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Transitioning to adulthood is a complex and challenging process for youth with complex communication needs (CCN) and/or who use augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). This scoping review examined and consolidated available evidence documenting transition barriers and facilitators. Eight databases were searched systematically using complex communications needs/augmentative and alternative communication, transition programs, and adulthood as key terms. Participants aged 14-35 years and interventions focused on transition to occupations, including education, employment, leisure pursuits, or socializing/relationships. The search yielded 3459 records, which were screened by three independent raters. Twenty-three articles met the inclusion criteria. Studies focused primarily on employment (n =18), postsecondary education (n = 10), and socializing/relationships (n = 13). Programs experience and outcomes varied. Enabling factors included organizations, transition-focused programs, and social networks. Barriers included low expectations, lack of programs/supports, and limited literacy skills. Future studies must include richer descriptions of programs/services and participants, while more work is required to explore long-term outcomes.

A scoping review of existing research documenting the transition to adulthood for individuals with complex communication needsThis scoping review examined and consolidated available evidence on the transition to adulthood occupations for youth with complex communication needs and those who use augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). Factors enabling successful transition included organizational support, transition-focused programs, and social support networks. Barriers included low expectations, lack of supportive programs, and limited literacy skills. This review highlights the need for future studies to focus on programs and services supporting occupational participation and exploring long-term outcomes.

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BACKGROUND: The digital transformation in health care requires training nursing and health professionals in the digitally competent use of digital assistive technologies (DAT). The continuing education training "Beratende für digitale Gesundheitsversorgung" ("Consultant for Digital Healthcare") was developed to fill this gap. The effectiveness of the training program will be assessed in this study. OBJECTIVE: The primary objective is to record and measure the participants' learning success. We will assess whether the previously defined teaching intentions, learning objectives, competencies, and participants' expectations have been achieved and whether a transfer of learning occurred. The secondary objective is participant satisfaction and feasibility of the training. The tertiary objective is the successful transfer of DAT by participants in their institutions. METHODS: Approximately 65 nursing and health care professionals will participate in the pilot phase of the further training and evaluation process, which is planned in a mixed methods design in a nonsequential manner. The different methods will be combined in the interpretation of the results to achieve a synaptic view of the training program. We plan to conduct pre-post surveys in the form of participant self-assessments about dealing with DAT and content-related knowledge levels. Exploratory individual interviews will also be conducted to build theory, to examine whether and to what extent competence (cognition) has increased, and whether dealing (affect) with DAT has changed. Furthermore, an interim evaluation within the framework of the Teaching Analysis Poll (TAP) will occur. The knowledge thereby gained will be used to revise and adapt the modules for future courses. To assess the transfer success, the participants create a practical project, which is carried out within the training framework, observed by the lecturers, and subsequently evaluated and adapted. RESULTS: We expect that the learning objectives for the continuing education training will be met. The attendees are expected to increase their level of digital competence in different skills areas: (1) theoretical knowledge, (2) hands-on skills for planning the application and practical use of DAT, (3) reflective skills and applying ethical and legal considerations in their use, (4) applying all that in a structured process of technology implementation within their practical sphere of work. CONCLUSIONS: The aim of this study and appropriate further training program are to educate nursing and health care professionals in the use of DAT, thereby empowering them for a structured change process toward digitally aided care. This focus gives rise to the following research questions: First, how should further training programs be developed, and which focus is appropriate for addressee-appropriate learning goals, course structure, and general curriculum? Second, how should a training program with this specific content and area be evaluated? Third, what are the conditions to offer a continued program? INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID): PRR1-10.2196/57860.

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Objectives: This article describes how a home visit solution was developed in a co-design process between patients in treatment for severe spasticity, their caregivers and hospital nurses. The solution was developed using a participatory design approach and was based on the identified needs of the participants. Methods: We developed a home visit solution through an iterative process and a collective 'reflection-in-action' approach with patients, caregivers and healthcare professionals. Results: The study revealed the complexities of establishing new routines around home visits. The solution included a new workflow for the nurses and a new route and appointment planning tool. Conclusion: Through a participatory design approach, the users developed a home visit solution that minimised disruption to patients' daily lives and facilitated a dialogue between the nurses and the caregivers about the treatment and the patients' spasticity, which helped to adjust the treatment in line with the patient´s needs.

