A groundbreaking study by the University of the Sunshine Coast (UniSC) is exploring how smart home technologies can be better integrated to enhance the independence of Australians with spinal cord and brain injuries.
The two-year project, led by Associate Professor in Occupational Therapy Dr Michele Verdonck, has secured over $150,000 in funding from the National Injury Insurance Scheme Queensland (NIISQ). It aims to identify ways to merge specialist assistive technologies with mainstream smart devices like voice-controlled personal assistants, automated door openers, and health monitoring sensors.
Addressing Integration Challenges
Dr Verdonck highlighted the growing availability of smart technology but noted significant barriers to its seamless integration for people with disabilities.
“While people with disabilities use both assistive and mainstream home technologies, there are no best-practice standards or guidelines for combining them effectively. This can make the process challenging and complicates access to funding, particularly with bodies like the NDIS no longer funding devices deemed lifestyle-related,” she said.
The study will involve people with disabilities as both participants and researchers, ensuring the project is guided by lived experiences.
Inclusive Research and Collaboration
The research team includes experts from various fields, including Professor Jacquie Ripat from Canada and UniSC academics in health economics, nursing, and public health. The project also benefits from a “community of practice” involving individuals with disabilities, families, occupational therapists, engineers, and equipment suppliers.
“This study is driven by the desire of people with disabilities to share insights and learn from each other,” Dr Verdonck said. “Many who have successfully adapted technology want to help others navigate their options, especially those who are newly injured.”
NIISQ General Manager Gaenor Walker emphasised the project’s significance in improving quality of life for assistive technology users.
“By understanding the features and benefits of these technologies, we aim to enable greater independence and wellbeing for people living with spinal cord and brain injuries,” Ms Walker said.
Real-Life Impact
Joanna Fowler, a former teacher who became a quadriplegic in 2010, has joined the study as both a research assistant and participant. Fowler has been using a range of technologies to enhance her independence, from screen mounts and styluses to smart home automation systems like Google and Alexa.
“Voice control has been transformative,” Ms Fowler said. “It lets me manage things like curtains, lights, and doors. This technology has given me a level of independence I couldn’t have imagined 10 years ago.”
Fowler hopes the study will encourage others to embrace new technologies and realise their potential for greater freedom.
Guiding the Future
The research ultimately aims to establish guidelines for creating technology-enabled homes that are accessible and empowering for people with disabilities.
“This is about more than just devices,” Dr Verdonck said. “It’s about building confidence, independence, and a better quality of life for people navigating the challenges of disability.”