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Wearable sensors have evolved from body-worn fitness tracking devices to multifunctional, highly integrated, compact, and versatile sensors, which can be mounted onto the desired locations of our clothes or body to continuously monitor our body signals, and better interact and communicate with our surrounding environment or equipment. In this Book, we discuss the latest advances in textile-based and skin-like wearable sensors with a focus on three areas, including (i) personalised health monitoring to facilitate recording physiological signals, body motions, and analysis of body fluids, (ii) smart gloves and prosthetics to realise the sensation of touch and pain, and (iii) assistive technologies to enable disabled people to operate the surrounding motorised equipment using their active organs. We also discuss areas for future research in this emerging field.
Book Synopsis Personalised Health , Smart Prosthetics and Assistive Technologies by : Richard Bell
Download or read book Personalised Health , Smart Prosthetics and Assistive Technologies written by Richard Bell and published by . This book was released on 2021-10-20 with total page 56 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Wearable sensors have evolved from body-worn fitness tracking devices to multifunctional, highly integrated, compact, and versatile sensors, which can be mounted onto the desired locations of our clothes or body to continuously monitor our body signals, and better interact and communicate with our surrounding environment or equipment. In this Book, we discuss the latest advances in textile-based and skin-like wearable sensors with a focus on three areas, including (i) personalised health monitoring to facilitate recording physiological signals, body motions, and analysis of body fluids, (ii) smart gloves and prosthetics to realise the sensation of touch and pain, and (iii) assistive technologies to enable disabled people to operate the surrounding motorised equipment using their active organs. We also discuss areas for future research in this emerging field.
The 2006 conference, "Smart Prosthetics: Exploring Assistive Devices for the Body and Mind," attracted scientists, engineers and medical researchers to participate in a series of task groups to develop research plans to address various challenges within the prosthetics field. Eleven conference task groups gave the participants eight hours to develop new research approaches to various challenges, including: build a smart prosthesis that will grow with a child; develop a smart prosthetic that can learn better and/or faster; refine technologies to create active orthotic devices; and describe a framework for replacing damaged cortical tissue and fostering circuit integration to restore neurological function. Representatives from public and private funding organizations, government, industry, and the science media also participated in the task groups. This book provides a summary of the conference task groups. For more information about the conference, visit the Smart Prosthetics conference site. The National Academies Keck Futures Initiative was launched in 2003 to stimulate new modes of scientific inquiry and break down the conceptual and institutional barriers to interdisciplinary research. The National Academies and the W.M. Keck Foundation believe considerable scientific progress and social benefit will be achieved by providing a counterbalance to the tendency to isolate research within academic fields. The Futures Initiative is designed to enable researchers from different disciplines to focus on new questions upon which they can base entirely new research, and to encourage better communication between scientists as well as between the scientific community and the public. Funded by a $40 million grant from the W.M. Keck Foundation, the National Academies Keck Futures Initiative is a 15-year effort to catalyze interdisciplinary inquiry and to enhance communication among researchers, funding agencies, universities, and the general public with the object of stimulating interdisciplinary research at the most exciting frontiers. The Futures Initiative builds on three pillars of vital and sustained research: interdisciplinary encounters that counterbalance specialization and isolation; the identification and exploration of new research topics; and communication that bridges languages, cultures, habits of thought, and institutions. Toward these goals, the National Academies Keck Futures Initiative incorporates three core activities each year: Futures conferences, Futures grants, and National Academies Communication Awards. For more information about the Initiative, visit www.keckfutures.org.
