Enhancing the Autonomy of Disabled Persons: Assistive Technologies Directed by User Feedback

Abstract : Europe faces a major and growing healthcare problem due to increase in population, increasing longevity and an aging population with disability. Such dependent, elderly, disabled and vulnerable persons, are concerned since they wish to live at home as long as possible. This aspiration is also shared by national policies and communities across EU. To ensure the optimum care of dependent people, innovative solutions are encouraged to maintain independent life style. This paper outlines two projects, SYSIASS and COALAS, which aim to develop a set of technology based solutions to meet the needs and empower these people by enhancing mobility and communication.