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BACKGROUND: Assistive technology is becoming increasingly accessible and affordable for supporting people with dementia and their care partners living at home, with strong potential for technology-based prompting to assist with initiation and tracking of complex, multistep activities of daily living. However, there is limited direct comparison of different prompt features to guide optimal technology design. OBJECTIVE: Across 3 experiments, we investigated the features of tablet-based prompts that best support people with dementia to complete activities of daily living at home, measuring prompt effectiveness and gaining feedback from people with dementia and their care partners about their experiences. METHODS: Across experiments, we developed a specialized iPad app to enable data collection with people with dementia at home over an extended experimental period. In experiment 1, we varied the prompts in a 3 (visual type: text instruction, iconic image, and photographic image) × 3 (audio type: no sound, symbolic sound, and verbal instruction) experimental design using repeated measures across multiple testing sessions involving single-step activities. In experiment 2, we tested the most effective prompt breakdown for complex multistep tasks comparing 3 conditions (1-prompt, 3-prompt, and 7-prompt conditions). In experiment 3, we compared initiation and maintenance alerts that involved either an auditory tone or an auditory tone combined with a verbal instruction. Throughout, we asked people with dementia and their care partners to reflect on the usefulness of prompting technology in their everyday lives and what could be developed to better meet their needs. RESULTS: First, our results showed that audible verbal instructions were more useful for task completion than either tone-based or visual prompts. Second, a more granular breakdown of tasks was generally more useful and increased independent use, but this varied across individuals. Third, while a voice or text maintenance alert enabled people with dementia to persist with a multistep task for longer when it was more frequent, task initiation still frequently required support from a care partner. CONCLUSIONS: These findings can help inform developers of assistive technology about the design features that promote the usefulness of home prompting systems for people with dementia as well as the preferences and insights of people with dementia and their care partners regarding assistive technology design.

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Three-dimensional-printed assistive devices hold promise for improving writing abilities, yet factors influencing device selection and their impact on satisfaction and effectiveness remain unclear, especially in adults, as they are typically tested on children. The aim of this article is to assess the efficacy and satisfaction with a writing assistive device at different angles among individuals with brain injury and explore device selection factors. Twenty-six participants with brain injuries selected their preferred device angle. Writing speed, quality, and satisfaction were recorded. Immediate speed improvements were significant at 5° and 30° (p = .006, .013, respectively). Satisfaction scores did not significantly differ among angles. Normotonia in elbow (p < .001; odds ratio: 3.403) and wrist (p ≤ .001; odds ratio: 2.695) muscles increased the likelihood of selecting the 5° device. Immediate speed improvements at specific angles highlight the influence of muscle normotonia on device selection, vital for tailored brain injury rehabilitation.

Evaluation of a 3D-Printed Writing Assistive Device for People With Brain InjuryThis study, titled "Evaluation of a 3D-Printed Writing Assistive Device for People with Brain Injury," aimed to understand how 3D-printed devices could improve writing for individuals with brain injuries. The researchers explored the effectiveness and satisfaction of using these devices at different angles (5°, 20°, and 30°) among 26 participants with brain injuries. Participants chose the device angle that felt most comfortable to them, and the study measured their writing speed, quality, and satisfaction. The findings revealed that using 3D-printed writing devices significantly improved writing speed immediately, regardless of the chosen angle (5° or 30°). Satisfaction scores were similar across all angles. Interestingly, individuals with normal elbow and wrist muscle tone were more likely to prefer the 5° device. In summary, this study concludes that 3D-printed writing devices can promptly enhance writing for people with brain injuries. The specific angle of the device significantly affect outcomes, and participants generally find satisfaction with their choice. If you have normal elbow and wrist muscle tone, the 5° angle may be the optimal choice for you.