Book Synopsis Smart Prosthetics by : The National Academies
Download or read book Smart Prosthetics written by The National Academies and published by National Academies Press. This book was released on 2007-04-08 with total page 140 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The 2006 conference, "Smart Prosthetics: Exploring Assistive Devices for the Body and Mind," attracted scientists, engineers and medical researchers to participate in a series of task groups to develop research plans to address various challenges within the prosthetics field. Eleven conference task groups gave the participants eight hours to develop new research approaches to various challenges, including: build a smart prosthesis that will grow with a child; develop a smart prosthetic that can learn better and/or faster; refine technologies to create active orthotic devices; and describe a framework for replacing damaged cortical tissue and fostering circuit integration to restore neurological function. Representatives from public and private funding organizations, government, industry, and the science media also participated in the task groups. This book provides a summary of the conference task groups. For more information about the conference, visit the Smart Prosthetics conference site. The National Academies Keck Futures Initiative was launched in 2003 to stimulate new modes of scientific inquiry and break down the conceptual and institutional barriers to interdisciplinary research. The National Academies and the W.M. Keck Foundation believe considerable scientific progress and social benefit will be achieved by providing a counterbalance to the tendency to isolate research within academic fields. The Futures Initiative is designed to enable researchers from different disciplines to focus on new questions upon which they can base entirely new research, and to encourage better communication between scientists as well as between the scientific community and the public. Funded by a $40 million grant from the W.M. Keck Foundation, the National Academies Keck Futures Initiative is a 15-year effort to catalyze interdisciplinary inquiry and to enhance communication among researchers, funding agencies, universities, and the general public with the object of stimulating interdisciplinary research at the most exciting frontiers. The Futures Initiative builds on three pillars of vital and sustained research: interdisciplinary encounters that counterbalance specialization and isolation; the identification and exploration of new research topics; and communication that bridges languages, cultures, habits of thought, and institutions. Toward these goals, the National Academies Keck Futures Initiative incorporates three core activities each year: Futures conferences, Futures grants, and National Academies Communication Awards. For more information about the Initiative, visit www.keckfutures.org.
The future of disability in America will depend on how well the U.S. prepares for and manages the demographic, fiscal, and technological developments that will unfold during the next two to three decades. Building upon two prior studies from the Institute of Medicine (the 1991 Institute of Medicine's report Disability in America and the 1997 report Enabling America), The Future of Disability in America examines both progress and concerns about continuing barriers that limit the independence, productivity, and participation in community life of people with disabilities. This book offers a comprehensive look at a wide range of issues, including the prevalence of disability across the lifespan; disability trends the role of assistive technology; barriers posed by health care and other facilities with inaccessible buildings, equipment, and information formats; the needs of young people moving from pediatric to adult health care and of adults experiencing premature aging and secondary health problems; selected issues in health care financing (e.g., risk adjusting payments to health plans, coverage of assistive technology); and the organizing and financing of disability-related research. The Future of Disability in America is an assessment of both principles and scientific evidence for disability policies and services. This book's recommendations propose steps to eliminate barriers and strengthen the evidence base for future public and private actions to reduce the impact of disability on individuals, families, and society.
Book Synopsis The Future of Disability in America by : Institute of Medicine
Download or read book The Future of Disability in America written by Institute of Medicine and published by National Academies Press. This book was released on 2007-10-24 with total page 619 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The future of disability in America will depend on how well the U.S. prepares for and manages the demographic, fiscal, and technological developments that will unfold during the next two to three decades. Building upon two prior studies from the Institute of Medicine (the 1991 Institute of Medicine's report Disability in America and the 1997 report Enabling America), The Future of Disability in America examines both progress and concerns about continuing barriers that limit the independence, productivity, and participation in community life of people with disabilities. This book offers a comprehensive look at a wide range of issues, including the prevalence of disability across the lifespan; disability trends the role of assistive technology; barriers posed by health care and other facilities with inaccessible buildings, equipment, and information formats; the needs of young people moving from pediatric to adult health care and of adults experiencing premature aging and secondary health problems; selected issues in health care financing (e.g., risk adjusting payments to health plans, coverage of assistive technology); and the organizing and financing of disability-related research. The Future of Disability in America is an assessment of both principles and scientific evidence for disability policies and services. This book's recommendations propose steps to eliminate barriers and strengthen the evidence base for future public and private actions to reduce the impact of disability on individuals, families, and society.
Volume numbers determined from Scope of the guidelines, p. 12-13.
Book Synopsis Community-based Rehabilitation by : World Health Organization
Download or read book Community-based Rehabilitation written by World Health Organization and published by . This book was released on 2010 with total page 452 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Volume numbers determined from Scope of the guidelines, p. 12-13.
