Assistive technologies in the South Moravian Region

In the South Moravian Region, the number of older people and people with disabilities is rising, as is the number of carers. Many have specific needs that prevent them from being fully independent and self-sufficient, making it difficult to remain in their own homes. Moreover, this trend is likely to intensify. By 2035, the number of older people will increase significantly, placing growing demands on the capacity and funding of social and healthcare services. 

Assistive technology can support and meet these needs. It helps people remain self-sufficient and independent in their daily lives for longer, improves their safety and quality of life, and reduces pressure on institutional care.

At JINAG, we have set ourselves the task of expanding assistive technologies to encompass the range of social and health services offered in the South Moravian Region, thereby making life easier for seniors and people with disabilities in their home environment and supporting services that promote independent living at home. Our goal is to make assistive technologies not only available in the South Moravian Region, but also to ensure that the public, caregivers, and professional organizations are aware of them, understand their possibilities, and can actively use them in their practice. Part of this effort also involves raising awareness of available social and health services and their connection to assistive technologies

We stay abreast of current trends, research, and development in the field of assistive technologies both in the Czech Republic and abroad. Drawing inspiration from successful practices, we aim to bring examples of excellence to the South Moravian Region. Through our participation in international consortia, we can introduce innovations to the region. Our efforts in raising awareness also involve informing about available technologies and ensuring their accessibility. 

Overall, the project brings a significant improvement in the quality of life for the citizens of the South Moravian Region, especially for vulnerable groups, and supports the development of services and modern technologies that respond to the current demographic challenges and needs of the region.

Accessible assistive technologies and guidance on what's available will improve the quality of life for people with disabilities and seniors. People will have better access to tools that will help them maintain their self-sufficiency and independence, which can greatly improve their daily lives and reduce their dependence on the care of others.

The project provides valuable resources and information for informal caregivers (family members and other loved ones), which can make it easier for them to care for their loved ones.

Pilot testing of assistive technologies in various social and health services can lead to more efficient provision of these services and better care for clients, and can provide invaluable first-hand experience with the selection and implementation of suitable smart solutions and local know-how. 

Educational activities and subsequent information campaigns focused on assistive technologies raise awareness of these technologies among both professionals and the general public. This can lead to the wider adoption of these technologies and a deeper understanding of their benefits.

Citizens in the South Moravian Region will gain an overview of assistive technologies, learn about their applications, understand how they can benefit those in need, and locate these technologies. The use of modern technologies will be a common part of the social and health care services provided.

• We run the DOMA JE DOMA information platform. This digital portal helps users, families, carers and professionals navigate the world of assistive technologies, linking technology, practice and education. It is gradually expanding to include new target groups (people with dementia, sensory impairments and autism spectrum disorders) as well as new features (an interactive map of smart communities and services, and an AI assistant for searching for and comparing technologies).

•  We support the training of both future and current care workers – we have contributed content to the ‘Services for Older People’ module at the Faculty of Social Studies, Masaryk University, and are developing a comprehensive training module on assistive technologies for social and health services, secondary schools and universities, as well as for older people themselves.

• We help local authorities and services implement technology – JINAG employs a technology consultant who provides impartial expert advice on selecting, testing, and implementing assistive technologies in social and health care services, as well as in council flats.

• We organize awareness-raising activities – the ‘Home is Home: On the Road’ roadshow, an exhibition and display of an assistive technology room, and a traveling exhibition of themed banners, which we bring to regions across the South Moravian Region, complemented by a media campaign and collaboration with influencers.

• We are working with the South Moravian Region on systemic support – we helped establish a grant scheme to support the construction of buildings with special-purpose flats, under which assistive technologies are recognized as eligible costs, and we are advocating for their inclusion in the region’s strategic documents.

• We are mapping the state of digitalization – in collaboration with the Faculty of Social Studies at Masaryk University, we are identifying which assistive technologies are actually being used in the region’s municipalities and services, and where the greatest barriers and opportunities for their development lie.