Christina Garcia, Nhat Tan Le, Taihei Fujioka
et al.
This paper presents an overview of the Recognize the Unseen: Unusual Behavior Recognition from Pose Data Challenge, hosted at ISAS 2025. The challenge aims to address the critical need for automated recognition of unusual behaviors in facilities for individuals with developmental disabilities using non-invasive pose estimation data. Participating teams were tasked with distinguishing between normal and unusual activities based on skeleton keypoints extracted from video recordings of simulated scenarios. The dataset reflects real-world imbalance and temporal irregularities in behavior, and the evaluation adopted a Leave-One-Subject-Out (LOSO) strategy to ensure subject-agnostic generalization. The challenge attracted broad participation from 40 teams applying diverse approaches ranging from classical machine learning to deep learning architectures. Submissions were assessed primarily using macro-averaged F1 scores to account for class imbalance. The results highlight the difficulty of modeling rare, abrupt actions in noisy, low-dimensional data, and emphasize the importance of capturing both temporal and contextual nuances in behavior modeling. Insights from this challenge may contribute to future developments in socially responsible AI applications for healthcare and behavior monitoring.
Current medical retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) approaches overlook evidence-based medicine (EBM) principles, leading to two key gaps: (1) the lack of PICO alignment between queries and retrieved evidence, and (2) the absence of evidence hierarchy considerations during reranking. We present SR-RAG, an EBM-adapted GraphRAG framework that integrates the PICO framework into knowledge graph construction and retrieval, and proposes Bayesian Evidence Tier Reranking (BETR) to calibrate ranking scores by evidence grade without predefined weights. Validated in sports rehabilitation, we release a knowledge graph (357,844 nodes, 371,226 edges) and a benchmark of 1,637 QA pairs. SR-RAG achieves 0.812 evidence recall@10, 0.830 nugget coverage, 0.819 answer faithfulness, 0.882 semantic similarity, and 0.788 PICOT match accuracy, substantially outperforming five baselines. Five expert clinicians rated the system 4.66--4.84 on a 5-point Likert scale, and system rankings are preserved on a human-verified gold subset (n=80).
Background Autistic individuals face challenges in obtaining and retaining employment due to autism-related characteristics and workplace barriers. Assistive technologies (ATs) offer potential solutions but show gaps in practical application. Objectives This scoping review explores the types, characteristics, and effectiveness of ATs used in employment by autistic individuals. It also investigates the involvement of professionals from different fields in AT service delivery. Methods The study followed Arksey and O’Malley's scoping review framework. The search was conducted utilizing a total of eight databases and relevant references, retrieving articles for peer-reviewed studies published between 1998 and 2022. Inclusion criteria focused on empirical evaluations of ATs for employment-related purposes among autistic individuals aged 16 or older. Data were extracted and synthesized based on predefined categories. Results Thirty studies were identified, primarily targeting pre-employment skill training using ATs such as video modeling, virtual reality, and covert audio coaching. Few studies addressed on-the-job performance or retention. Most ATs were applied passively with limited user training or engagement. Researchers from fields like special education and psychology dominated the studies, with minimal involvement from rehabilitation counseling professionals. Conclusions While ATs show promise in pre-employment settings, their use for post-hiring support remains underexplored. Future research should prioritize active learning, rigorous methodologies, and interdisciplinary collaboration, especially with rehabilitation counselors, to enhance AT applicability. Addressing training, affordability, and user satisfaction is essential for long-term success.
Background: A myriad of physical, psychosocial and environmental sequelae are associated with limb loss. However, there is a paucity of empirical South African data, which focusses on these sequelae, how they interface with the amputee’s quality of life as well as the challenges they experience following amputation.
Objectives: This study sought to explore the biopsychosocial effects of amputation and how it affected the quality of life of transtibial amputees.
Method: A qualitative approach guided this study. Data were collected using one-on-one interviews with 14 unilateral transtibial amputees. Data were analysed thematically.
