Growing ranks of researchers on the spectrum are overcoming barriers—from neurotypical bias to sensory sensitivities—to shape autism science.
Meet the Autistic Scientists Redefining Autism Research
Tag Archives: research
The business case for inclusive design: The Big Hack study findings
Our latest study looks at how much businesses are missing out by not developing accessible websites, apps, and products. It is part of our broader research into how inclusive design affects how disabled people choose to spend their money.
Sight-Impaired People Want to use Technology but are Excluded by Cost and Accessibility
Since the advent of home broadband, smartphones and other internet-enabled devices, there has been a shift in how we communicate with each other. The internet has certainly made many aspects of life easier, but for those with a disability, digital exclusion is still a real problem.
1 in 4 U.S. Adults Has a Disability
New government research finds 61 million U.S. adults – about 1 in 4 Americans – have a disability that impacts a major part of their life.
The History of Disability Was To Hide It, But Waltham Students Bring It To Light
There were no tests on the syllabus. There was no homework, per se. In this unique course at Gann Academy in Waltham, the task was to create a museum-worthy exhibit on the history of people with disabilities in America.
Meet the researcher building robots to help disabled people travel safer
Prof Aaron Steinfeld of Carnegie Mellon University’s Robotics Institute is working on building robots that could one day help disabled people navigate major transport hubs.
Research In Focus: A Weekly Digest of New Research from the NIDILRR Community
One-Size May Not Fit All: Wheelchair and Scooter Users Compare the Usability of Different Public Bus Layouts.
National Center for Technology Innovation (NCTI)
NCTI advances learning opportunities for individuals with disabilities by fostering technology innovation. Specifically, we help researchers, product developers, manufacturers and publishers to create and commercialize products of value to students with special needs.
CAPABLE Study to Research Benefits of Aging in Place
Johns Hopkin’s CAPABLE study is reaching out to 800 low-income residents of Baltimore to gather data on whether simple interventions can allow people to remain in their homes longer. The CAPABLE project – which stands for Community Aging in Place, Advancing Better Living for Elders – was created by Sarah Szanton, a faculty member at the Johns Hopkins School of Nursing, and focuses on simple home modifications and strategies for completing activities of daily living.
The research project will bring handymen, occupational therapists and nurses to residents’ homes in order to investigate their needs and create custom interventions. The cost is about $4,000 per participant, while the average cost for nursing home care in the U.S. is $6,700 a month. Keeping people in their homes longer can have huge economic benefit and healthcare benefits, which is why the study is being funded by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services along with the National Institutes of Health.
Meet MIT AgeLab’s A.G.N.E.S
Ever met a youngster who complains more than an elderly person? The Age Lab at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology has created a unique suit called “Age Gain Now Empathy System” (AGNES) that gives the wearer an idea of what it might feel like to be limited in everyday tasks that may be taken for granted. Outings like going to the grocery store or even traversing up the stairs can be quite a different experience when you’re a senior, and the A.G.N.E.S. will allow researchers to learn more about this.
The device has bungee cords that compress the spine, shoes that are covered in foam to affect balance, bands on the arms and legs that reduce the range of motion in these limbs, and goggles that offer similar vision loss to that of a senior.
The overall goal of the suit system is to help researchers learn more about the challenges that some of the elderly community faces, more specifically when trying to age-in-place and drive safely.