Wearable electronics that can be seamlessly integrated into clothing, onto skin, or inside the body, can enable a variety of novel applications within healthcare monitoring, biosensing, biomedical devices and the internet of things. Seamless integration requires matching of the mechanical properties of the electronics to clothing, skin, and tissues, i.e., the electronics need to be soft, flexible, and stretchable. One approach to achieve this is to make all or most components of a device stretchable in themselves by developing functional intrinsically stretchable composites. Such composites are typically based on a filler, which provides electronic or other functionality, and an elastomer matrix, which provides the mechanical properties of the composites. Manufacturing of intrinsically stretchable electronics is challenging and often involve time consuming and tedious fabrication procedures of low throughput, based on chemically harmful monomers and solvents. An alternative approach, printing of electronics, has experienced a boom in the past decade, recently even for stretchable applications. However, despite its appeal, stretchable printed electronic products have yet to reach the consumer market in larger numbers. Screen printing is a versatile printing method that is cost-effective, scalable, can be tailored to use harmless solvents with little waste, and can be made environmentally friendly by careful choice of materials. Furthermore, some applications of stretchable technology – such as implants and on-skin electronics – require conductors that are stable under humid, corrosive, or polluted conditions, which puts even more weight into choices of ink components. In paper I, we protected readily available conducting silver flakes through a thin coating with gold in a low-toxicity water-based process and demonstrated its use in inks for screen printed corrosion-resistant stretchable conductors. The novel silver-gold flake ink was used to fabricate a functional stretchable near-field communication device. Papers II and III both concern entirely screen printed and inherently stretchable devices, utilizing novel stretchable inks in combination with commercial inks to print vertical stacks. Two electrochemical devices – electrochromic displays and organic electrochemical transistors – were printed and tested under stretched conditions to push the limits of how screen printing can be used in applications for thin and stretchable wearable technology. The results show that the devices can retain electrical function even under practically high strains of 50 % (display) and 100 % (transistor). Finally, in paper IV, we investigate the operational principle of gold nanowire- based stretchable composites and find that interactions on the nano-and microscale differ between composites using the same filler but different elastomers. This study sheds light on the importance of the type of elastomer chosen for composites, as this heavily influences the composite’s electrical performance under strain. Altogether, the studies presented in this thesis provide knowledge, materials, and processes that in the long run can contribute to more effective devices within healthcare and other wearable electronics applications.
Book Synopsis Screen Printed Stretchable Electronics by : Ulrika Boda
Download or read book Screen Printed Stretchable Electronics written by Ulrika Boda and published by Linköping University Electronic Press. This book was released on 2023-02-03 with total page 96 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Wearable electronics that can be seamlessly integrated into clothing, onto skin, or inside the body, can enable a variety of novel applications within healthcare monitoring, biosensing, biomedical devices and the internet of things. Seamless integration requires matching of the mechanical properties of the electronics to clothing, skin, and tissues, i.e., the electronics need to be soft, flexible, and stretchable. One approach to achieve this is to make all or most components of a device stretchable in themselves by developing functional intrinsically stretchable composites. Such composites are typically based on a filler, which provides electronic or other functionality, and an elastomer matrix, which provides the mechanical properties of the composites. Manufacturing of intrinsically stretchable electronics is challenging and often involve time consuming and tedious fabrication procedures of low throughput, based on chemically harmful monomers and solvents. An alternative approach, printing of electronics, has experienced a boom in the past decade, recently even for stretchable applications. However, despite its appeal, stretchable printed electronic products have yet to reach the consumer market in larger numbers. Screen printing is a versatile printing method that is cost-effective, scalable, can be tailored to use harmless solvents with little waste, and can be made environmentally friendly by careful choice of materials. Furthermore, some applications of stretchable technology – such as implants and on-skin electronics – require conductors that are stable under humid, corrosive, or polluted conditions, which puts even more weight into choices of ink components. In paper I, we protected readily available conducting silver flakes through a thin coating with gold in a low-toxicity water-based process and demonstrated its use in inks for screen printed corrosion-resistant stretchable conductors. The novel silver-gold flake ink was used to fabricate a functional stretchable near-field communication device. Papers II and III both concern entirely screen printed and inherently stretchable devices, utilizing novel stretchable inks in combination with commercial inks to print vertical stacks. Two electrochemical devices – electrochromic displays and organic electrochemical transistors – were printed and tested under stretched conditions to push the limits of how screen printing can be used in applications for thin and stretchable wearable technology. The results show that the devices can retain electrical function even under practically high strains of 50 % (display) and 100 % (transistor). Finally, in paper IV, we investigate the operational principle of gold nanowire- based stretchable composites and find that interactions on the nano-and microscale differ between composites using the same filler but different elastomers. This study sheds light on the importance of the type of elastomer chosen for composites, as this heavily influences the composite’s electrical performance under strain. Altogether, the studies presented in this thesis provide knowledge, materials, and processes that in the long run can contribute to more effective devices within healthcare and other wearable electronics applications.