Results: Five broad themes emerged from the inquiry, which captured amputees’ experiences of phantom limb pain, body image disturbances and their challenges related to adapting to daily activities. Participants also expressed the salience of familial support as well as the importance of psychological interventions to cope.
Conclusion: The findings suggested that support networks and professional psychological intervention are imperative in facilitating successful adjustment to the amputation experience. Raising awareness of limb loss, in both rural and urban settings, may help reduce the stigma attached to it.
Contribution: Quality of life comprises several domains, namely physical, psychological, environmental and social. However, limited local and international data exists regarding the environmental and social effects. This study brought to the fore the positive and negative effects of amputation in each domain, as well as various strategies, which facilitate successful adjustment to amputation.
Vocational rehabilitation. Employment of people with disabilities, Communities. Classes. Races
Qazi Mohammad Sajid Jamal, Ali H. Alharbi, Varish Ahmad
et al.
Autism is a complex developmental condition caused by variations in brain function. Individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) frequently exhibit difficulties in behavior, communication, social interactions, and learning. Although the exact cause of ASD is unknown, research suggests that a combination of genetic, non-genetic, and environmental factors may contribute to its onset. This study investigates the therapeutic potential of bioactive compounds derived from Withania somnifera ( W. somnifera ), focusing on the genetic aspect of ASD via modulation of the sodium-dependent serotonin transporter gene ( SLC6A4 ). Structure-based virtual screening was performed on W. somnifera -derived compounds using AutoDock Vina, absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity (ADMET), and validation through 200 ns molecular dynamics simulations (MDS). Also, MDS confirmed the stability of the compounds interacting with SLC6A4 , followed by molecular mechanics Poisson–Boltzmann surface area (MMPBSA)-based free energy calculations. Three candidates, compound ID (CID) 5280343, CID 9798666, and CID 99148, showed higher binding affinities (−9.7, −9.6, and −9.5 kcal/mol) than the control drug paroxetine (−9.3 kcal/mol). All three compounds satisfied ADMET criteria and showed stable interactions throughout the simulations, yielding favorable MMPBSA outcomes. These analyses point to CID 5280343, CID 9798666, and CID 99148 as potential candidates for developing ASD therapies. Additional experimental studies are required to investigate and validate their therapeutic potential.
Vocational rehabilitation. Employment of people with disabilities
Tafadzwanashe James Magavude, Lakidzani Polite N Moyo, Edwin Ndhlovu
et al.
Abstract:
Background: This study explored the factors affecting the participation of persons with disabilities in the labour market in Zimbabwe. Persons with disabilities continue to face stigma and discrimination in their participation in labour market despite the availability of robust social policy and programs in Zimbabwe. The study therefore aims to establish pathways towards promoting their inclusion in labour market.
Objective: The main objective of the study was to identify the socio-economic factors hindering the participation of persons with disabilities in the labour market and to establish strategies to ensure increased participation of persons with disabilities in the labour market.
Methodology: A qualitative research approach was employed, utilizing a phenomenological research design to capture the lived experiences of persons with disabilities. Purposive sampling, was used to select a total of 13 participants with varying disabilities, as well as 3 key informants. The study conducted semi structured interviews of approximately 45-60 minutes each with 15 open-ended questions and focus group discussions with 8-10 participants gathering insights from persons with disabilities. Additionally, key informant interviews were conducted with individuals possessing specialized knowledge on the area of study.
Results: from the study were analyzed using a thematic data analysis. The researcher obtained consent from participants before their involvement in the study. All participants were assured of full confidentiality, with the understanding that no information would be revealed without their consent. The study found that attitudinal and physical barriers are major factors affecting the participation of persons with disabilities in the labour market. Additionally, resource constraints were found to limit the capacity of communities and employers from accommodating persons with disabilities in the workplace. The study further established that measures to improve participation include vocational training and the establishment of a quota system.
Conclusion: The study recommended among other efforts, the continuous improvement of existing disability-friendly policies and the repeated raising of awareness on the need to include persons with disabilities in the labour market through effective implementation of reasonable accommodations among other efforts.