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BACKGROUND: Despite the widely recognised benefits of assistive technology (AT) in everyday life, AT abandonment rate due to unmet user needs or expectations is high. World Health Organisation emphasised the importance of evaluating AT outcomes as a top research priority, but comprehensive approaches to assess users' needs and AT impact are still limited. AIM: The research study OMAT (outcomes of mobility assistive technology in rehabilitation pathways) aimed to evaluate the feasibility of a new AT assessment protocol for mobility AT, spanning from an initial evaluation of users' and relatives' needs to a follow-up after real-world use of assistive products (APs). MATERIAL AND METHODS: An observational single-arm study involving 95 AT users was conducted at Fondazione Don Gnocchi (Milan, Italy). The OMAT protocol encompassed baseline assessment, user training, prescription, authorisation, delivery and follow-up. The evaluations blend standard clinical evaluations with validated AT outcome measures for perceived effectiveness of AT, user satisfaction and changes in quality of life. RESULTS: The feasibility of OMAT in clinical settings was established, with 67 user participants completing the protocol. Data showed positive impacts on user satisfaction and perceived AT effectiveness by all participants (users and relatives), with an improvement in the perceived degree of severity in problems. Quality of life outcomes, however, showed mixed results across various domains. CONCLUSION: OMAT is a feasible protocol for assessing mobility APs in clinical settings, underscoring the importance of involving users in the prescription process and the need for comprehensive AT monitoring mechanisms. This approach could enhance AT service delivery, exceeding the current standards of the Italian-National-Health-Service.Implication for rehabilitationPersonalise assistive technology (AT) based on user needs for higher effectiveness.Include structured follow-up in rehabilitation for better AT outcomes.Enhance patient involvement in AT selection to improve use.Focus on AT's role in enhancing overall quality of life.Use validated tools for AT impact assessment and monitoring.

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Purpose: Speech disorders profoundly impact the overall quality of life by impeding social operations and hindering effective communication. This study addresses the gap in systematic reviews concerning machine learning-based assistive technology for individuals with speech disorders. The overarching purpose is to offer a comprehensive overview of the field through a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) and provide valuable insights into the landscape of ML-based solutions and related studies. Methods: The research employs a systematic approach, utilizing a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) methodology. The study extensively examines the existing literature on machine learning-based assistive technology for speech disorders. Specific attention is given to ML techniques, characteristics of exploited datasets in the training phase, speaker languages, feature extraction techniques, and the features employed by ML algorithms. Originality: This study contributes to the existing literature by systematically exploring the machine learning landscape in assistive technology for speech disorders. The originality lies in the focused investigation of ML-speech recognition for impaired speech disorder users over ten years (2014-2023). The emphasis on systematic research questions related to ML techniques, dataset characteristics, languages, feature extraction techniques, and feature sets adds a unique and comprehensive perspective to the current discourse. Findings: The systematic literature review identifies significant trends and critical studies published between 2014 and 2023. In the analysis of the 65 papers from prestigious journals, support vector machines and neural networks (CNN, DNN) were the most utilized ML technique (20%, 16.92%), with the most studied disease being Dysarthria (35/65, 54% studies). Furthermore, an upsurge in using neural network-based architectures, mainly CNN and DNN, was observed after 2018. Almost half of the included studies were published between 2021 and 2022).

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Background: This review explores the evolutionary trajectory of navigation assistance tools tailored for the visually impaired, spanning from traditional aids like white canes to contemporary electronic devices. It underlines their pivotal role in fostering safe mobility for visually impaired individuals. Objectives: The primary aim is to categorize and assess the plethora of navigation assistance solutions available. Emphasis is placed on technological advancements, particularly in electronic systems employing sensors, AI, and feedback mechanisms. Furthermore, the review underscores the emerging influence of smartphone-based solutions and navigation satellite systems in augmenting independence and quality of life for the visually impaired. Methods: Navigation assistance solutions are segmented into four key categories: Visual Imagery Systems, Non-Visual Data Systems, Map-Based Solutions, and 3D Sound Systems. The integration of diverse sensors like Ultrasonic Sensors and LiDAR for obstacle detection and real-time feedback is scrutinized. Additionally, the fusion of smartphone technology with sensors to deliver location-based assistance is explored. The review also evaluates the functionality, efficacy, and cost-efficiency of navigation satellite systems. Results: Results indicate a significant evolution in navigation aids, with modern electronic systems proving highly effective in aiding obstacle detection and safe navigation. The convenience and portability of smartphone-based solutions are underscored, along with the potential of navigation satellite systems to enhance navigation assistance. Conclusions: In conclusion, the review advocates for continued innovation and technological integration in navigation tools to empower visually impaired individuals with increased independence and safe access to their surroundings. It accentuates the imperative of ongoing efforts to enhance the quality of life for those with visual impairments through futuristic technological solutions.

