Technology Trend watching In addition to finding and developing solutions for our cli- ents' individual challenges, the FabLab is committed to staying at the forefront of the latest technological advancements. We actively seek out new opportunities that hold significant poten- tial for enhancing the lives of those with visual impairments and complex needs. When in 2018 the smart speaker Google Home was introduced in Dutch, we immediately initiated pilots across several living arrangements. Our expectations were positive, yet the extent to which this device would empower users in achiev- ing self-sufficiency surpassed our initial forecasts. Basic tasks like setting alarms, timers, tuning into radio stations, fetching infor- mation, and enjoying news or music suddenly became achiev- able without the need for caregiver assistance. A new digital world with new possibilities became available. Following two years of comprehensive piloting, we resolved to introduce Google Home speakers within our three residential care facilities. We aimed to make these devices accessible to all interested and capable users. The implementation journey was marked by numerous challenges, including ensuring WIFI avail- ability across all locations, navigating strict privacy and data-pro- tection regulations within the healthcare sector, and addressing the digital hesitancy among caregivers. Yet, the effort was unde- niably rewarding. As we began deploying the devices in commu- nal spaces and individual bedrooms, the clients' response was overwhelmingly positive. Contrary to our concerns about hesi- tancy toward a novel and unfamiliar product, most individuals embraced this innovative product with open arms. It was as if they had finally found a tool devoid of the barriers posed by touchscreens or complex buttons, and most notably, one that required no visual assistance to complete tasks that had previously necessitated help from a sighted person. With simple voice commands, they could now listen to their favorite music, ac- quire information about subjects of interest, or even just inquire about the time. The project team was amazed by not only the in- crease in self-sufficiency, but also observing a surge in pride and self-esteem derived from accomplishing tasks independently.
Addressing the unique challenges faced by individuals with complex needs and visual impairments requires both experience and a fresh perspective. Experience helps us understand their spe- cific challenges, while a new viewpoint sparks innovative solutions. By combining what we've learned with new ideas, we can develop better ways to use technology and improve the lives of these in- dividuals. This dual approach not only draws from past successes and lessons learned but also encourages a forward-thinking mind- set that embraces the rapid evolution of technology but also chal- lenges to look at technology with a more creative mentality. Often, one technological solution can be used for many different personal challenges. This approach keeps us adaptable and open to new technologies, ensuring we provide effective support tailored to their needs. This strategy is the result of years of experience and trial-and-er- ror and has been adjusted along the way. We have tried to develop and implement a holistic and sustainable approach that suits the needs of people with complex needs and a visual impairment. This is Ricardo. Het is 57 and has little vision left. He also has early-onset Alzheimer’ disease. Ricardo uses a walker during the day and can get around the house by himself. His carers often need to remind Ricardo to use his walker. For the last couple of weeks Ricardo made a bad fall during the night when going to the bathroom. He forgot to take his walker. At night Ricardo is being monitored from a dis- tance and there is not a carer in the direct vicinity. Together with staff we thought about a solution and installed a sen- sor used generally in shops and stores that plays audio once it detects motion. In this case it would start to play: “Don’t forget to take your walker, Ricardo” when the senor would detect Ricardo’s feet touching the floor. It took a little bit of experimenting and adjustment of the audio, but since the use of the sensor, Ricardo has not fallen at night. Practical example of consumer technology Heidi is a 54-year-old woman with congenital deafblind- ness. Because of her cognitive disability Heidi has little sense of time and has trouble estimating when her next activity begins. This caused a lot of stress, sometimes even self-harm. Traditional aides for time management such as audio watches or a Time Timer are ineffective because as she cannot see or hear them. We developed a cushion which would be offered to Heidi whenever there were mo- ments she would have to wait. Using varying vibrating pat- terns, it helps Heidi sense time passing, with vibrations in- tensifying as minutes elapse. When waiting ends, a distinct vibrating pattern signals the activity change. The use of this product took a lot of training, but resulted in less stress and self-harm. Example of a bespoke solution
Google Home speakers
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