Casa Satellite: Pilot Study for a Smart Home for People with Down Syndrome

Abstract

People with Down syndrome have a wide range of capabilities but generally need support to achieve their potential. Some require very little, while others need a high level of support. Most people with Down syndrome work and lead full lives as productive and respected members of their communities. The research group investigated the opportunity of a smart apartment home equipped with assistive devices for supporting young people with Down syndrome in specific activities of daily living (ADLs) to improve their quality of life and independent living. The participants were three young people with Down syndrome who needed different levels of support. Using an assessment grid based on a 5-point intensity scale divided according to type of support needed, the researchers conducted a pilot study to verify improvements in the quality of performance of five ADLs without and with assistive devices. The results showed trends of improvement in two of the five ADLs investigated both without and with assistive devices. A larger controlled study would confirm the efficacy of this promising training apartment.