Insights into the Impact of Implementing a Smart House on Special Needs People in the UAE

Abstract

One of the benefits of smart houses is empowering the special needs in their daily life. There is clear effort in helping special needs live independently yet it's not widely implemented in the UAE. This study aimed to give insight into the efforts of supporting their daily activities regarding health, security and time-efficiency. It investigated and identified the impact of implementing smart environments to overcome disabled people's struggles and obstacles in their ADLs. This research used three data collection techniques; survey, questionnaire and interview. Using these techniques, it's clear that smart homes are useful for special needs in many aspects. The main result of the research was its time efficient; but based on the task and experience. The privacy and security level(s) depend on the family and the individual's condition, it can serve their health needs per their health condition. The effects of smart homes might permanently change the living styles of special needs people in the Emirati culture.ADL covers a broad range of living functions in any house, like using the telephone, preparing meals and drinks, watching TV, going to sleep, wearing clothes and many other simple activities. The goal is to find out how much time does it take for special needs to finish common activities in a smart home. To see if smart houses support shortening the time to finish an activity, especially for people with disabilities.