In 2022, a master’s research* was conducted to explore the necessity of developing remote services for people with disabilities. The research is part of Centria University of Applied Science’s RoboSote project.
Hublet and Wellbeing Services County of Central Ostrobothnia, Soite, are partners in this research project. The link to the research is provided at the end of this success story.
The Hublet Solution was piloted for two months in the disability care centre Kompassi and housing service Mäntyvintti, both of which belong to Soite. Five customers and eleven employees participated in the pilot and research.
Remote service facilitates communication despite obstacles and increases the feeling of togetherness
Live broadcasts were used to connect customers between two units when the customer had obstacles to participating face-to-face in the care centre’s activities. With the help of the Hublet Solution, the customer felt that it belonged equally to the crowd.
"Hublet has given us freedom, especially with the inclusion of SIM cards. We can take Hublet with us outside, whether for nature walks or photography trips. With Hublet, we can ensure that clients who can't physically accompany us experience the same sensations, for instance, through live streams," explains Mika Lehtimäki, Instructor at Mäntyvintti.
The live broadcasts between Kompassi Centre and Mäntyvintti increased customer satisfaction.
One customer, Heikki, felt that the live connections brought too many memories to his mind. He liked it. Another customer, Pirkko, shares the same feeling: “... too many memories come to mind.”
Easy-to-use tablet solution that enhances customers’ experience
The Hublet Tablet made it easier for the customers to wait for the employees in the Kompassi centre. Customers felt that tablet provides learning experiences, more independence, and more meaningful free time. The positive effects customers got from the tablet were relaxing, calming down, and learning.
The customer also received sensory experiences. For example, watching a nature video calmed the customer, or some wanted more exercise information. Playing food games on Hublet also increased customers' general knowledge about healthy eating. One customer, Kari, said, “Yoga…music… calms my mind.”
“Customers generally found using tablets easy. According to several customers, the tablet was also safe to use. All customers would also recommend the Hublet Tablets for disabled people. They enable them to gain more knowledge and skills that they haven’t had a chance to learn independently, especially for those who have never used digital devices before.”
“Surely even someone who doesn’t know how to use a smartphone will learn right away”, says Anja, one of the customers.
Depending on each customer’s ability, some may need occasional or regular access to the Hublet Tablet’s usage guidance and support. According to the employees, personalising the tablet's content to the customer’s interests was easy.
“So, those who haven’t used any kind of technology can now learn those skills and use Hublet even independently. Because of that, I’m very satisfied that we got to be part of this pilot. Plus, it gives us workers more peace and a chance to work with other clients that can’t use Hublet,” said Lehtimäki.
Tablet service brings benefits to the disability care units’ operation and increases the well-being of disabled individuals
The study concluded that the tablet service benefits the units' operation. It is helpful for adult clients with intellectual disabilities and the units’ employees.
The customers had something profound to do in their free time. They used programs on Hublet Tablets that increased their knowledge and skills. Some helped them calm down and reduce their fears. Using digital content on tablets increased the customers' ability to concentrate and overall satisfaction, which increased their well-being.
The employees’ jobs at these two units also became easier and added versatility to their working days. Using a tablet made the time the customer and the employee spend together more meaningful.
“When there are different kinds of clients, sometimes conflicts exist. We’ve had to try to calm down these situations through discussion. But now there has been less need for that kind of conversation because Hublet has calmed down the situation,” concluded Lehtimäki.
From the employees' perspective, the Hublet Solution was a tool that simplified and facilitated their working day.
More opportunities by improving the service
While tablet solutions for disability care centres offer many benefits, there is room to improve them. The research suggested that increasing the use of images to explain the tablet's navigation will be more helpful for people who cannot read. Besides the live stream service, a ready-made live program would be beneficial and help employees work with many customers simultaneously.
*This thesis report was conducted by Minna Kauppinen, a Master’s student in Specialist in Digital services promoting well-being at Oulu University of Applied Sciences.
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