Biosensors in Precision Medicine: From Fundamentals to Future Trends covers important topics regarding biomarkers, including biomarker discovery, validation, application in precision medicine, the principles of biosensors, their use in precision medicine, important analytical parameters, recent advances in bioreceptors and transduction, and more. Finally, the hottest trends of biosensors in precision medicine, including lab-on-a-chip and wearable devices, advances towards telemedicine, machine learning, artificial intelligence and the commerciality of these devices are discussed. Provides a timely review of the state-of-the-art developments in biosensors and their applications in precision medicine Presents an evaluation of case studies, along with real-life examples Addresses recent trends on biosensors for precision medicine
Book Synopsis Biosensors in Precision Medicine by : Laís Canniatti Brazaca
Download or read book Biosensors in Precision Medicine written by Laís Canniatti Brazaca and published by Elsevier. This book was released on 2024-02-13 with total page 409 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Biosensors in Precision Medicine: From Fundamentals to Future Trends covers important topics regarding biomarkers, including biomarker discovery, validation, application in precision medicine, the principles of biosensors, their use in precision medicine, important analytical parameters, recent advances in bioreceptors and transduction, and more. Finally, the hottest trends of biosensors in precision medicine, including lab-on-a-chip and wearable devices, advances towards telemedicine, machine learning, artificial intelligence and the commerciality of these devices are discussed. Provides a timely review of the state-of-the-art developments in biosensors and their applications in precision medicine Presents an evaluation of case studies, along with real-life examples Addresses recent trends on biosensors for precision medicine
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is reshaping our urban landscapes and healthcare systems. From enhancing efficiency in smart cities to delivering personalized healthcare solutions, AI holds the key to a transformative future. Comprising seven insightful chapters, this book offers a comprehensive overview of key topics shaping the future of healthcare systems and smart cities. This book is a combination of the smart healthcare system and the intelligent transportation system based on AI. From telemedicine’s global accessibility to the application of data-mining techniques in predicting cardiac diseases and detecting anti-malaria drug resistance, each chapter presents cutting-edge research and practical applications. Furthermore, this book explores the integration of advanced AI technologies into healthcare systems, paving the way for cost-effective solutions and innovative approaches. It also delves into the challenges associated with analyzing electroencephalogram data and predicting anxiety and depression among elderly patients, offering promising solutions and insights. This book discusses the realms of smart cities and healthcare, where AI promises to revolutionize efficiency, sustainability, and personalized care delivery. Researchers/scholars and graduate students at universities/research institutes and research engineers in computer science, transportation, and engineering industries will find this book beneficial.
Book Synopsis Leveraging the Potential of Artificial Intelligence in the Real World by : Tien Anh Tran
Download or read book Leveraging the Potential of Artificial Intelligence in the Real World written by Tien Anh Tran and published by CRC Press. This book was released on 2024-10-04 with total page 144 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Artificial Intelligence (AI) is reshaping our urban landscapes and healthcare systems. From enhancing efficiency in smart cities to delivering personalized healthcare solutions, AI holds the key to a transformative future. Comprising seven insightful chapters, this book offers a comprehensive overview of key topics shaping the future of healthcare systems and smart cities. This book is a combination of the smart healthcare system and the intelligent transportation system based on AI. From telemedicine’s global accessibility to the application of data-mining techniques in predicting cardiac diseases and detecting anti-malaria drug resistance, each chapter presents cutting-edge research and practical applications. Furthermore, this book explores the integration of advanced AI technologies into healthcare systems, paving the way for cost-effective solutions and innovative approaches. It also delves into the challenges associated with analyzing electroencephalogram data and predicting anxiety and depression among elderly patients, offering promising solutions and insights. This book discusses the realms of smart cities and healthcare, where AI promises to revolutionize efficiency, sustainability, and personalized care delivery. Researchers/scholars and graduate students at universities/research institutes and research engineers in computer science, transportation, and engineering industries will find this book beneficial.
