Date: Monday, March 20, 2023
Category: Buzz Session
Information Communication Technology (ICT) like smartphones, tablets, virtual assistants, and apps have pervaded all aspects of mainstream society, both for persons with and without disabilities. The impact of ICT has been so profound that using it is no longer a luxury, but rather, an integral part of everyday functioning for People With Disabilities. One type of ICT, the Smartspeaker (such as the Amazon Echo “Alexa” and the Google Home) has been overlooked as a potential assistant and companion for persons with disabilities and those who are aging in place in their homes.
We are conducting a pilot study, FEEAD or Functioning Every day with Electronic Assistive Devices, to explore the effectiveness of Smartspeakers to improve the everyday functioning of Visually Impaired Persons. Currently, more than 3.4 million Americans aged 40 years and older are legally blind or visually impaired. The objective of our FEEAD study is to investigate the use of Smartspeakers by Visually Impaired Persons, and it has three aims. First, we are finding IADLs that are predominantly breaking down for VIP; second, we are determining efficacy of Smartspeakers to prevent IADL breakdown and enabling visually impaired persons to complete IADLs independently; and, last, we are exploring the correlations between IADL breakdowns with demographic parameters. This FEEAD study will use the newly developed, first-of-its-kind, self-report outcome measure, the Electronic Instrumental activities of daily living Satisfaction Assessment, to assess the satisfaction of VIP with completing IADLs using Smartspeakers. Data from this study should supply a foundation for further studies that explore the efficacy of Smartspeakers to promote independence, reduce isolation, and foster community participation for People With Disabilities. The implications of this pilot study would be far-reaching, because Smartspeakers can help bridge physical, logistical, transportation, and financial barriers to promote independence and community participation for VIP.
Learning Objectives:
- Assess the effectiveness of Smartspeakers in preventing IADL breakdown for people with disabilities
- Evaluate the applicability of Smartspeakers in smart control of the home environment and communication.