POSEiDON

The goal of the EU project “POSEiDON“ is the societal integration of persons with Down syndrome and the promotion of their self-sufficiency in meeting everyday challenges.

“POSEiDON“ makes use of existing technological developments, adapting these to the target group with respect to both content and operability. The project takes as its point of departure everyday situations that persons with Down syndrome have to manage, and takes into consideration the kinds of technical assistance that are sensible and useful in these situations.

The envisaged technical infrastructure offers assistance in, among other things, communication, establishing and maintaining social contacts, and temporal and spatial orientation. Practically, this includes the provision of schedules for public transportation, easy access to social networks, clearly designed functions for contact with persons important to the user, or an electronic calendar for daily planning and tasks.

To achieve the greatest possible accord between the individual’s needs and competencies on the one hand and the assistive technology on the other, all functions are to be flexibly adapted to the user in their selection and in their mode of presentation.

“POSEiDON“ employs a technical solution consisting of easily operable mobile devices and new types of interactive technologies for use in the domestic environment. Modern sensor technologies allow intuitive and safe interaction and can be inconspicuously integrated in the user’s living space.

Along with persons with Down syndrome, other reference persons (e. g., relatives, social workers, social care workers, teachers, employers) and experts on the matter are to be involved in the development process as well.