Better technologies and services for smart homes of disabled people: Empirical findings from an explorative study among intellectually disabled

The purpose of this article is to increase the knowledge of technologies and services of smart homes for disabled people. There is a clear need for such new knowledge since the number of disabled people is significant and growing in EU, US and worldwide in general. Indeed, new technologies and services of smart homes have the potential to increase effectiveness and efficiency of caring disabled. With right solutions there is a great potential to increase disabled persons´ quality of life. The need for the development of such technologies and services increases due to the disabled individuals´ desire to remain independent in their own homes, the increasing costs of health care, and the aging of the population. This article discusses the concept and nature of disability as well as smart home technologies and services. Based on a qualitative empirical research, this study identifies factors relevant for designing better systems and services for smart homes of intellectually disabled people. Our study found that the attitudes towards using safety technologies are very positive among intellectually disabled. Also, the juxtaposition of safety vs. privacy can be alleviated with right technologies and services. Moreover, there is need for technologies and services to assist intellectually disabled in traffic, protect them from various forms of abuse, and prevent immoderation of pleasure giving activities. Furthermore, there is need for various wristband-based technologies and services. This report is based on the research conducted in ITEA2/GUARANTEE-project, A Guardian Angel for the Extended Home Environment.