This book aims at exposing its readers to some of the most significant advances in assistive technologies. Assistive technologies develop devices to assist vulnerable people, including elderly people, people with cognitive disabilities such as memory problems or dementia, and people with functional disabilities such as those needing support in toileting, moving around, eating, bathing, dressing, grooming, and taking personal care. The ever-increasing life expectancy and world population, along with the emergence of new diseases and the regrettable continuation of armed conflicts, press for development and availability of assistive technologies that offer people in need the opportunity to live secure and controlled lives with more active participation in society and at a reduced assistive cost. This task can be accomplished only with more advanced devices than traditional-powered wheelchairs or eating/drinking devices, including prosthetics, exoskeletons, visual and hearing aids, cognitive aids, and devices enhanced with artificial intelligence. The book consists of an editorial note and an additional twelve (12) chapters, all of which have been written by authors who work on the corresponding chapter theme and are recognized for their significant research contributions. In more detail, the chapters in the book are organized into four parts, namely (i) Advances in Assistive Technologies in Healthcare, (ii) Advances in Assistive Technologies in Medical Diagnosis, (iii) Advances in Assistive Technologies in Mobility and Navigation, and (iv) Advances in Privacy and Explainability in Assistive Technologies. This research book is directed towards professors, researchers, scientists, engineers, and students in assistive technologies. It is also directed towards readers who come from other disciplines and is interested in becoming versed in some of the most recent assistive technologies. An extensive list of bibliographic references at the end of each chapter guides its readers to probe further into the application areas of interest to them.
Book Synopsis Advances in Assistive Technologies by : George A. Tsihrintzis
Download or read book Advances in Assistive Technologies written by George A. Tsihrintzis and published by Springer. This book was released on 2021-12-02 with total page 309 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book aims at exposing its readers to some of the most significant advances in assistive technologies. Assistive technologies develop devices to assist vulnerable people, including elderly people, people with cognitive disabilities such as memory problems or dementia, and people with functional disabilities such as those needing support in toileting, moving around, eating, bathing, dressing, grooming, and taking personal care. The ever-increasing life expectancy and world population, along with the emergence of new diseases and the regrettable continuation of armed conflicts, press for development and availability of assistive technologies that offer people in need the opportunity to live secure and controlled lives with more active participation in society and at a reduced assistive cost. This task can be accomplished only with more advanced devices than traditional-powered wheelchairs or eating/drinking devices, including prosthetics, exoskeletons, visual and hearing aids, cognitive aids, and devices enhanced with artificial intelligence. The book consists of an editorial note and an additional twelve (12) chapters, all of which have been written by authors who work on the corresponding chapter theme and are recognized for their significant research contributions. In more detail, the chapters in the book are organized into four parts, namely (i) Advances in Assistive Technologies in Healthcare, (ii) Advances in Assistive Technologies in Medical Diagnosis, (iii) Advances in Assistive Technologies in Mobility and Navigation, and (iv) Advances in Privacy and Explainability in Assistive Technologies. This research book is directed towards professors, researchers, scientists, engineers, and students in assistive technologies. It is also directed towards readers who come from other disciplines and is interested in becoming versed in some of the most recent assistive technologies. An extensive list of bibliographic references at the end of each chapter guides its readers to probe further into the application areas of interest to them.