Keywords: Disability, Labour Market, Persons with disabilities and Zimbabwe.
Vocational rehabilitation. Employment of people with disabilities, Therapeutics. Psychotherapy
The consumption of subtitles via TVs, laptops and smartphones has the potential to marginalize people based on their complex accessibility needs. The current one-size-fits-all approach to this accessibility aid is no longer fit for purpose and work is required to look at how it can be adapted to be personalised for individual users based on individual context, content, and consumption habits. People with Aphasia, for example, encounter significant challenges in understanding subtitle texts. We see our work as a call to action for more inclusive practices, focusing on how the thoughts and opinions of people with aphasia can be included in media research. Our work investigates how to develop future media solutions for people with aphasia to create a more inclusive media viewing environment. We believe the key to this is appropriate prototyping tools and methods to allow equitable inclusion in the system design process.
This study presents a real-time, portable brain-computer interface (BCI) system designed to support hand rehabilitation for stroke patients. The system combines a low cost 3D-printed robotic exoskeleton with an embedded controller that converts brain signals into physical hand movements. EEG signals are recorded using a 14-channel Emotiv EPOC+ headset and processed through a supervised convolutional autoencoder (CAE) to extract meaningful latent features from single-trial data. The model is trained on publicly available EEG data from healthy individuals (WAY-EEG-GAL dataset), with electrode mapping adapted to match the Emotiv headset layout. Among several tested classifiers, Ada Boost achieved the highest accuracy (89.3%) and F1-score (0.89) in offline evaluations. The system was also tested in real time on five healthy subjects, achieving classification accuracies between 60% and 86%. The complete pipeline - EEG acquisition, signal processing, classification, and robotic control - is deployed on an NVIDIA Jetson Nano platform with a real-time graphical interface. These results demonstrate the system's potential as a low-cost, standalone solution for home-based neurorehabilitation.
Abstract Background Rising healthcare costs, limited resources, and fragmented systems challenge the sustainability of public health and social security. Persons with disabilities, especially those with acquired brain injury (ABI), face compounded risks due to service disconnection. In Switzerland, despite comprehensive social security schemes, fragmented service delivery, regional disparities, and rigid deadlines hamper effective coordination-especially within disability insurance, which seeks to support work capacity and prevent long-term disability. Objectives This study aimed to (1) examine current service provision dynamics and interactions across sectors for persons with ABI, and (2) define key components of an optimal, lifelong service pathway supporting sustainable employment. Methods Using an Integrated Knowledge Translation approach, we partnered with knowledge users across healthcare, insurance, and policy to identify barriers and co-create solutions. We conducted a three-phase process-reviewing existing data, mapping the current ("As-Is") system, and envisioning an ideal pathway-drawing from prior research and new surveys with neurorehabilitation centers and disability insurance offices. Results The current service landscape for ABI reveals critical gaps grouped into four domains: information, communication, coordination, and financing. Individuals and families often lack clarity about care steps and entitlements. Fragmented systems and minimal case management obstruct vocational reintegration. Financial insecurity, delayed support, and brief rehabilitation further undermine outcomes. Stakeholders underscored the need for lifelong case management and ABI-specific care guidelines. Conclusions Coordinated service pathways enhance care by revealing structural barriers and guiding targeted action. Engaging diverse stakeholders in co-design strengthens policy relevance and implementation, helping bridge critical gaps in lifelong support for people with ABI. Key messages • Identifying key service gaps helps improve lifelong support for people with ABI and strengthens their chances of sustainable employment. • Co-designed pathways with stakeholders enhance coordination and drive practical policy change for ABI care in Switzerland.
