EQUI-Tech

Given the increasing prevalence of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and mild dementia among the aging workforce and the societal challenge of unemployment faced by individuals diagnosed with these conditions, this research aims to identify ways to support employees with MCI and mild dementia in the workforce using existing assistive technologies. 

Acknowledging that current workplace accommodations often fall short, this work investigates the specific assistive technologies already used by individuals with MCI and mild dementia in their workplaces. Additionally, this work seeks to deploy personalized assistive technology toolkits, incorporating off-the-shelf technologies designed for other disability populations with similar needs, to address workplace accommodation requirements and inform the design of future assistive systems for this demographic.

The long-term goal of this research is to have a positive impact on the well-being of individuals living with MCI and mild dementia who are working by implementing workplace assistive technologies that may alleviate financial strain, combat social isolation, and maintain work identity.