With emerging biological threats from pathogenic microorganisms and increasing environmental pollutants, it is essential to ensure the safety needs of individuals and the ecosystem are met. Modern materials science and engineering has evolved over the years to better develop devices to test abnormalities. Affordability, accessibility, and reliability of any analytical system is the prime necessity for a modern diagnostic application. Health and Environmental Applications of Biosensing Technologies: Clinical and Allied Health Science Perspective presents a detailed overview on biosensor design systems and optimal fabrication technologies to create a greater impact on various industries and help organizations break existing performance tradeoffs to deploy biosensor technologies across inter/transdisciplinary businesses. The book presents novel and emerging trends in biosensor design and healthcare applications focused on API detection, communicable/non-communicable disease diagnosis, food quality monitoring, agro-environmental analysis, bio-defense, and industrial pollutant sensing. In addition, wearable biosensors, commercial products, and safety regulations for biosensing technologies are summarized. Provides a fundamental understanding on biosensor system design, biomarkers for communicable/non-communicable diseases, and bioreceptor immobilization techniques Integrates information covering biosensing technologies for clinical diagnosis, API detection, industrial/environmental monitoring, agro-livestock healthcare, and disease control Provides information on principles, advanced trends, and approaches for wearable biosensors Covers market trends with biosensing technologies/products and their commercial challenges
Book Synopsis Health and Environmental Applications of Biosensing Technologies by : Murugan Veerapandian
Download or read book Health and Environmental Applications of Biosensing Technologies written by Murugan Veerapandian and published by Elsevier. This book was released on 2023-10-13 with total page 480 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: With emerging biological threats from pathogenic microorganisms and increasing environmental pollutants, it is essential to ensure the safety needs of individuals and the ecosystem are met. Modern materials science and engineering has evolved over the years to better develop devices to test abnormalities. Affordability, accessibility, and reliability of any analytical system is the prime necessity for a modern diagnostic application. Health and Environmental Applications of Biosensing Technologies: Clinical and Allied Health Science Perspective presents a detailed overview on biosensor design systems and optimal fabrication technologies to create a greater impact on various industries and help organizations break existing performance tradeoffs to deploy biosensor technologies across inter/transdisciplinary businesses. The book presents novel and emerging trends in biosensor design and healthcare applications focused on API detection, communicable/non-communicable disease diagnosis, food quality monitoring, agro-environmental analysis, bio-defense, and industrial pollutant sensing. In addition, wearable biosensors, commercial products, and safety regulations for biosensing technologies are summarized. Provides a fundamental understanding on biosensor system design, biomarkers for communicable/non-communicable diseases, and bioreceptor immobilization techniques Integrates information covering biosensing technologies for clinical diagnosis, API detection, industrial/environmental monitoring, agro-livestock healthcare, and disease control Provides information on principles, advanced trends, and approaches for wearable biosensors Covers market trends with biosensing technologies/products and their commercial challenges
The U.S. Census Bureau has reported that 56.7 million Americans had some type of disability in 2010, which represents 18.7 percent of the civilian noninstitutionalized population included in the 2010 Survey of Income and Program Participation. The U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA) provides disability benefits through the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program and the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program. As of December 2015, approximately 11 million individuals were SSDI beneficiaries, and about 8 million were SSI beneficiaries. SSA currently considers assistive devices in the nonmedical and medical areas of its program guidelines. During determinations of substantial gainful activity and income eligibility for SSI benefits, the reasonable cost of items, devices, or services applicants need to enable them to work with their impairment is subtracted from eligible earnings, even if those items or services are used for activities of daily living in addition to work. In addition, SSA considers assistive devices in its medical disability determination process and assessment of work capacity. The Promise of Assistive Technology to Enhance Activity and Work Participation provides an analysis of selected assistive products and technologies, including wheeled and seated mobility devices, upper-extremity prostheses, and products and technologies selected by the committee that pertain to hearing and to communication and speech in adults.
Book Synopsis The Promise of Assistive Technology to Enhance Activity and Work Participation by : National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine
Download or read book The Promise of Assistive Technology to Enhance Activity and Work Participation written by National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine and published by National Academies Press. This book was released on 2017-09-01 with total page 503 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The U.S. Census Bureau has reported that 56.7 million Americans had some type of disability in 2010, which represents 18.7 percent of the civilian noninstitutionalized population included in the 2010 Survey of Income and Program Participation. The U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA) provides disability benefits through the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program and the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program. As of December 2015, approximately 11 million individuals were SSDI beneficiaries, and about 8 million were SSI beneficiaries. SSA currently considers assistive devices in the nonmedical and medical areas of its program guidelines. During determinations of substantial gainful activity and income eligibility for SSI benefits, the reasonable cost of items, devices, or services applicants need to enable them to work with their impairment is subtracted from eligible earnings, even if those items or services are used for activities of daily living in addition to work. In addition, SSA considers assistive devices in its medical disability determination process and assessment of work capacity. The Promise of Assistive Technology to Enhance Activity and Work Participation provides an analysis of selected assistive products and technologies, including wheeled and seated mobility devices, upper-extremity prostheses, and products and technologies selected by the committee that pertain to hearing and to communication and speech in adults.