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Background: After standard care, 55%-75% of patients after stroke show a persistent paresis of the upper limb (UL). Assistive devices are developed to increase the patients' level of independence in daily life. Objectives: To investigate the potential of Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) to assist object manipulation in activities of daily life. Design: Seventeen patients after stroke were tested and analyzed in a randomized cross-over design. Methods: Functional grasping was assessed by means of the Action Research Arm Test (ARAT) and the modified Box and Block Test (mBBT), in one session with and another without FES assistance. The order of sessions was randomized. Patients' motivation was assessed after each session. Task performance and motivation were compared between conditions using the Wilcoxon test and subgroup analyses were performed for impairment severity by distribution-based mixed-factor analyses. Results: When analyzing the total ARAT, FES did not effectively assist the overall performance (P = .142), but did assist the performance of objects of the Grasp category (P = .020). Impairment severity showed an interaction with the orthotic effect (P = .012), as severely impaired patients profited from FES assistance and mild-moderately impaired did not. When focusing on the more functional items of the ARAT (i.e., excluding scores from thumb-middle and thumb-ring finger combinations), there was a significant orthotic effect of FES on task performance (P = .023). Further, there was an orthotic effect for the number of transported blocks in the mBBT (P = .033), exclusively prominent in the group of severely impaired patients. Functional Electrical Stimulation did not increase the patients' motivation (P = .959), which was high after both conditions. Conclusion: Functional Electrical Stimulation has the potential to support object manipulation, but is dependent on impairment severity and object type. To observe a consistent orthotic effect, features of the stimulator should be further developed to generate appropriate grasps and forces across subjects and objects. Trial Registration: The trial was registered with the German Clinical Trials Register (DRKS00025889).

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BACKGROUND: People with physical disabilities due to disease or injury face barriers to their daily activities and participation in society. Many depend on formal or informal caregivers for assistance to live independently. However, future healthcare challenges due to demographic changes threaten access to home care and assistants. Assistive technologies, such as robots for physical assistance, can support the independence and autonomy of people with physical disabilities. This study explore Norwegian care-receivers' perceptions of using robot assistance in their homes, including preferences for tasks acceptable or unacceptable for robot assistance and the underlying reasons. METHOD: Purposive sampling was employed to recruit 18 participants, aged between 18 and 77 years, with differences in physical function including diagnoses such as stroke, spinal cord injury, amputations, and muscular dystrophy. Qualitative data were gathered through four focus group interviews wherein participants watched videos featuring a humanoid assistive robot, EVEr3. The collected data underwent analysis using reflexive thematic analysis. RESULTS: Three themes with associated sub-themes were constructed: (a) How a robot could assist in daily life, (b) The robot's appearance and functionality, and (c) Concerns about having a robot as an assistant. The participants welcomed the idea of a future robotic assistant in areas that may contribute to an increased feeling of independence and autonomy. CONCLUSION: A robot assisting in activities of daily living would need to be individually customized to meet the needs of each user in terms of which tasks to assist with, how to assist in these defined tasks, and how it is controlled.

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Rehabilitation supports the affected individual and their caregivers in managing the health condition and its associated symptoms, altering the environment to accommodate needs, adapting tasks for safe and independent performance, facilitating self-management, and using assistive devices and technologies. JMIR Rehabilitation and Assistive Technologies focuses on pragmatic yet rigorous and impactful science that reports on the development, implementation, and evaluation of health innovations and interventions as well as emerging technologies in the field of rehabilitation.

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This paper presents an advanced approach for EEG artifact removal and motor imagery classification using a combination of Four Class Iterative Filtering and Filter Bank Common Spatial Pattern Algorithm with a Modified Deep Neural Network (DNN) classifier. The research aims to enhance the accuracy and reliability of BCI systems by addressing the challenges posed by EEG artifacts and complex motor imagery tasks. The methodology begins by introducing FCIF, a novel technique for ocular artifact removal, utilizing iterative filtering and filter banks. FCIF's mathematical formulation allows for effective artifact mitigation, thereby improving the quality of EEG data. In tandem, the FC-FBCSP algorithm is introduced, extending the Filter Bank Common Spatial Pattern approach to handle four-class motor imagery classification. The Modified DNN classifier enhances the discriminatory power of the FC-FBCSP features, optimizing the classification process. The paper showcases a comprehensive experimental setup, featuring the utilization of BCI Competition IV Dataset 2a & 2b. Detailed preprocessing steps, including filtering and feature extraction, are presented with mathematical rigor. Results demonstrate the remarkable artifact removal capabilities of FCIF and the classification prowess of FC-FBCSP combined with the Modified DNN classifier. Comparative analysis highlights the superiority of the proposed approach over baseline methods and the method achieves the mean accuracy of 98.575%.

