Assistive Technology Promotes Independence for Adults with Special Needs

By Sarah Weddle, Ph.D., LABA, BCBA-D and PJ Simeone, Ph.D., CCC-SLP, ATP

It is hard to imagine a world without technology. From smart phones and voice controlled speakers that can perform tasks like looking up information and controlling our appliances, to watches that track our heart rates and exercise trends, assistive technology (AT) has infiltrated nearly every aspect of our lives and yielded many obvious benefits. 
                                                                                                     
Many of us who work with adults who have intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) are committed to finding ways to use AT to help enhance and improve their lives as well.

Despite the World Health Organization’s initiative to increase AT for these individuals, many barriers remain. According to experts in the field, barriers could be overcome with increased public and provider awareness, and adequate assessments.

Fortunately, the Department of Developmental Services (DDS) in Massachusetts has addressed many policy and funding barriers by launching an initiative aimed to promote access at the state level (see DDS Technology Forward Initiative: https://www.mass.gov/supportive-technology for more information). 

By the year 2050, it is estimated that the need for direct care services for individuals with IDD could increase by as much as 125% (President’s Committee on Intellectual Disability, 2019). AT can help mitigate this need by providing assistance to these individuals in performing daily living tasks, thereby offering them opportunities for greater autonomy. Although a formal assessment conducted by a professional with expertise is ideal for determining needs and recommendations, caregivers and support teams may identify some useful technologies on their own. 

When identifying AT opportunities, it is useful to examine the human assistance individuals with IDD need to complete self-care tasks. Listed below* are some of those tasks and options for AT that would support independence with daily routines: 

Cooking
Smart Ovens, such as a Brava oven, can be connected to a smart phone so the individual can place food items into the oven, select the food items to be cooked, and activate cooking. When the food is finished cooking, the oven turns off and the individual is notified to remove the contents. These units can be fairly pricey, so make sure to research and look at all features before making a purchase. 

Adapted Cooking Tools are utensils modified in design to make them more understandable, safer, and easier to use. Lists and descriptions of these types of tools can be found online (https://accessiblechef.com/project/adaptive-cooking-tools/).  

Health and Wellness Management
Medication Management can be challenging. Thankfully, improvements in technologies are enabling safer and easier medication management. Dispensing systems such as Impruvon Health allow for integration of prescriptions, medication changes, and tracking of daily compliance, and have been demonstrated to reduce medication errors.

Biometric tracking of heartrate or blood oxygen levels can be useful indicators of health needs and changes. Tools like Boundary Care enable people to make use of data from biometric tracking devices such as smartwatches to improve health.

Toileting and Bathing
Body Dryers and Bidets are lower-tech options to support thoroughness, independence, and promote privacy during self-care routines. These devices may come equipped with pre-programmed cycles and visual controls to help individuals with IDD be successful with toileting routines on their own without relying on another person. Many people have difficulty with drying themselves independently due to proprioception challenges or mobility needs. Full body dryers can make a major impact in achieving independence in this area.

Remote Supervision and Communication 
The rise of smart screens has been a major boon for those who may not have access to the care they need to be successful. Systems like GrandCare allow people to communicate with loved ones and caregivers remotely and provide information via sensors and health monitors.

We recognize that there are many supports individuals with special needs require that can never be replaced by genuine human connection. The direct support professionals who work with this population provide invaluable services on a daily basis. However, we firmly believe that more wide-spread adoption of AT practices will provide additional resources and tools to enhance their work.  

* May Institute is not endorsing any products listed; they are included as examples of available technology.

Sarah Weddle, Ph.D., LABA, BCBA-D, is the Divisional Director of Clinical Services and Training for May Institute. 

 PJ Simeone, Ph.D., CCC-SLP, ATP, is the Vice President of Allied Health and Supportive Technology for May Institute.

May Institute is a nonprofit organization that is a national leader in the field of applied behavior analysis and evidence-based interventions, serving autistic individuals and individuals with other developmental disabilities, brain injury, neurobehavioral disorders, and other special needs. Founded nearly 70 years ago, we provide a wide range of exceptional educational and rehabilitative services across the lifespan. For more information, call 800.778.7601 or visit www.mayinstitute.org.