Empowering Independence: NAU Explores Technology’s Role for Adults with Disabilities
Technology has the potential to transform the daily lives of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD), offering tools that enhance accessibility and independence. In a move to harness this potential, Northern Arizona University’s Institute for Human Development (IHD) is launching a study aimed at improving the quality of life for this community.
Dubbed the Living Independently Via Enabling Technology (LIVE) study, this research initiative is funded by the Arizona Developmental Disabilities Planning Council. It seeks to collect insights from adults over the age of 40 regarding their interactions with various technologies.
“We are looking for individuals who will share real-world experiences,” explained John Robert McDermott, an outreach and technical training expert at IHD. “We want to know what technologies they are using, what has worked for them, what has been difficult and how we can learn from those experiences.”
The LIVE study aims to explore the impact of both assistive technology (AT) and enabling technology (ET) on adults with I/DD, emphasizing their role in fostering independence as these individuals age. Assistive technology refers to devices specifically designed to aid in tasks, such as communication devices or adaptive tools, while enabling technology utilizes everyday gadgets like voice assistants and smart-home devices to support independence.
“The data collected in the retrospective study will be used to help with the intervention piece, which will be headed by the Arizona Technology Access Program,” stated IHD executive director Kelly Roberts. “They will provide consultation, assessment, training and support for identified individuals in the study.”
This study will inform a pilot intervention project for older adults with I/DD who have limited experience with technology, aiming to measure its effect on their autonomy.
“Our hope is that through increasing independence among aging adults with I/DD, caregiver burden decreases, allowing individuals with I/DD to remain in their preferred home settings longer,” noted AJ Catalano, a graduate research assistant at IHD.
The study involves 60-90 minute interviews, conducted either in person or remotely. Researchers hope to capture video demonstrations of how participants utilize AT and ET, providing a clearer picture of the technologies’ benefits.
The findings will contribute to the Arizona Tech 1st State initiative, which promotes awareness of how technology can enable individuals to age in place. Interested individuals aged 40 and above can reach out to Kelly Roberts, John Robert McDermott, or AJ Catalano for more details.
Mariana Laas | NAU Communications
(928) 523-5050 | mariana.laas@nau.edu
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