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Here, we present an effective application of adaptive cooperative networks, namely assisting disables in navigating in a crowd in a pandemic or emergency situation. To achieve this, we model crowd movement and introduce a cooperative learning approach to enable cooperation and self-organization of the crowd members with impaired health or on wheelchairs to ensure their safe movement in the crowd. Here, it is assumed that the movement path and the varying locations of the other crowd members can be estimated by each agent. Therefore, the network nodes (agents) should continuously reorganize themselves by varying their speeds and distances from each other, from the surrounding walls, and from obstacles within a predefined limit. It is also demonstrated how the available wireless trackers such as AirTags can be used for this purpose. The model effectiveness is examined with respect to the real-time changes in environmental parameters and its efficacy is verified.

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PURPOSE: The elderly population faces reduced levels of health and performance, which necessitates the use of rehabilitation assistive technologies to maximize functional independence in daily activities. This study aimed to explain the experiences of the elderly regarding the use of rehabilitation assistive technologies based on the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology. METHODS: The present study was a qualitative study of the type of content analysis that was conducted in the city of Hamadan in 2022. Participants included 20 elderly aged 60 years or above who were selected as a purposive sample and subjected to individual semi-structured in-depth interviews. Data were analyzed using directed qualitative content analysis based on Hsieh and Shannon's approach. Data were coded using MAXQDA software (MAXQDA Analytics Pro 2020, VERBI GmbH Berlin). RESULTS: According to the results, 260 primary codes were extracted, and they were classified into five predetermined categories of the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology, including performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence, facilitating conditions, and behavioral intention, as well as two new categories of technology anxiety and perceived need for technology. After extracting 260 primary codes based on the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology, 75 sub-categories were identified in 14 main categories. CONCLUSION: The themes obtained from the study indicate the necessity of providing the required conditions to maintain the complete independence and health of the elderly and strengthen their morale. The results can be helpful in the development of support strategies for family members, healthcare providers, and policymakers.

Assistive rehabilitation technologies include low-tech assistive technologies.The use of assistive rehabilitation technologies is a potential solution to improve balance, quality of life, and increase activity and functional independence in the elderly.Since peers play a very important role as technology advocates in the intention to accept and use assistive technologies, the expression of the experiences and views of the elderly can encourage and support the use of assistive rehabilitation technologies by other elderly.This study found that the use of assistive rehabilitation technologies by the elderly is a relatively complex issue with various personal, social, economic, cultural and physical aspects.

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The automotive industry is a key manufacturing industry for the Malaysian economy, where manual jobs and task are still common. Hence, Work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WMSD) is a common type of injury among workers. Exoskeleton system has gained global traction as a possible solution to reduce the risk of MSD among workers. Nonetheless, the application of exoskeleton in the automotive industry in Malaysia remains unknown. As such, this study attempts to provide insight into the industry's perception on the potential of exoskeleton application within the context of Malaysian automotive assembly sector. Therefore, a total of 52 management level respondents from various manufacturers participated in this study. It is found that, although the technology seems to be relatively new and disruptive, the respondents have a positive perception towards it with an acceptance rate of 86.5%. Cost of implementation exoskeleton technologies seems to be primary concern from the respondents, other concern such as maintenance cost and ease of application into existing application is also highlighted.