Background: Rare diseases are defined as clinical conditions that affect only a small number of persons in a population, considered fewer than 1 per 2000 in the European Union or fewer than 1 per 1600 in the United States They are serious, often chronic and progressive conditions, characterized by a pronounced clinical polymorphism that crosses all medical specialties. Multiple areas of life beyond just physical health are affected with significant impact on patients, families, and healthcare systems. Objective: To analyze the socio-demographic, medical, and vocational characteristics that correlate with functional status and work disability as a measure of quality of life in rare diseases. Methods: An observational retrospective study of adults with rare diseases evaluated for eligibility for social insurance rights in the National Institute of Medical Assessment and Work Capacity Rehabilitation Bucharest (INEMRCM, the Romanian abbreviation) over a 5-year period was made. Descriptive analysis was used to present sample characteristics. Means and standard deviations (SD) were calculated to describe numerical variables, frequencies were used to describe categorical variables, and logistic regression analysis was conducted to evaluate potential predictors of work capacity. All statistical analyses were performed by PSPP.3 software. p < 0.05 was the cut-off for statistical significance with a 95% confidence interval. Results: 90 consecutive persons were included in the survey. The mean age of the group was 44.5 years ± SD 10.61 years, with a female/male ratio of 48/42 persons. The mean disease duration was 10.61 years ± SD 9.76 years. Men had more severe disease (73.81%); p = 0.018 and significantly younger retirement age, M/F = 39.10 ± 12.26/43.06 ± 9.32; p = 0.037. Less disabling diseases were predominant autoimmune conditions (85.71% of cases); genetic conditions had a more severe functional impact in 63.75% of cases; p = 0.037. People with multisystem diseases but with specific or targeted treatment can work more frequently (76.19%); those with visual impairment have more severe impairments (73.77%); p < 0.001. All individuals who received specific therapy had a better functional status, unlike only 37.21% of those who received symptomatic treatment or treatment for complications; p = 0.023. Logistic regression analysis indicated that the type of impairment and the availability of specific treatments could serve as predictors of a reduced likelihood of employment in rare disease cases. Education level and occupation were not correlated with functional impairment and work disability (NS). Conclusions: Several factors, including some that are modifiable, were associated with better outcomes, such as reduced disability and an increased potential for work participation. Sex, disease etiology, type of impairment, and treatment were all significantly linked to functional capacity. Among these, the type of impairment and the availability of specific treatments might be predictors of employment. Addressing these parameters requires a multidisciplinary team, involving specialized care and comprehensive support services to improve the overall quality of life of individuals affected by rare diseases.
Background People with disabilities are one the most discriminated groups in the United States, and this discrimination negatively impacts the ability to find and maintain employment. While more companies are making it a priority to include people with disabilities in their workforces in order to diversify talent pools, many organizations still lack knowledge regarding the benefits of disability-employment and effective strategies for disability inclusion in the workplace. Objective There is a need to provide an integrative review of the disability inclusion literature for vocational rehabilitation professionals to expand employer engagement efforts by helping companies adopt strategies to hire and support people with disabilities in the workplace. Method A review of disability employment and disability inclusion publications was conducted. Findings from the research were compiled into a discussion of lessons learned for vocational rehabilitation professionals. Results The article shares the lessons learned from conducting disability-employment research with attention to the following domains: (1) stigmatizing attitudes of employers, (2) disability employment legislation, (3) characteristics of companies that promote disability-employment, (4) disability inclusion policies and practices, and (5) implicit bias and disability inclusion training for human resource (HR) professionals. Conclusion Providing employers and HR professionals with trainings on these domains will increase awareness of bias toward people with disabilities in the workplace and develop increasingly effective disability inclusion policies and practices for their organization.
Krista L. Best, Shane N. Sweet, Jaimie F. Borisoff
et al.
