Domotics for the Independence and Participation in Daily Life of People with Severe Disabilities

Abstract

Domotics improves quality of life of people with disabilities. Maintaining independence and participation in daily life is the main goal in inclusive projects, starting with rehabilitative interventions. Complex technological systems tailored to conditions and life style of individuals with disabilities can be implemented through open source technology. This case report discusses the design features and results of domotic projects aimed at promoting independence and participation in daily life of people with severe disabilities. Crucial factors for the success of the projects were: customization of the system according to the needs of end users and its adaptation during the progression of the disease; relevance of social connections with respect to the use of technology by the individual; potential interference of unpredictable events that could compromise the user’s technological experience. This field of technological application is full of opportunities but still needs proofs of effectiveness. Individualized projects require a lot of technical attention and human care, even in the subsequent stages of implementation. The numerous criticalities that could undermine the success of systems of this type must be addressed by appropriately considering individual cases, the use of resources and the technological intensity of the projects.