and resource allocation decisions. This paper provides methods of a global \"Grand Challenge\" project, run by the Global Alliance of Assistive Technology Organizations, and describes the resulting challenges. A multiphase, mixed method approach founded on participatory principles sought to capture multi-country and multi-stakeholder perspectives \"from the ground up.\" A collaborative consensus method was adapted to document and distil AT challenge data from global regions, to refine this data with global stakeholder organizations, and to publish a shortlist of AT Grand Challenges. The 2022 Grand Challenges in Outcomes and Impact are 1) measuring need, 2) documenting inputs, 3) measuring outcomes, 4) measure impacts, 5) sharing data, and 6) informing policy. The challenge now remains to work together to resolve them.

UNASSIGNED: Wheelchair transfers risk injury to users and caregivers. Conventional transfer devices are injury-prone and time inefficient. The Powered Personal Transfer System (PPTS), utilizing a modified Electric Powered Wheelchair (EPW) and a hospital bed, provides a no-lift solution for bed-to-wheelchair transfers. Objective 1: Assess PPTS workload compared to existing methods. Objective 2: Evaluate PPTS EPW in daily mobility tasks. Objective 3: Perform Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America (RESNA) wheelchair standards testing for PPTS EPW stability and performance.
UNASSIGNED: Fifteen professional and family caregivers, experienced in assisting EPW users, performed transfers between the bed and EPW using the PPTS. Subsequently, participants drove the PPTS EPW providing ratings on the ease of performing mobility tasks. Wheelchair testing was conducted following RESNA standards.
UNASSIGNED: : Simulated bedroom in a laboratory setting.
UNASSIGNED: Participants reported low workload demands for employing the PPTS and indicated a preference for the PPTS over existing transfer devices/methods. Ease of performing everyday mobility tasks was not significantly different between the modified PPTS and the commercially available original manufacturer equipment EPW (p > 0.05). RESNA wheelchair standards testing confirmed that the PPTS EPW preserves functionality, stability and performance when compared to similar commercially available EPWs.
UNASSIGNED: The PPTS demonstrated promise in offering a practical, low demanding, and safe solution for transfers. It has the potential to enhance user and caregiver safety by reducing the incidence of caregiver injuries associated with assisting in transfer tasks. In addition to its efficiency and ease of use, it is an advancement in assistive technology for wheelchair transfers.

UNASSIGNED: This review examines the availability of information on welfare technologies for people living with dementia in Sweden.
UNASSIGNED: A scoping review of 21 counties and 290 municipalities was conducted to assess the degree of information provided on welfare technologies.
UNASSIGNED: The findings of this review indicate that most Swedish municipalities offer limited information regarding these technologies. Additionally, we conducted a mapping survey to identify the various welfare technologies offered by each county based on the available online material.
UNASSIGNED: We argue that greater attention should be given not only to how information is provided but also to the extent to which it is provided to people with dementia and their relatives. Improving these aspects is crucial for making informed decisions. Finally, our review suggests that counties and municipalities should coordinate with local and national resources (e.g., Alzheimer Sweden) to deliver more accurate information through different media forms.
The information presented about welfare technologies varies greatly between municipalities and counties, which ultimately affects the capacity of people with dementia and their relatives to make informed decisions surrounding the use of these technologies.The geographical location can influence the availability of options (welfare technologies). Hence, people with dementia and their relatives may not have the same number of options as others who reside in a different municipality or county.Searching for information online can prove to be cumbersome as the information is not clearly found in the right pathways.Greater collaboration is required by the counties, municipalities, and dementia organizations to provide accurate and easily accessible information about welfare technologies to people with dementia and their relatives.