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PURPOSE: To evaluate client satisfaction with prosthetic and orthotic services in Sweden, determine if satisfaction differs between clients using different devices and identify factors which influence client satisfaction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional design was used to survey 7318 clients. The survey included items related to demographics, quality of life, device comfort, device use, the extent to which clients' needs were met and satisfaction with services. Ethics approval was provided by the Swedish Ethical Review Authority. RESULTS: A total of 2925 surveys were returned reflecting a response rate of 41%. Mean OPUS-CSS point score was 61.9(SD 16.8) with differences observed between device categories (p < 0.001). Factors that were identified as most positively influencing client satisfaction were, being a limb prosthesis user and being under 65 years. When analysing scores for individual OPUS items breast prosthesis users scored higher than users of other devices. Clients were most satisfied with the level of respect they were shown by staff (mean = 2.72/3) and less satisfied with coordination of services with other therapists/doctors(mean = 1.88/3). CONCLUSIONS: Prosthetic and orthotic users are reasonably satisfied with the services they receive. Attention should be directed towards understanding why prosthetic users are more satisfied than orthotic users and why clients under 65 years report higher satisfaction scores.

Prosthetic and orthotic clients are generally satisfied with prosthetic and orthotic service delivery.Users of prosthetic limbs are more satisfied than orthosis users.Quality improvement initiatives should prioritise clinicians' clinical communication skills.Issues related to coordination of treatment within multidisciplinary teams need to be addressed.

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Assistive robots have the potential to support independence, enhance safety, and lower healthcare costs for older adults, as well as alleviate the demands of their care partners. However, ensuring that these robots will effectively and reliably address end-user needs in the long term requires user-specific design factors to be considered during the robot development process. To identify these design factors, we embedded Stretch, a mobile manipulator created by Hello Robot Inc., in the home of an older adult with motor impairments and his care partner for four weeks to support them with everyday activities. An occupational therapist and a robotics engineer lived with them during this period, employing an immersive participatory design approach to co-design and customise the robot with them. We highlight the benefits of this immersive participatory design experience and provide insights into robot design that can be applied broadly to other assistive technologies.

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The lack of accessible information conveyed by descriptions of art images presents significant barriers for people with blindness and low vision (BLV) to engage with visual artwork. Most museums are not able to easily provide accessible image descriptions for BLV visitors to build a mental representation of artwork due to vastness of collections, limitations of curator training, and current measures for what constitutes effective automated captions. This paper reports on the results of two studies investigating the types of information that should be included to provide high-quality accessible artwork descriptions based on input from BLV description evaluators. We report on: (1) a qualitative study asking BLV participants for their preferences for layered description characteristics; and (2) an evaluation of several current models for image captioning as applied to an artwork image dataset. We then provide recommendations for researchers working on accessible image captioning and museum engagement applications through a focus on spatial information access strategies.

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Muscle fatigue is a primary risk factor in developing musculoskeletal disorders, which affect up to 93% musicians, especially violinists. Devices providing dynamic assistive support (DAS) to the violin-holding arm can lessen fatigue. The objective was to assess DAS effects on electromyography median frequency and joint kinematics during a fatiguing violin-playing task. Fifteen university-level and professional violinists were equipped with electromyography sensors and reflective markers to record upper-body muscle activity and kinematics. They played G scales with and without DAS until exhaustion. Paired t-tests assessed DAS effects on delta (final-initial) electromyography median frequencies and joint kinematics. DAS prevented the median frequency decrease of left supraspinatus, superior trapezius, and right medial deltoid, and increases in trunk rotation, left-wrist abduction, and right arm-elevation plane. DAS effects on kinematics were marginal due to retention of musical performance despite fatigue. However, DAS reduced fatigue of several muscles, which is promising for injury prevention.Practitioner summary: Violinists are greatly affected by musculoskeletal disorders. Effects of a mobility assistive device on muscle fatigue during violin playing was investigated. The assistive technology slowed down the development of fatigue for three neck/shoulder muscles, making assisted musical performance a promising avenue to prevent violinists' injuries.

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Based on statistics from the WHO and the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness, an estimated 43.3 million people have blindness and 295 million have moderate and severe vision impairment globally as of 2020, statistics expected to increase to 61 million and 474 million respectively by 2050, staggering numbers. Blindness and low vision (BLV) stultify many activities of daily living, as sight is beneficial to most functional tasks. Assistive technologies for persons with blindness and low vision (pBLV) consist of a wide range of aids that work in some way to enhance one's functioning and support independence. Although handheld and head-mounted approaches have been primary foci when building new platforms or devices to support function and mobility, this perspective reviews potential shortcomings of these form factors or embodiments and posits that a body-centered approach may overcome many of these limitations.

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