Active living lifestyles for wheelchair users (ALLWheel) was developed to improve leisure time physical activity (LTPA). The purpose of this study was to assess the feasibility of the ALLWheel program. In a pilot pre-post design, 12 manual wheelchair users in three Canadian cities completed the ALLWheel program (containing 14 sessions over 10 weeks delivered by a peer using a smartphone). Feasibility indicators were collected for process, resources, management, and intervention—before, during, and after ALLWheel. Exploratory outcomes were collected for LTPA (primary outcome), motivation, self-efficacy, and satisfaction with autonomy support and goal attainment—at baseline, immediately following ALLWheel, and three months later. Feasibility was evaluated using a priori criteria for success (yes/no), and within-subjects comparisons were made to explore the change in exploratory outcomes. The participants were 48.9 ± 15.1 years of age and women (66.7%), and had spinal cord injury (41.7%) or multiple sclerosis (16.7%). Feasibility was achieved in 11 of 14 indicators, with suggestions to consider subjective reports of LTPA as the primary outcome in a future randomized controlled trial to overcome limitations with device-based measures and to use strategies to enhance recruitment. Mild-intensity LTPA and satisfaction with goal attainment improved after the completion of ALLWheel. With minor modifications, it is feasible that ALLWheel can be administered to wheelchair users by a peer using a smartphone.
Vocational rehabilitation. Employment of people with disabilities
Background: Patients undergoing heart surgery experienced postoperative pulmonary problems which can result in increased hospital stay. This literature analysis aims to ascertain whether breathing exercise training before surgery improves postoperative outcomes for patients having heart surgery.
Methodology: Cochrane Clinical Answers and Cochrane Database are all extensively searched. Studies that looked at adult patients censured for elective procedures are considered. Heart surgery patients participated in a preoperative breathing exercise program designed to enhance their breathing abilities, avoid pulmonary issues after surgery, and shorten their hospital stay.
Results: For heart surgery patients, a preoperative breathing intervention may assist shorten hospital stays. And with intervention preoperative breathing exercises can reduce this to 5 to 7 days, potentially shortening hospital stays by 2 to 3 days., minimize postoperative pulmonary problems without intervention postoperative pulmonary complications can affect 15-30% of patients, with reductions of 20-30% while with intervention the decline in FEV1 and FVC can be minimized to 10-15%, indicating better preservation of lung function following surgery.
Conclusions: Patients who received preoperative diaphragmatic breathing exercises considerably improved respiratory function and reduced length of hospital stay, which are more effective in (CABG) surgery.
Vocational rehabilitation. Employment of people with disabilities
Ishrath Ahamed, Chamith Dilshan Ranathunga, Dinuka Sandun Udayantha
et al.
Accurate people counting in smart buildings and intelligent transportation systems is crucial for energy management, safety protocols, and resource allocation. This is especially critical during emergencies, where precise occupant counts are vital for safe evacuation. Existing methods struggle with large crowds, often losing accuracy with even a few additional people. To address this limitation, this study proposes a novel approach combining a new object tracking algorithm, a novel counting algorithm, and a fine-tuned object detection model. This method achieves 97% accuracy in real-time people counting with a frame rate of 20-27 FPS on a low-power edge computer.
Students with disabilities (SWDs) often struggle with note-taking during lectures. Therefore, many higher education institutions have implemented peer note-taking programs (PNTPs), where peer note-takers (PNTs) assist SWDs in taking lecture notes. To better understand the experiences of SWDs and PNTs, we conducted semi-structured interviews with eight SWDs and eight PNTs. We found that the interaction between SWDs and PNTs was predominantly unidirectional, highlighting specific needs and challenges. In response, we developed EmoBridge, a collaborative note-taking platform that facilitates real-time collaboration and communication between PNT-SWD pairs using emojis. We evaluated EmoBridge through an in-the-wild study with seven PNT-SWD pairs. The results showed improved class participation for SWDs and a reduced sense of sole responsibility for PNTs. Based on these insights, we discuss design implications for collaborative note-taking systems aimed at enhancing PNTPs and fostering more effective and inclusive educational experiences for SWDs.
