SmartTech at AITA 2025

Researchers from the Wireless Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center at the University of Pittsburgh presented two papers at the annual Assistive Technology Industry Association (ATIA) Conference in Orlando, Florida.   



On Friday January 31st, Dan Ding and Lindsey Morris presented summary findings from the ASSIST Service Delivery study.  [Morris, Lindsey and Ding, D.  Service Delivery of Smart Home Tech as AT: Findings from the ASSIST Study [Conference presentation]. Assistive Technology Industry Association, Orlando, FL. ]

Smart home technology is changing fast, with new, affordable devices that can help people with physical disabilities in their daily lives. These devices can be used as assistive technology (AT), but there isn’t much research yet on the best ways to provide them or how effective they really are. Project ASSIST created a model to help deliver smart home technology as AT and tested how well it helps people with physical disabilities be more independent and involved in their communities. This presentation shared the results of the ASSIST Pilot Study, showing how effective smart home technology is for supporting participation, what factors affect its use, and how service providers can better deliver these technologies.



On February 1st, Andrea Fairman-Laferrier and Gina Novario presented a paper on approaches to Smartphone Use Assessments.  [Fairman-Laferrier, A., & Novario, G. (2025, January). Assessment of Smartphone Use and Capacity: Self-Report vs. Observational Approaches [Conference presentation]. Assistive Technology Industry Association, Orlando, FL. ]

This presentation talked about using a simple observation method to see how people with disabilities use their smartphones. By watching how they interact with their devices, we can better understand what works well for them and what challenges they face. This helps us figure out what kind of support or training they might need to use their phones more easily. By looking closely at how they use their phones for everyday tasks, we can find ways to improve the technology to fit their needs. This makes it easier for people with disabilities to use their devices independently and feel more included in the digital world.



Also on February 1st, ST4P partner Dr. Drew Redpenning presented a summary paper on adaptive gaming.

Redpenning, D. (2025, January) Master Adaptive Video Gaming: What Providers Need to Know [Conference presentation].  Assistive Technology Indusry Association, Orlando, FL. 

Adaptive video gaming is growing quickly, and it’s important for people who provide assistive technology to know about this exciting area. There are many tools and devices that help individuals with physical disabilities play video games. However, it’s important for providers to understand which adaptive gaming solutions are available and when to use them. This presentation will give an overview of the latest adaptive gaming technology for people with physical disabilities and explain the best ways to assess their needs and set up the equipment.