Creating Distributed Support Systems to Enhance the Quality of Life for People with Cognitive Disabilities

This paper presents an envisioned use of pervasive computing to enhance the quality of life for people with cognitive disabilities and their caregivers. We briefly describe common circumstances that prevent people with cognitive disabilities from achieving the level of independence they desire. We then present a model of distributed support that can help people to safely live more independent and integrated lives. We conclude by describing the MAPS-LifeLine prototype, which shows how pervasive computing environments can be utilized to provide such support. 1 Using of pervasive computing in healthcare It is our view that the central goal of healthcare is to preserve and increase the quality of life for both the patient and their circle of supporters. Environments enhanced with pervasive and ubiquitous computational resources can encourage individual independence while affording the delivery of medical and daily living support in the most appropriate, unobtrusive, and effective manner possible. We envision leveraging emerging ubiquitous computing technologies to support a more integrated, independent, and secure life for people with cognitive disabilities (hereinafter referred to as “clients”) and their caregivers.