Overview 

Internet of Things (IoT) devices, such as smart thermostats, lightbulbs, and door locks, have great potential to support independent activity performance among people aging with disabilities. From selecting the appropriate device, to installing it, to configuring it to meet your needs, these devices can be challenging to use and often require extensive information technology expertise. Meanwhile, increasingly available consumer augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) technologies can enable individuals to experience how IoT devices function and are used within the context of one’s own abilities and home. In this project, we will develop and test a series of AR and VR tools to help people aging with long-term disabilities select, install, use, and adapt connected home technology systems for their specific needs and environments. Such tools could provide potential users with an effective means of overcoming barriers to adoption, acceptance, and utilization of IoT devices to support aging-in-place.