Include 2011 : The role of inclusive design in making social innovation happen.

Include is the biennial conference held at the RCA and hosted by the Helen Hamlyn Centre for Design. The event is directed by Jo-Anne Bichard and attracts an international delegation

ELECTRONIC ACCESSIBILITY ASSESSMENT CHECKLIST FOR IMPROVING THE HOME ENVIRONMENT OF HEALTHILY AGEING

The purpose of the thesis was to develop an accessibility checklist for assessing home environment of healthily ageing people. The checklist will be part of accessibility assessment computer program designed by Esteetön Asunto Oy (EAS oy). The checklist focuses on the minimum changes that needs to be done in elderly home so that the living is easy and safe. The checklist was made by studying theory about ageing. The theory was about changes that happen in human body when ageing. These ageing changes affects on how the elderly is able to survive in ADL functions safely and without problems. In addition, also other accessibility assessment programs have been studied as much it was possible. Context of the checklist has been formed according to that theory which is presented in this Thesis-report. The idea for the thesis came straight from the Esteetön Asunto Oy. The purpose was to design a checklist which could be used when assessing elderly homes so, that the ageing person could live in own home for longer. The checklist needed to have only the most important questions in it. The questions should have reliable theory behind them. By this the information got from the accessibility assessment would be true and can be used in practice. The checklist has not yet been use in practice on the time of completing Thesis and it has not been changed in the form of the assessment program. All of the information concerning the list itself and its content is a commercial secret. Because of this the list is not published as a part of the thesis-report

Universal design approach to analysis of physical environment for users with multiple sclerosis

The concept of Universal Design aims for the utilization of every product and environment for every individual without the need for further adaptation. The frequent occurrence of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) in societies has necessitated a more innovative and exploratory approach to the field of design. Many of the products and built environments encountered by individuals with MS in their daily lives fall short in terms of meeting safety and accessibility needs. It is essential to establish the correct design approach so that users with MS can meet their needs easily and safely without depending on others. In this research, the problems encountered by users with MS in their residences were evaluated within the framework of Universal Design principles, and design recommendations were stated using a sample case in Turkey. Throughout the study, accessibility challenges, mobility, fatigue and balance problems, vision and lighting conditions, climatization and noise sensitivity, and psychological issues were primarily considered. The residence of the sample user with MS was examined in detail, and an in-depth interview was conducted during the research. The difficulties and life routines of the user with MS were observed and identified. Home design solutions associated with Universal Design principles were represented so that the users with MS have safe and accessible housing regarding their physiological and psychological conditions. The highlighted proposals may contribute to architectural design to make modifications for comfortable and safe housing in related cases having similar symptoms with MS. Future research can benefit from these findings and proposals to provide innovative approaches, develop policies, and conduct interdisciplinary studies on related design issues.Peer Reviewe

ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY FOR EDUCATING PERSONS WITH INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY

Technology has changed and continues to change the way people manage things in their lives and it is analogous in the life of Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) through integration of technology in education. Meaningful inclusive education can be made possible with the help of Assistive Technology (AT) since it helps in identifying and overcoming all barriers for effective, continuous and quality participation of all PwDs including those with intellectual disabilities in education. This article attempts to put forward few measures that provide effective education to Persons with Intellectual Disability through the support of assistive technology specifically designed by understanding their educational needs in order to maximize their academic success. Assistive technology pertinent to various domains of education and developmental areas with appropriate examples and case study is also being illustrated. Barriers to access assistive technology and recommendations to remediate it are also discussed in comprehensive manner.  Article visualizations

Active and Assisted Living, a Practice for the Ageing Population and People with Cognitive Disabilities: An Architectural Perspective.

The current digital revolution is causing a paradigm shift encompassing all environments in which human beings conduct their daily activities. Technology is starting to govern the world, gradually modifying not only individual and social behaviour, but also ways of living. The necessary adaptation to new information and communication technologies forces societies to rethink both public and private spaces, in which evolution is slower than rapid social transformation. As part of this change, the concept of Active Assisted Living (AAL) has developed. Assisted spaces can be designed to provide older adults, carers, or people who have cognitive disabilities, such as Alzheimer’s disease or other dementias, with a healthier, safer, and more comfortable life, while also affording them greater personal autonomy. AAL aims to improve people’s quality of life and allow them to remain in their own homes for as long as possible, not in residences. This study conducted a critical review about AAL from an architectural point of view. The research adopted a qualitative approach in which we collected the studies during the last twenty years, then used descriptive, narrative and critical analysis methods. Based on these, this paper aims to explain this new technological paradigm, its characteristics, its main development trends, and its implementation limitations. The results obtained show how the development of AAL will be in the next ten years, and how this concept, and its application, can influence architecture and provide the bases for further research into the design of buildings and citiesPartial funding for open access charge: Universidad de Málag

Future bathroom: A study of user-centred design principles affecting usability, safety and satisfaction in bathrooms for people living with disabilities

Research and development work relating to assistive technology 2010-11 (Department of Health) Presented to Parliament pursuant to Section 22 of the Chronically Sick and Disabled Persons Act 197

Cognitive assisted living ambient system: a survey

The demographic change towards an aging population is creating a significant impact and introducing drastic challenges to our society. We therefore need to find ways to assist older people to stay independently and prevent social isolation of these population. Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) provide various solutions to help older adults to improve their quality of life, stay healthier, and live independently for a time. Ambient Assisted Living (AAL) is a field to investigate innovative technologies to provide assistance as well as healthcare and rehabilitation to impaired seniors. The paper provides a review of research background and technologies of AAL

Housing future for ageing in place

This paper examines how the desire of people to age in their home is being met through the design of new and renovated homes in Western Australia. The question is asked whether new housing portrayed in the popular press in Western Australia considers the older and potentially frail home occupant. The publicity given to new homes over the recent past in the 'New Homes' weekly supplement of the West Australian Newspaper was reviewed and analysed to determine what emphasis has been given to ageing at home. The analysis shows that there is almost no consideration of the older, frail occupant in the design of new houses. This indicates that baby-boomer consumers are not yet recognizing their own future needs of the housing market. In addition housing designers are taking no initiatives in this area