Enhancing Accessibility at Home: The ARHAT App
As technology continues to evolve, augmented reality (AR) has found applications beyond entertainment, including innovative solutions for enhancing home accessibility for aging individuals. The Augmented Reality Home Assessment Tool (ARHAT), developed by university researchers, aims to assist homeowners in making their spaces more accommodating for prolonged residency.
Assessing Home Accessibility
The ARHAT app provides a comprehensive assessment of a residence, focusing on how to improve accessibility for those who may face age-related challenges. Funded by the Tommy G. Thompson Center on Public Leadership and the UW-Madison Graduate School, this tool is part of the larger “Home Is Where We Age” initiative.
Step-by-Step Evaluation Process
Users begin the assessment by selecting from a range of 14 limitations, which include:
- Visual impairment
- Mobility challenges
- Balance issues
Following this, users choose specific areas of their home to evaluate, such as:
- The entryway
- The kitchen
- The bathroom
The app guides users with customized follow-up questions and requests for measurements, allowing them to add notes and photos throughout the process.
Technology Behind ARHAT
Utilizing the Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) technology available on most modern smartphones, ARHAT measures different elements of a home to visualize recommended improvements. By integrating visual overlays within the smartphone’s camera view, the app can identify existing accessibility barriers in real-time.
Detailed Reporting and Recommendations
After completing the assessment, ARHAT produces a detailed report highlighting barriers and compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The report also offers targeted recommendations for modifications that would enhance accessibility within the home.
Efficiency and Accuracy Advantages
Research indicates that the ARHAT app is both faster and more precise than conventional manual measuring methods. “The fact that you can use your phone and do all of those measurements digitally versus manually will be such a time saver,” stated Beth Fields, an occupational therapist and associate professor in the kinesiology department at UW-Madison. This efficiency not only benefits homeowners but also provides cost-saving advantages to healthcare systems and agencies.
Conclusion
With the potential to significantly enhance living conditions for aging individuals, the ARHAT app stands as a pivotal tool in modern accessibility solutions. By combining advanced technology with user-focused design, it empowers homeowners to create environments that support aging in place.
