Development of a Behavioral Intervention With Socially Assistive Robots to Enhance Magnification Device Use for Reading

Summary

The aims of this exploratory research project are to customize, deploy and evaluate the preliminary efficacy of a socially assistive robot as a novel approach to motivate and encourage optimal, long-term use of new magnification devices for reading in individuals with vision loss. The goals are to promote patient acceptance, adherence and skills reinforcement to achieve proficiency in the use of the magnifier, in order to attempt to reduce visual disability while performing important daily activities, such as reading tasks. This is a high priority given the increasing prevalence of low vision, paucity of low vision rehabilitation providers, and barriers related to access to care, such as transportation and geography, all of which motivate the development of this complementary approach for the provision of additional support at home by the socially assistive robot.

Eligibility

Age range

18+ years

Sex

All

Healthy volunteers

No

Interventions

• Behavioral
  Socially Assistive Robot for Low Vision Rehabilitation

  A socially assistive robot will be customized to engage in dialog and conversations to motivate and encourage optimal use of new magnification devices for reading at home by individuals with vision loss.

Location