What makes large language models (LLMs) impressive is also what makes them hard to evaluate: their diversity of uses. To evaluate these models, we must understand the purposes they will be used for. We consider a setting where these deployment decisions are made by people, and in particular, people's beliefs about where an LLM will perform well. We model such beliefs as the consequence of a human generalization function: having seen what an LLM gets right or wrong, people generalize to where else it might succeed. We collect a dataset of 19K examples of how humans make generalizations across 79 tasks from the MMLU and BIG-Bench benchmarks. We show that the human generalization function can be predicted using NLP methods: people have consistent structured ways to generalize. We then evaluate LLM alignment with the human generalization function. Our results show that -- especially for cases where the cost of mistakes is high -- more capable models (e.g. GPT-4) can do worse on the instances people choose to use them for, exactly because they are not aligned with the human generalization function.
This paper presents an interdisciplinary PhD project using a humanoid robot to encourage interactive activities for people with dementia living in two aged care facilities. The aim of the project was to develop software and use technologies to achieve successful robot-led engagement with older people with dementia. This paper outlines the qualitative findings from the project's feasibility stage. The researcher's observations, the participants' attitudes and the feedback from carers are presented and discussed.
Historically disability has not received the importance it deserves, it was not taken seriously; it was a mere a healthintervention challenge. The United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) was adoptedon December 13, 2006, and opened for signature on March 30, 2007. Bangladesh signed the CRPD promptly in 2007.The 2011 national census found the disability rate 1.41 percent. As per the NSDP, among the children with disabilities,40.55% are attending primary education and 24.36% secondary education. Among persons with disabilities, age 15to 65 years, 27.21% have employment; 40.39% are males and 7.30 % are females; 61.65% persons with disabilitiesreceive general healthcare. There are five preconditions as foundational elements to address the rights of persons withdisabilities. They are i. equality and non-discrimination, ii. need to showing respect to the persons with disabilities, iii.the people with disabilities should be able to enjoy the same services and facilities as people without disabilities, interms of education, vocational training, clean water, sanitation, housing and health care iv. allocating necessary budgetfor PWDs and proper financial management and v. accountability and governance. In Bangladesh, the Community-Based Rehabilitation strategy is used by the government, non-governmental, and private organizations. Women andgirls and children with disabilities face a number of challenges in pursuing their education. An empowerment approachis needed in this respect and thus it is likely to contribute to eliminating stigma and discrimination against women andgirls with disabilities.
Individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have the ability and desire to work, but there are still several obstructions. Research overwhelmingly demonstrates disappointing employment outcomes for this group. The vast majority is unemployed and for those who do have gainful employment, underemployment is common. The increased prevalence of ASD coupled with unique social, communication, and behavioral characteristics translate into the need for services to help them achieve employment success. Consideration of individual characteristics including strengths, needs, as well as specific interests, coupled with implementation of proper supports can result in successful and ongoing employment. This paper provides a review of evidence based research related to employment for individuals with ASD. Specific areas addressed include benefits of employment, state of employment, obstacles to employment, current service options, and an in depth review of supports needed for success. These supports focus not only on job tasks, but also the interpersonal skills needed to foster a positive work experience.
Roslyn W. Livingstone, Angela J. Chin, Ginny S. Paleg
Mobility experience has a positive impact on activity, participation, socialisation, language and cognition, but children with cerebral palsy (CP), Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) level V require assistive devices or assistance in all environments. Supported standing devices afford upright, weight-bearing positions to promote muscle, bone, joint and overall health. Supported stepping devices afford stepping and upright independent mobility, positively impacting self-esteem and participation, while power mobility is the only possibility for effective, independent community mobility. These devices and opportunities should be introduced at the age when children who are typically developing are pulling to stand, moving and exploring their environment. A detailed case description including lived experience and device use data is presented for female twins with dystonic tetraplegic CP born at 25 weeks gestational age and functioning at GMFCS level V. The feasibility of using power mobility, standing and stepping devices in home and community settings within the first two years is illustrated. The twins transitioned from spending 24 h in lying positions or being held in arms to spending more than 2 h daily in upright positions and having opportunities to move independently. Positioning and mobility devices can help to address all the F-words for child development: functioning, family, fitness, fun, friends and future.
Vocational rehabilitation. Employment of people with disabilities