Communication

Communication challenges are common in the assisted living (AL) community. Means of communicating a lot of us take for granted require adaptations to work for many people with disabilities. From telephones to keyboards, radios to computer monitors, information transmitting devices require designs specific to the needs of people with limited hearing, vision, speech, or body control.

Part of CALI's mission is to evaluate the appropriateness and effectiveness of existing communication products for use within the AL community, and to encourage innovative new designs that specifically address the needs of AL consumers.

Control Interfaces

Many in the AL community require special interfaces and controls to use most devices and appliances. The assistive technology industry produces thousands of products, many of which are special switches that can be operated by head motions, breath, voice, even vision. Opportunities for research in this area include establishing evaluation criteria, developing quality standards, and creating more widely applicable, integrated solutions from a sea of highly specialized products.